UETTDRDP15A
Inspect, maintain and restore energised low voltage overhead distribution network infrastructure

1)Scope:1.1) DescriptorThis Competency Standard Unit covers the inspection of overhead structures such as poles and/or other structures other than towers and the maintenance of overhead energised low voltage conductors and cables. It includes the conducting of low voltage switching operations involving the operation of circuit breaking and isolation devices from a given switching schedule and in accordance with enterprise procedures. It covers low voltage distribution systems in field situations but also includes paralleling in accordance with the switching schedule. It also includes inspection of electrical apparatus such as, overhead conductors and or cables, underground and overhead transition points, electrical equipment, such as pole-mounted transformers, switchgear, hardware and or earthing systems. It encompasses the completion of inspection reports and other relevant documentation in accordance with requirements.

Application

2)

This Competency Standard Unit is intended to augment formally acquired competencies. It is suitable for employment-based programs under an approved contract of training.


Prerequisites

Prerequisite Unit(s)

4)

Competencies

4.1)

Granting of competency in this unit shall be made only after competency in the following unit(s) has/have been confirmed.

Where pre-requisite pathways have been identified. All competencies in the Common Unit Group must be have been completed plus all the competencies in one (1) of the identified Pathway Unit Group(s):

Common Unit Group

Unit Code

Unit Title

UEENEEE101A

Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

UEENEEE102A

Fabricate, assemble and dismantle utilities industry components

UEENEEE104A

Solve problems in d.c. Circuits

UEENEEE105A

Fix and secure electrotechnology equipment

UEENEEE107A

Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications

UEENEEE137A

Document and apply measures to control OHS risks associated with electrotechnology work

UEENEEG006A

Solve problems in single and three phase low voltage machines

UEENEEG033A

Solve problems in single and three phase electrical apparatus and circuits

UEENEEG063A

Arrange circuits, control and protection for general electrical installations

UEENEEG101A

Solve problems in electromagnetic devices and related circuits

UEENEEG102A

Solve problems in electromagnetic devices and related circuits

UEENEEG103A

Install low voltage wiring and accessories

UEENEEG104A

Install appliances, switchgear and associated accessories for low voltage electrical installations

UEENEEG105A

Verify compliance and functionality of low voltage general electrical installations

UEENEEG106A

Terminate cables, cords and accessories for low voltage circuits

UEENEEG107A

Select wiring systems and cables for low voltage general electrical installations

UEENEEG108A

Trouble-shoot and repair faults in low voltage electrical apparatus and circuits

UEENEEG109A

Develop and connect electrical control circuits

UEENEEK142A

Apply environmentally and sustainable energy procedures in the energy sector

UETTDREL16A

Working safely near live electrical apparatus

UETTDRIS46A

Install and maintain ESI network infrastructure electrical equipment

UETTDRIS62A

Implement and monitor the power system organisational OHS policies, procedures and programs

UETTDRIS63A

Implement and monitor the power system environmental and sustainable energy management policies and procedures

UETTDRIS67A

Solve problems in energy supply network equipment

Literacy and numeracy skills

4.2)

Participants are best equipped to achieve this unit if they have reading, writing and numeracy skills indicated by the following scales. Description of each scale is given in Volume 2, Part 3 “Literacy and Numeracy”

Reading

4

Writing

4

Numeracy

4


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Prepare for the inspection, maintenance and restoration of overhead distribution network infrastructure

1.1

Works schedule(s), including drawings, plans, requirements, established procedures, and material lists, are received, analysed and confirmed, if necessary, by site inspection.

1.2

Relevant requirements and established procedures for the work are communicated to all personnel and identified for all work sites.

1.3

OHS policies and procedures related to requirements and established procedures for the, inspection of overhead structures and electrical apparatus used on poles and/or structures, the maintenance of overhead energised LV conductors and cables and LV switching, are obtained and confirmed for the purposes of the work to be performed and communicated.

1.4

Physical loads and calculations are confirmed according to requirements, using essential knowledge and appropriate skill.

