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 assessing vegetation and recommending control measures for work near live electrical apparatus

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

The extent of the essential knowledge and associated skills EKAS required is given in Volume Part EKAS It forms an integral part of this unit

E

Occupational Health and Safety principles

E

Electrical safe working practices

T

Powerline safety practices

T

Powerline clearances and approach distances

T

Assessment of vegetation principles

T

Enterprises specific policies and procedure instructions

T

Enterprises specific OHS instructions

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

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 Industrys 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 substancematerial 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

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 UET 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 learners 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 toolsequipmentmaterialsproceduresworkplacesother variables

Group No

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

Item List

A

Confirm operational knowledge associated with the assessment of vegetation and making recommendations prior to working near live electrical apparatus in all of the following

Principles of electricity the three phase power system

Power system

Recognition of aerial voltage systems

Identification of Low Voltage Aerial Circuits

Identification of High Voltage Aerial Circuits

Safe working zone so defined by relevant authorities

Use of technical standards acts regulations codes guidelines and establishedenterpriseasset owners procedures

System Control Information required and function

Vicinity Permit Information required and function

Sensitive Earth Fault SEF System

Confirm environmental principals and procedures

Safe approach distances for insulated cranes and plant

Safe approach distances for persons and hand held tools

B

Confirm safe practices associated with the assessment of vegetation and making recommendations prior to working near live electrical apparatus in all of the following

OHS safety practices and procedures

Electric shock and resuscitation

Release and rescue

Role of the Safety Observer

Events constituting an incident

Procedures in the event ofresponding to incidents

Methods of identifying hazards

Risk assessment procedures

Selection of the best position for monitoring and controlling work cutting

Selection of correct line of site to the cutter

Correct observation of the work from ground level

Constant analysis and decision making relevant to the safety of the work taking into account prevailing site conditions lay of the land and ongoing weather conditions

C

Confirm vegetation control associated with the assessment of vegetation and making recommendations prior to working near live electrical apparatus in all of the following

Identify tree types

Confirm vegetation species and types

Confirm vegetation cutting techniques for different vegetation

Confirm appropriate vegetation machinery and equipment to be used

Use of feeder route plans

Conduct calculations related to loading and slinging

D

Confirm the safe assessment of vegetation and making recommendations prior to working near live electrical apparatus in all of the following

Safe use of tools plant and equipment

Safe storage transportation and use of chemicals

Pre and post operational checks inspections and minor maintenance on tools and equipment

Safe deployment of machinery and equipment in varying conditions and weather

Safe use of appropriate personal protective equipment

Safe cuttingpruning and tree trimming methods

Correct advice on vegetation species types and characteristics

Correct advice on cutting plans relevant to the vegetation species and type

Analysis of vegetation control measures particularly of trees for defects

Safe assessments techniques of vegetation for defects and hazards

Correct recommendations for appropriate pruning andor cutting processes to be used near live electrical apparatus

Preparing assessment reports with appropriate recommendations for course of action

E

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

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 safely undertake an assessment of vegetation and make recommendations of control measures for work near live electrical apparatus

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 structuralconstruction types and method and in a variety of environments

Method of assessment

This Competency Standard Unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume Part Assessment Guidelines

NoteCompetent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Transmission Distribution and Rail Traction Industry This requires that the specified essential knowledge and associated skills are assessed in a structured environment which is primarily intended for learningassessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and associated skills described in this unit

Note:
Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Transmission, Distribution and Rail Traction Industry. 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

There are no concurrent assessment recommendations for this unit