Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 4:34 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Locate, identify and protect utilities

Locate, identify and protect utilities

Unit of competency
National Code
NWPNET011
State Code
AVY80
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
07/12/2015
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/04/2016
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
15/04/2016
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit describes the skills required to work near utility services during the construction, repair or installation of utilities’ infrastructure. Work activities may involve trench excavation or the application of trenchless technologies for installation or repair.This unit applies to those involved in the construction, repair or installation of underground utility infrastructure and locating, identifying and protecting existing utilities’ infrastructure to prevent damage, injury, death or loss of service.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.Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision, performing routine tasks, in mostly familiar context ensuring minimum damage to the environment. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare to locate utility services at work site
  • 1.1 Obtain plans and relevant information from specific utility service owners using appropriate information source.
  • 1.2 Determine work site boundaries and requirements from plans, specifications and instructions.
  • 1.3 Determine type, size and likely configuration of all underground and overhead services from plans and typical or local installation practices.
  • 1.4 Identify hazards and precautions associated with excavating or working near utilities’ apparatus.
2. Locate utility apparatus by excavation
  • 2.1 Select tools and equipment for location of all apparatus.
  • 2.2 Locate and identify apparatus and indicators of apparatus presence using tools and equipment.
  • 2.3 Determine full extent of apparatus in the ground.
3. Operate plant in close proximity to underground or overhead utility apparatus
  • 3.1 Monitor plant during work activities.
  • 3.2 Identify potential or actual encroaches of plant on minimum clearances to apparatus.
  • 3.3 Give instructions to plant operator using agreed signals.
4. Protect and support utility apparatus during excavation and backfilling
  • 4.1 Protect apparatus according to utility owner requirements to prevent damage.
  • 4.2 Support apparatus along or across excavation according to utility owner requirements or engineering advice to prevent damage.
  • 4.3 Report damage to apparatus to utility owner according to agreed protocols.
  • 4.4 Reinstate apparatus during backfill according to utility owner’s requirements.
5. Initiate emergency procedures
  • 5.1 Recognise emergency situations or events.
  • 5.2 Implement emergency response for particular infrastructure involved.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D1855 NWP234B Locate, identify and protect utility services Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBN92 NWPNET029 Locate, identify and protect utilities Unit of competency