1.5

Work is prioritised and sequenced following consultation with others for completion within acceptable timeframes and in accordance with established procedures.

1.6

Hazards are identified, OHS risks assessed and control measures are prioritised, implemented and monitored including emergency exits kept clear according to established procedures.

1.7

Relevant work permits are obtained to access and perform work according to requirements and/or established procedures.

1.8

Resources including personnel, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment required for the job are obtained and confirmed in working order.

1.9

Specialist equipment for live working is inspected and confined in working order as per requirements and established procedures.

1.10

Relevant personnel at worksite are confirmed current in First Aid, Pole Top Rescue and other related work procedures according to requirements.

1.11

Liaison and communication issues with other/authorised personnel, authorities, clients and land owners are resolved to carry out work where necessary.

1.12

Site is prepared according to the work schedule and to minimise risk and damage to property, commerce, and individuals in accordance with established procedures.

1.13

Personnel participating in the work, including plant operators and contractors, are fully briefed and respective responsibilities confirmed where applicable in accordance with established procedures.

1.14

Traffic management plan is identified and implemented.

2

Carry out inspection, maintenance and restoration of overhead distribution network infrastructure

2.1

OHS, sustainable energy and environmental principles and practices to reduce the incidents of accidents and minimise waste are monitored and followed in accordance with requirements and/or established procedures.

2.2

Lifting, climbing, working in confined spaces and aloft, and use of power tools/equipment, techniques and practices are safely followed and, currency according to requirements confirmed.

2.3

Essential knowledge and associated skills are applied in the safe maintenance and restoration of overhead distribution network infrastructure to ensure completion in an agreed timeframe and, to quality standards with a minimum of waste according to requirements.

2.4

Inspection of overhead structures and electrical apparatus used on poles and/or structures is carried out, in accordance with the work schedule and requirements/established procedures.

2.5

Maintenance, including repair and/or replacement of poles and/or structures is carried out, in accordance with the work schedule and requirements/established procedures.

2.6

Communications with Switching Control Officer are established and maintained throughout the isolation operation according to established procedures.

2.7

Electrical equipment and associated circuits line/network or work site to be switched including paralleling is isolated and proved de-energised using appropriate devices and earthed where required according to requirements and established procedures.

2.8

Hazard warnings and safety signs are recognised and hazards and assessed OHS risks are reported to the immediate authorised persons for directions according to established procedures.

2.9

Unplanned events during the inspection, maintenance or switching procedures are undertaken within the scope of established procedures.

2.10

Known solutions to a variety of problems are applied using acquired essential knowledge and associated skills.

2.11

Ongoing checks of quality of the work are undertaken in accordance with instructions and established procedures.

3

Complete the inspection, maintenance and restoration of overhead distribution network infrastructure

3.1

Work undertaken is checked against works schedule for conformance with requirements and anomalies reported in accordance with established procedures.

3.2

Accidents and/or injuries are reported in accordance with requirements/established procedures, where applicable.

3.3

Work site is rehabilitated, cleaned up and made safe in accordance with established procedures.

3.4

Tools, equipment and any surplus resources and materials are, where appropriate, cleaned, checked and returned to storage or disposed of in accordance with established procedures.

3.5

Relevant work permit(s) are signed off and, overhead structures and electrical apparatus used on poles and/or structures are returned to service in accordance with requirements.

3.6

Works completion records, reports, as installed /modified drawing and/or documentation and information are finalised and processed and appropriate personnel notified.

Required Skills

8) Essential Knowledge and Associated Skills (EKAS): This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of inspecting, maintenance and restoration of overhead distribution network infrastructure.

All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies.

