This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to evaluate new and alternative technologies applicable to electrotechnology applications.

It includes working safely and comparing manufacturer's technical data for alternative or new technologies with specifications for a proposed project.

It also includes conducting evaluation tests, evaluating systems/components from technical data and/or measured parameters, and reporting findings for use in design work.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare to evaluate and report on alternative and new technologies

1.1

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures are obtained and implemented in accordance with workplace procedures

1.2

WHS/OHS risk control measures and procedures for work are followed

1.3

The extent of evaluation is determined from proposed project specifications and discussions with relevant person/s

1.4

Advice is sought from work supervisor to ensure work is coordinated effectively with others

1.5

Tools, testing devices and manufacturer technical data required for the work are obtained and checked for correct operation and safety in accordance with workplace procedures

2

Evaluate alternative and new technologies

2.1

WHS/OHS risk control measures and workplace procedures for carrying out the work are followed

2.2

Electrotechnology disciplines applicable to the alternative/new technology being considered are applied to the evaluation process

2.3

Manufacturer's technical data for alternative/new technologies is compared with proposed project specifications, budget and regulations

2.4

Evaluation tests for each component under scrutiny are conducted in accordance with WHS/OHS requirements and established test methods

2.5

New and alternative technologies are evaluated methodically and results/comments systematically noted

2.6

Unplanned situations are dealt with safely with the approval of authorised person/s

2.7

Evaluation is conducted without damage to systems, circuits, the surrounding environment and/or services using sustainable energy practices

3

Report on use of alternative and new technologies

3.1

WHS/OHS work completion risk control measures and procedures are followed

3.2

Worksite is cleaned and made safe in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3

Results of the evaluation, including recommendations and justifications for adoption/rejection of the alternative and new technologies, are documented for use in design work

3.4

Report is forwarded to appropriate person/s for endorsement in accordance with workplace procedures

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions on at least one occasion and include:

determining the extent of the evaluation

comparing manufacturer's technical data for alternative or new technologies with proposed project specifications, budget and regulations accurately

reporting evaluation, including recommendations and justifications for adoption or rejection of the alternative and new technologies evaluated

dealing with unplanned events

applying environmental and sustainable energy principles and practices

applying relevant legislation, industry standards, codes of practice and regulations

applying relevant work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, including:

applying safe working practices

implementing risk control measures

conducting evaluation tests

determining need to test or measure live work

evaluating performance benefits and limitations of new and developed technologies for given applications

making and documenting recommendations and justifications.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements, performance criteria and range of conditions and include knowledge of:

new and alternative technology sources, processes for their adoption, safe working practices and relevant standards, codes and regulations including:

sources of information on alternative or new technologies:

industry organisations

industry technical journals

government and private research papers/literature

manufacturers’ bulletins

comparison of technical data from different manufacturers

evaluating performance benefits and limitations of new and developed technologies for given applications, encompassing:

capital cost-benefits

operations efficiency

risk hazardous and issues related to environmental and health and safety

functionality

processes to facilitate adoption:

research; analyses; reporting; recommending; and utilising a range of techniques, processes and technologies

proposed project specifications, budget and regulations

relevant manufacturer specifications

relevant test methods

relevant tools, testing devices and manufacturer technical data

relevant WHS/OHS legislated requirements, including:

environmental and sustainable energy principles and practices

risk control measures

relevant workplace documentation

relevant workplace policies and procedures.

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulations

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) currently used in industry

applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, equipment specifications, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the UEE Electrotechnology Training Package Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Evaluating alternative and new technologies must include at least two different proposed projects in any of the following electrotechnology disciplines:

automated systems

computer systems

electrical

electronics

industrial electronics and control

refrigeration and air conditioning

renewable energy (RE)

Electrotechnology

Refrigeration and air-conditioning