This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to develop High Voltage (H.V.) switching programs where multiple sources of supply must be considered and managed.

Switching can be set up to provide power to critical circuits, or to entire electrical subpanels, or to allow loads in large backup generator installations to be smoothly transferred from the utility to synchronised generators and back again.

Competency in this unit requires the ability to interpret requirements, research switching programmes, draft switching programsand validate switching programs. 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

Interpret requirements

1.1

Notification of switching program requirement is confirmed and assessed, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.2

Area of planned outage is identified in consultation with appropriate personnel and use of power generation system diagrams, drawings and maps

1.3

Work details are interpreted from outage request and draft switching program, in accordance with workplace procedures

2

Research switching programme

2.1

Implications of switching program on the power generation system are identified and recognised, in accordance with workplace procedures

2.2

Types and function of switchgear to be operated are identified, in accordance with workplace procedures and their suitability for operation under forecast system conditions during scheduled outage is assessed

2.3

System loadings, limitations and alternate supply route capabilities are evaluated, in accordance with workplace procedures to ensure system integrity

2.4

Consultation with appropriate personnel affected by the switching programme is undertaken, in accordance with workplace procedures

2.5

Location of isolation points are identified, in accordance with workplace procedures, to ensure shortest route when determining sequence of switching steps

2.6

Safe working clearances are identified and maintained, in accordance with workplace procedures, and legislative requirements

2.7

High Voltage (H.V.), Low Voltage (L.V.) and control circuitry is examined, in accordance with workplace procedures to ensure no back-feed is possible

3

Draft switching program

3.1

Switching program draft is documented, in accordance with workplace procedures, stating location, apparatus and its' identification and the operation to be conducted

3.2

Permit to work procedures are implemented, if required, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3

Switching program is planned and implemented, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.4

Switching program is checked for omissions, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.5

All documentation supporting the switching program is completed, in accordance with workplace procedures

4

Validate switching program

4.1

Switching program is forwarded to appropriate personnel for verification, in accordance with workplace procedures

4.2

Documentation is recorded, 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