KS01-TDP15A Network infrastructure LV overhead distribution

Evidence shall show an understanding of the network infrastructure inspection, maintenance and restoration of energised low voltage overhead distribution to an extent indicated by the following aspects:

T1 Powerline safety practices encompassing:

Protective apparatus and apparel for linework - responsibilities for the selection, use, maintenance and storage of protective apparatus and apparel and the types of protective apparatus and apparel used for the line worker

Requirements for the use of ladders - carrying, erecting, collapsing and lowering different types of extension ladder against a standing pole, maintenance checks on different types of ladders, renewal of extension ropes and the safety issues relating to clearances from overhead conductors

Requirements for climbing and working aloft - methods used to identify a pole is safe to climb, methods used to inspect a line worker’s body belt, application of knots and hitches appropriate to the requirements of a line worker, height safety principles including personal fall protection, prevention and related requirements, and the practical procedure of climbing an overhead structure and fitting a pole chair

Traffic management - purpose of traffic management and a line worker’s responsibilities in accordance with relevant statutory requirements and electricity supply industry requirements, demonstration of the procedure used to provide an effective traffic management scheme and the use of a two-way radio

Control of small fires - identification, selection and operation of the appropriate extinguishing mediums for various types of fires, general fire prevention methods and the precautions for personal protection when fighting small fires

Rescue victims from heights and confined spaces - planning, identifying, the procedures, and establishing responses, developing techniques, involvement of external emergency services and practical demonstration/rehearsals of rescuing a person from heights and from confined spaces and emergency procedures for the rescue of an electric shock victim including CPR

Requirements for aerial linework - planning, establishing and implementing relevant aviation authority clearances, determining system requirements, aircrew familiarisation with network operations and equipment, requirements for effective communications operations for aerial work.

T2 Low voltage - energised low voltage equipment working practices for substations encompassing:

Standards, codes, Commonwealth, State/Territory/local government legislation, supply authority regulations and or enterprise requirements

Safety precautions specific to working on or near energised low voltage conductors - safe working practices and procedures, identification of hazards, assessment and control of OHS risks, types, selection, maintenance and use of personal protective equipment.

Work on or near energised LV conductors - types and function of specialised tools, safe working practices when using specialised tools, methods of using specialised tools, safe procedures for work on panels and in cubicles on or near energised LV conductors, release and rescue procedures for work on or near exposed energised LV conductors.

T3 Poles and structures inspection principles encompassing:

Standards, codes, legislation, supply authority regulations and or enterprise requirements

Characteristics of wood used for structures within the electrical distribution system - relationship between timber and water, faults that occur that influence the integrity of the structure, affects of fungal activity, affects of termite and borer activity, affects of dry rot.

Chemical treatment principles - types of chemical used to treat timber, regulations and procedures in handling and transporting chemicals safely, application procedures of chemicals to wood

Deterioration prevention techniques - relationship between steel, concrete and wood, inspection procedures for deterioration, deterioration prevention procedures in steel, concrete and wood, procedures for the repair of deterioration in steel, concrete and wood

T4 Powerline inspection principles encompassing:

Standards, codes, legislation, supply authority regulations and or enterprise requirements

Ground line inspection procedures of electrical distribution structures - requirements for pole inspection on electrical distribution structures, use of specific equipment and testing devices during testing/inspection, methods of recording data

Overhead line inspection procedures of electrical distribution structures - methods and requirements for overhead line inspection on electrical distribution structures, clearances for overhead conductors, cables and structures, use of specific equipment and testing devices during testing/inspection, methods of recording data

Underground cable inspection procedures in the electrical distribution system - state industry policy and regulations, methods and requirements for line inspection on underground cable terminations

T5 Installation of switchgear and associated equipment encompassing:

Types and function of various switchgear - isolators, air-break switches, gas-filled switches, vacuum type, links, fuses, oil disconnectors, fuse switches, circuit breakers, operating characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of different types switchgear, installation procedures, earthing, requirements and techniques

Types of equipment - transformers, reactors, regulators, capacitors, relays, surge arrestors, fault indicators and mobile generators

Installation procedures for switchgear and equipment - standards, codes, legislation, supply authority regulations and or enterprise requirements, assembly and erecting procedures, earthing requirements and techniques, pole mounted locations

