RIICCM202A
Identify, locate and protect underground services

This unit covers the identification, location and protection of underground services in the civil construction industry. It includes planning and preparing, locating underground services, and cleaning up. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.

Application

This unit is appropriate for those working in an operational role at worksites within:

Civil construction


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan and prepare

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity

1.2. Obtain and confirm safety requirements from the site safety plan and organisational policies and procedures, and apply to the allotted task

1.3. Identify, obtain and implement signage requirements from the project traffic management plan

1.4. Select plant, tools and equipment to carry out tasks consistent with the requirements of the job, check for serviceability and rectify or report any faults

1.5. Identify environmental protection requirements from the project environmental management plan, and confirm and apply to the allotted task

1.6. Obtain and prepare information for search requirements prior to making contact with the service provider (dial before you dig)

1.7. Determine location, alignment direction, level and grade of services and/or utilities from the plans and location details

2. Locate underground services

2.1. Obtain details of services and utilities location from the site owners

2.2. Determine emergency numbers, contact details and procedures for types and owners of the services and/or utilities

2.3. Contact owners of the services and/or utilities to obtain plans and location details

2.4. Select appropriate plant/equipment, and search for services and/or utilities on which construction may impact

2.5. Use visual or physical means to search for services and/or utilities prior to commencing construction

2.6. Move, protect and support services/utilities from the construction process in conjunction with the service and/or utility owner

2.7. Report any damage to services/utilities during physical determination (potholing) that occurs during search to asset owner in accordance with asset owners' requirements

3. Clean up

3.1. Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials in accordance with project environmental management plan

3.2. Clean, check, maintain and store tools and equipment

Required Skills

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following, as required to identify, locate and protect underground services:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for identifying, locating and protecting underground services

organise work activities

select and use relevant tools and equipment safely

identify and report on hazards related to the worksite and work activity

communicate effectively to receive and clarify work instructions

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to identify, locate and protect underground services:

site and equipment safety requirements

service and utility providers

types of services and utilities

construction principles

equipment types, characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations

operational, maintenance and basic diagnostic procedures

site isolation and traffic control responsibilities and authorities

materials safety data sheet and materials handling methods

project quality requirements

civil construction terminology

JSAs/safe work method statement

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for identifying, locating and protecting underground services

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the identification, location and protection of underground services

working with others to undertake and complete the identification, location and protection of underground services in a way that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of the identification, location and protection of underground services that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes

consistent achievement of required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete the identification, location and protection of underground services

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant compliance documentation may include:

legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

project safety plan

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Safety requirements may include:

OHS requirements in accordance with state or territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures, and project safety plan including: protective clothing and equipment, use of tools and equipment, workplace environment and safety, handling of materials, use of fire fighting equipment, use of First Aid equipment, hazard control and hazardous materials and substances

safe operating procedures including recognising and preventing hazards associated with high voltage power lines, uneven/unstable terrain, trees, overhead service lines, bridges, surrounding buildings, obstructions, structures, facilities, dangerous materials, recently filled trenches, other machines, personnel, traffic control, working at heights, working in proximity to others, worksite visitors and the public

safe parking practices including ensuring access ways are clear, equipment/machinery is away from overhangs and refuelling sites, safe distance from excavations, and secured from unauthorised access or movement

recognising hazards and risks including uneven/unstable terrain, trees, fires, overhead and underground services, bridges, buildings, excavations, traffic, embankments, cuttings, structures and hazardous materials

emergency procedures related to equipment operation including emergency shutdown and stopping, extinguishing equipment fires, organisational First Aid requirements and evacuation

Site locations may include:

any site where a vertical or horizontal structure is intended for construction

Signage may include:

escort vehicle

highway traffic signs

site safety signage

temporary signage for the benefit of motorists and pedestrians

traffic conditions signage

Traffic conditions may include:

congested urban environments

low traffic rural areas

off-road un-trafficked areas

buildings

parking sites

pedestrian areas

Tools and equipment may include:

shovels

picks

tip trucks

excavators

backhoes

front end loaders

Environmental protection requirements may include:

organisational/project environmental management plan

waste management

water quality protection

noise

vibration

dust and clean-up management

Services and utilities may include:

water

power

gas

oil

communications

drains

stormwater

sewerage

Owners of services and utilities may include:

telecommunication companies

energy companies

government agencies

gas companies or authorities

water authorities

local governments


Sectors

Civil Works (Common Units)


Competency Field

Refer to Unit Sector(s).


Co-Requisites

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor.