This unit covers the preparation for the controlled removal of vegetation near live electrical apparatus up to the live work zone as defined for both authorised and instructed persons in the industry guidelines associated with live electrical apparatus. This includes electrical and communications conductors and cables/powerlines and associated equipment on poles and structures according to requirements and established procedures. It does not include the full gamut of rigging techniques and practices required of a rigger or entry into to the safe approach distance (SAD) as defined for persons, mobile plant, equipment and specialised tools.

It includes the preparation of a plan for the control and removal of vegetation, specification of appropriate chemical control methods, use of slinging and loading techniques and practices to be used, traffic management, and appropriate pruning and/or cutting techniques and practices (encompasses cutting plan) for given vegetation species to minimise regrowth within the electrical field according to requirements and procedures. Also included is the preparation of risk assessment control measures that encompass job safety assessment. Encompassed is compliance with relevant state or territory regulatory agencies/bodies, local government legislation, industry bi-partite bodies, guidelines/codes of practices or other related requirements for safe work and access near live electrical and mechanical apparatus.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit may only be practiced under the regulations pertaining to each state and territory for the safe planning for the removal of vegetation around live powerlines up to the live work zone, including near live electrical apparatus, and regulations that directly relate to work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and/or contracts of training where they apply.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Prepare for the development of the plan for the removal of vegetation up to vegetation exclusion zone near electrical apparatus

1.1

Work instructions are received and confirmed

1.2

Relevant requirements and established procedures to be followed for the development of the work plan are discussed with all personnel to establish and confirm the work schedule

1.3

WHS/OHS policies and procedures to be followed for the work to be performed are received and confirmed

1.4

Suggestions to assist in meeting the planning for the removal of vegetation up to the live work zone near live electrical apparatus outcomes are made to others involved in the work

1.5

Hazards are identified and WHS/OHS risks are identified and reported according to established procedures

1.6

Scope of responsibility under the relevant work permits/access authorisations are identified and confirmed according to requirements and established procedures with relevant personnel

1.7

Resources, including, plant, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the job are identified in accordance with established procedures

1.8

Relevant responsibility associated with first aid, aerial rescue, tree-top rescue and/or other related work safety procedures at the worksite are confirmed, where appropriate, in accordance with requirements and established procedures to ensure safety measures are followed in the instance of an incident

1.9

Client issues are identified and referred to appropriate personnel in accordance with industry/community standards

1.10

Site preparation requirements are confirmed according to given instructions and planning of the work schedule for a quality outcome and to meet sustainable energy principles and practices to minimise risk and damage to property, commerce, stock and individuals in accordance and established procedures

1.11

Road signs, barriers and warning device requirements are positioned in accordance with given instructions and requirements are confirmed

2

Carry out the development of the Plan for the removal of vegetation up to vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus

2.1

WHS/OHS and sustainable energy principles and practices to reduce the incidents of accidents and minimise waste are confirmed in accordance with given instructions, requirements and/or established procedures

2.2

Lifting, climbing, working aloft, and use of power tools/equipment, techniques and practices are confirmed in accordance with given instructions and according to requirements to eliminate the prospects of incidents

2.3

Operational knowledge for planning the removal of vegetation up to the live work zone near live electrical apparatus to be applied to the work is confirmed to ensure completion will be within an agreed timeframe and to quality standards with a minimum of waste according to requirements and established procedures

2.4

Plan for the removal of vegetation up to the live work zone near live electrical apparatus is produced in accordance with given instructions and established procedures

2.5

Hazard warnings and safety signs are recognised and hazards and assessed WHS/OHS risks are monitored and reported/referred to immediate authorised personnel for directions according to established procedures

2.6

Non-routine events are referred to immediate authorised personnel for directions according to established procedures

2.7

Development of the plan is carried out in accordance with the work schedule and to requirements

2.8

Problems associated with producing the plan for the removal of vegetation up to the live work zone live electrical apparatus are attended to according to acquired known solutions and skills related to routine procedures to ensure the plan is produced in accordance with instructions and established procedures

2.9

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

3

Complete development of the plan for the removal of vegetation up to vegetation exclusion zone near electrical apparatus

3.1

Work undertaken is checked against work schedule and anomalies reported to authorised personnel in accordance with established procedures

3.2

Potential accidents and/or incidents are identified and reported to authorised personnel in accordance with established procedures

3.3

Worksite is rehabilitated, cleaned up and made safe in accordance with given instructions and established procedures

3.4

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

3.5

Appropriate personnel are notified of work completion according to established procedures

3.6

Work completion records and report forms/data sheets are completed accurately in accordance with given instructions and established 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.

Not applicable.

Vegetation