Maintenance procedures for switchgear and equipment - diagnosing and rectifying faults according to electricity supply industry standards and procedures,

Testing and commissioning - electricity supply industry standards and procedures

T6 Low voltage switching principles encompassing:

Standards, codes, legislation, supply authority regulations and or enterprise requirements applicable to switching of low voltage to a given schedule

Requirements for the use of manuals, system diagrams/plans and drawings - types, characteristics and capabilities of electrical apparatus, use, characteristics and capabilities of specialised tools and testing equipment, LV network interconnectors source of possible backfeed

Low voltage switching techniques - identifying hazards, assessing and controlling risks associated with LV switching operations, electrical access permit(s), operational procedures, earthing procedures

Personnel protective equipment (PPE) for LV switching

Evidence Required

9) This provides essential advice for assessment of the unit of competency and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria and the range statement of the unit of competency and the Training Package Assessment Guidelines.

The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this Competency Standard Unit and shall be used in conjunction with all component parts of this unit and, performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Overview of Assessment

9.1)

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment, such as Profiling, require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time. This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention. It is the Industry’s preferred model for apprenticeships. However, where summative (or final) assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or, at a minimum, the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment. It is recognised that, in some circumstances, assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace. However, it must be in accord with Industry and, Regulatory policy in this regard.

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors. These include the extent of the assessment, the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place, access to physical resources, additional safety measures that may be required and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed.

The critical safety nature of working with electricity, electrical equipment, gas or any other hazardous substance/material carries risk in deeming a person competent. Hence, sources of evidence need to be ‘rich’ in nature so as to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal every day work have a bearing on the decision as to how much and how detailed the data gathered will contribute to its ‘richness’. Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practiced. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

9.2)

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites shall be met.

Evidence for competence in this unit shall be considered holistically. Each element and associated performance criteria shall be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the “Assessment Guidelines – UET12”. Evidence shall also comprise:

A representative body of performance criteria demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment. In particular this shall incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to:

Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices including the use of risk control measures as specified in the performance criteria and range; and

Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range; and

Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit to such an extent that the learner’s performance outcome is reported in accordance with the preferred approach; namely a percentile graded result, where required by the regulated environment; and

Demonstrate an appropriate level of employability skills; and

Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation, regulations, policies and workplace procedures; and

Demonstrated performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below:

Range of tools/equipment/materials/procedures/workplaces/other variables

Group No

The minimum number of items on which skill is to be demonstrated

Item List

A

Inspect any three of the following overhead structures and electrical apparatus:

Poles and structures

Overhead conductors/cables

Underground/overhead transition points

Electrical equipment

Hardware

Earthing systems

B

With regards to "A" incorporate at least one of the following:

Ground

Vehicle

Helicopter

Fixed wing

C

With regards to "A" incorporate at least two of the following:

Visual*

Infra-red camera

X-ray

Camera

(*must Do)

D

Maintain at least two of the following overhead energised LV conductors and cables:

Copper

Aluminium

Aluminium steel

Steel

Pilot

E

With regards to "D" incorporate at least two of the following:

EWP

Ladder

Portable platform

F

With regards to "D" incorporate all of the following:

Insulating mats/sleeves

Temporary bridging device

Insulating gloves

Insulated cable tensioning devices

Ladder/pole shrouds

Equipotential bonding

G

With regards to "D" incorporate at least three of the following:

Voltage detector*

Clamp-on ammeter

Polarity tester

Insulation resistance tester

Phase sequence indicator

Recording meters

(*must do)

H

Perform LV switching to a given schedule and incorporate all of the following:

Approvals/clearances

Access authority/permits

I

With regards to "H" incorporate two of the following:

Voltage detectors

Polarities testers

Phase rotation indicators

J

With regards to "H" incorporate one of the following:

LV links

LV bridges

LV fuses

K

At least one occasion

Dealing with an unplanned event by drawing on essential knowledge and associated skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in the holistic assessment with the above listed items.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

9.3)

This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:

OHS policy and work procedures and instructions.

