Application
This unit describes skills required to determine and mark the location and identity of gas, water, electrical, telecommunications and other underground utility services using a range of specialised instruments and asset plans.
This unit applies to those working as field staff with a specific responsibility for identifying the presence and exact position of utility services prior to commencing work tasks involving excavation.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to WHS and manufacturer specifications.
Those undertaking this unit would work under indirect supervision, while performing routine tasks, in a familiar context, ensuring minimum damage to the environment.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Plan and prepare for locating services | 1.1 Determine work site boundaries and task requirements from plans, specifications and instructions. 1.2 Use available information sources for the location of underground services and consider the presence of undocumented services. 1.3 Select and check appropriate pipe and cable locating equipment. 1.4 Assess hazards associated with underground services and plan preventive measures. |
2. Operate pipe and cable locating equipment | 2.1 Mark work site boundaries and set up work site. 2.2 Operate pipe and cable locating equipment. 2.3 Interpret false signals or interference with pipe and cable locating equipment and make appropriate compensation. 2.4 Identify and remedy malfunctions of locating instruments. 2.5 Mark the approximate location of services on the surface of the work site. 2.6 Conduct test excavation to visually confirm service location. |
3. Maintain locating equipment | 3.1 Perform daily maintenance of equipment. 3.2 Record maintenance details in a logbook. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
using safety equipment and personal protective equipment
using tools and machinery including pipe and cable locating equipment
determining and marking the location and identity of gas, water, electrical, telecommunications and other underground utility services
identifying work site and task requirements
accessing appropriate sources of information for location of underground services
assessing the possible presence of undocumented services
selecting appropriate locating equipment
assessing site hazards and taking preventive action
marking out the worksite
operating utility locating device, including compensating for spurious signals
identifying and correcting equipment malfunction
marking and confirming location of utilities
maintaining equipment in good working order
completing relevant documentation
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
system hydraulics
system layout
environmental requirements
lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations
legal and social consequences of service disruption
relevant utilities and service bodies
communication systems
landscape and ground structure of work area
risk assessment and the identification of potential hazards
equipment operation, capacity and limitations
effects of weather and conditions on site or plant
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Networks