This Competency Standard Unit covers cutting and/or pruning vegetation at ground level and removal of vegetation obstructions up to the live work zone as defined for both Instructed and Authorised Persons in the industry guidelines associated with live electrical apparatus using the established cutting plan relevant to the vegetation type.

It encompasses the safe use of appropriate/specialised tools and equipment according to requirements and established procedures.

It includes safely accessing trees to install restraints/slings, removing small trees in a safe manner and, clearing debris from the felling site to eliminate the occurrence of electrical incidents. It DOES NOT include entry of persons, mobile plant, equipment, and/or specialised tools into to the safe approach distance (SAD) as defined.

Also included is the preparation of risk assessment control measures that encompass job safety assessment. All work is in compliance with relevant State or Territory regulatory agencies/bodies, local government legislation, Industry bi-partite body Guidelines/Codes of Practices or other related requirements for Safe work and access near live Electrical and Mechanical Apparatus.

The application of the skills and knowledge described in this unit may require a licence to operate specific pieces of equipment such as elevated work platforms.

Other conditions may apply under state and territory legislative and regulatory licensing requirements which must be confirmed prior to commencing this unit.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Prepare to cut/prune vegetation at ground level up to vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus

1.1

Relevant work instructions and cutting plans are received and confirmed

1.2

Job requirements are discussed with relevant personnel and performed in accordance with workplace procedures

1.3

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental workplace procedures are received and confirmed

1.4

Suggestions to assist and/or improve meeting the cutting of vegetation at ground level outside of the live work zone near electrical apparatus outcomes are made to others involved in the work

1.5

Hazards are identified, WHS/OHS risks are assessed and control measures identified in accordance with workplace procedures

1.6

Relevant work permits are received and scope of responsibility determined in accordance with workplace procedures

1.7

Resources, including vehicles, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment (PPE), required for the job are obtained and confirmed in working order in accordance with workplace procedures

1.8

Relevant responsibility associated with first aid and/or other related work safety procedures at the worksite are confirmed in accordance with requirements and workplace procedures to ensure safety measures are followed in the instance of an incident

1.9

Client issues are referred to appropriate personnel in accordance with workplace procedures

1.10

Worksite is prepared to minimise risk, damage to property, commerce and individuals in accordance with workplace procedures

1.11

Traffic management is checked as implemented in accordance with workplace procedures

1.12

Pre-operational checks are undertaken to confirm safe and correct operation of tools and equipment for safe use near live electrical apparatus in accordance with requirements and workplace procedures

1.13

Work permits/access authorisations are confirmed and received, where applicable, for commencement of the work in accordance with requirements and workplace procedures with relevant personnel

2

Carry out the cutting/pruning of vegetation at ground level up to vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus

2.1

WHS/OHS, sustainable energy and environmental principles and practices are monitored and followed to reduce incidents of accidents in accordance with workplace procedures

2.2

Requirements for lifting, climbing, working at heights and the use of power tools/equipment are followed in accordance with workplace procedures

2.3

Cutting vegetation at ground level outside of the live work exclusion zone near electrical apparatus is confirmed to ensure completion in agreed timeframes, to quality standards and with minimum waste in accordance with workplace procedures

2.4

Cutting of vegetation at ground level outside of the live work zone near electrical apparatus is performed in accordance with cutting plans, work schedules and workplace procedures

2.5

Hazard warnings and safety signs are recognised and hazards and assessed WHS/OHS risks are reported/referred to immediate authorised personnel for directions in accordance with workplace procedures

2.6

Unplanned events are referred to relevant authorised personnel for directions in accordance with workplace procedures

2.7

Problems associated with cutting vegetation at ground level outside of the vegetation exclusion zone near electrical apparatus are attended to using acquired known solutions and skills related to routine procedures to ensure work instructions and workplace procedures are met

2.8

Quality checks of work are undertaken in accordance with industry standards and workplace procedures

3

Complete the cutting/pruning of vegetation at ground level up to vegetation exclusion zone near live electrical apparatus

3.1

Completed work is checked against work schedule, cutting plans and drawings for compliance and anomalies are reported in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2

WHS/OHS and environmental incidents are reported in accordance with workplace procedures, as required

3.3

Worksite is cleaned and confirmed safe in accordance with workplace procedures

3.4

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

3.5

Relevant personnel are notified of work completion in accordance with workplace procedures

3.6

Post-operational checks, minor maintenance and/or relevant documentation of equipment and tools are conducted in accordance with requirements

3.7

Relevant work permits are signed off in accordance with workplace procedures

3.8

Work records, reports and/or documentation are completed 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.

Not applicable.

Vegetation