Suitable work environment, facilities, equipment and materials to undertake actual inspection, maintenance and restoration of energised LV overhead distribution network infrastructure.

In addition to the resources listed above, in Context of and specific resources for assessment, evidence should show demonstrated competency working below ground, in limited spaces, with different structural/construction types and method and in a variety of environments.

Method of assessment

9.4)

This Competency Standard Unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume 1, Part 3 “Assessment Guidelines”.

Note:

Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this Competency Standard Unit applies. This requires that the specified essential knowledge and associated skills are assessed in a structured environment which is primarily intended for learning/assessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and associated skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units

9.5)

There are no recommended concurrencies for this unit.


Range Statement

10) This relates to the unit of competency as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the performance criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

This Competency Standard Unit shall be demonstrated in relation to the inspection, maintenance and restoration of overhead distribution network infrastructure.

Inspection may be carried out on foot, and/or by conventional ground-based vehicle, or from the air. Aircraft may be helicopters or fixed-wing types.

Inspection techniques include use of X-ray and infrared camera.

Items to be inspected may include overhead poles and or structures, but not towers.

Types of electrical apparatus to be inspected include overhead conductors and cables, overhead transition points and, electrical equipment such as pole-mounted transformers and air-break switches, hardware, such as insulators, surge arrestors and cross-arms and or earthing systems.

The maintenance of overhead energised low voltage conductors and cables must take into account the potential hazards, the calculation of physical loads, including an understanding of the effects of traffic loads and de-rating of circuits.

Maintenance may include the removal, repair and replacement of cables, conductors and associated hardware.

Structures include poles, and columns.

Work methods require the use of insulating gloves and specialised live working equipment and tools.

Work may be performed from elevating work platform, ladder, portable pole platform, or the ground.

Testing and recording devices include voltage detectors, tong ammeters, polarity testers, recording meters and phase sequence indicators.

Specialised live working equipment includes insulating mats and sleeves, insulating gloves, temporary bridges/hoppers, insulated cable tensioning devices and ladder/pole shrouds and equipotential bonding.

Low voltage switching operation may involve the operation of circuit breaking and isolation devices from a given switching schedule as it relates to low voltage distribution systems in field situations but also includes paralleling with the switching schedule.

Operating circuit isolation devices associated with energy reticulation systems/networks is confined to low voltage systems in field situations which performed in accordance with a switching schedule and established procedures.

Switchgear may include Low Voltage fuses, Low Voltage links and bridges.

Specialist tools and devices may include Low Voltage detectors, Low Voltage polarity testers Low Voltage phase rotation indicators.

Switching programs/schedule refers to structure, switch or equipment number, locations, Low Voltage distributor, spur or feeder, outage times, work order/plan.

The following constants and variables included in the element/performance criteria in this unit are fully described in the Definitions Section 1 of this volume and form an integral part of the Range Statement of this unit:

Appropriate and relevant persons (see Personnel)

Appropriate authorities

Appropriate work platform

Assessing risk

Assessment

Authorisation

Diagnostic, testing and restoration

Documenting detail work events, record keeping and or storage of information

Drawings and specifications

Emergency

Environmental and sustainable energy procedures

Environmental legislation

Environmental management documentation

Established procedures

Fall prevention

Hazards

Identifying hazards

Inspect

Legislation

MSDS

Notification.

OHS practices

OHS issues

Permits and/or permits to work

Personnel

Quality assurance systems

Requirements

Work clearance systems


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

5)

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements.


Licensing Information

License to practice

3)

The skills and knowledge described in this unit requires a licence/registration to practice in the work place subject to regulations for undertaking of electrical work. Practice in workplace and during training is also subject to regulations directly related to Occupational Health and Safety, electricity/telecommunications/gas/water industry safety and compliance, industrial relations, environmental protection, anti discrimination and training. Commonwealth, State/Territory or Local Government legislation and regulations may exist that limits the age of operating certain equipment.