This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to undertake the local operation of Low Voltage (L.V.) switchgear.

An L.V. switchgear is a combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses or circuit breakers used to control, protect and isolate electrical equipment. Switchgears de-energise equipment to allow work to be undertaken and to clear faults downstream in electricity power systems.

Competency in this unit requires the ability to plan and prepare L.V. secondary switchgear, operating switchgear and validating, testing and reporting on L.V. switchgear integrity. Individuals will, in general, work under supervision, in a power generation facility as an operator.

Power generation plant operators are typically trained and authorised to isolate, prepare plant and issue permits to work.

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

Note: Workplace practice

The application of the skills and knowledge described in this unit may require a licence or training permit to practice in the workplace where work is carried out on gas and electrical installations. Additional conditions may apply under state and territory legislative and regulatory licensing requirements.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Prepare to operate Low Voltage(L.V.) switchgear

1.1

Work requirements are identified and confirmed with appropriate personnel, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.2

Safety precautions when operating Low Voltage (L.V.) switchgears are identified, in accordance with Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations, legislative requirements, industry standards, manufacturers’ specifications and workplace procedures

1.3

Location of L.V. switchgear is determined from relevant drawings, plans and maps, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4

Switchgear type and operating procedure is identified, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.5

L.V. switchgear condition is assessed for safe operation, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.6

Related L.V. switchgear protection is suppressed, if and where necessary, in accordance with workplace procedures

2

Conduct L.V. switchgear operation

2.1

Mechanical operation and limitations of L.V switchgear are identified, in accordance with workplace procedures

2.2

Implications of L.V. switchgear actions are identified, in accordance with workplace procedures

2.3

L.V. switchgear is operated and required status is confirmed, in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4

Racking, testing, isolation, circuit earthing and reinstatement processes are carried out, in accordance with Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations, legislative requirements, industry standards, manufacturers' recommendations and workplace procedures

2.5

Test equipment’s integrity is confirmed, and L.V. switchgear circuit is de-energised, in accordance with workplace procedures

3

Validate and report L.V.switchgear integrity

3.1

L.V. switchgear is inspected for safe operation, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2

L.V. switchgear environment is inspected to ensure statutory and workplace requirements are met

4

Complete documentation

4.1

L.V. switchgear plant problems, movements and status are reported, in accordance with workplace procedures

4.2

Documentation is updated, in accordance with workplace procedures

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 Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Electricity generation

Operations