Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
9) This relates to the competency standard unit as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the Performance Criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.
This unit must be demonstrated in relation to excavations in the utilities industry in accordance with relevant legislation, standards, codes and established procedures autonomously on at least two occasions. This includes the preparation, planning, excavation and back filling.
The following constants and variables included in the Element/Performance Criteria in this unit are fully described in the Definitions Section of this volume and form an integral part of the Range Statement of this unit:
Legislation
Inspection
Hand tools
Power tools
Plant and equipment
Personal Protective Equipment
WHS/OHS requirements
Types of drawings
Key features of site plans
Key features of plans and elevations
Types of structures
Services
Types of details
Environmental features
Orientation of the site
Excavation tools
Excavation
Surface reinstatements
Backfill

EVIDENCE GUIDE
8) The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this Unit and shall be used in conjunction with all components parts of the unit and performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Overview of Assessment
8.1)

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment, such as Profiling, require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time. This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention. It is the Industry’s preferred model for apprenticeships. However, where summative (or final) assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or, at a minimum, the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment. It is recognised that, in some circumstances, assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace. However, it must be in accord with Industry regulatory policy in this regard.

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors. These include the extent of the assessment, the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place, access to physical resources, additional safety measures that may be required and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed.

The critical safety nature of working with electricity, electrical equipment, gas or any other hazardous substance/material carries risk in deeming a person competent. Hence, sources of evidence need to be ‘rich’ in nature so as to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal every day work have a bearing on the decision as to how much and how detailed the data gathered will contribute to its ‘richness’. Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practiced. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
8.2)

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites shall be met.

Evidence for competence in this unit shall be considered holistically. Each element and associated Performance Criteria shall be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the ‘Assessment Guidelines — UEG11’. Evidence shall also comprise.

A representative body of Performance Criteria demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment. In particular this shall incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to:

Implement Workplace Health and Safety/Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices including the use of risk control measures as specified in the Performance Criteria and range

Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the Performance Criteria and range

Demonstrate an understanding of the required skills and knowledge as described in this unit to such an extent that the learner’s performance outcome is reported in accordance with the preferred approach; namely a percentile graded result, where required by the regulated environment

Demonstrate an appropriate level of employability skills

Conduct work observing the relevant anti-discrimination legislation, regulations, polices and workplace procedures

Demonstrate performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below.
Conducting excavations in the utilities gas industry as described in the 9.) Range Statement and including:


Range of tools/equipment/procedures/workplace

Group
The minimum number of items on which skill is to be demonstrated
Item List

A. Safety resources
At least 4

Alignment sheets, maps, technical drawings and symbols
Service locators
Gas detectors
Safety lighting
Fire fighting equipment

B. Excavation equipment/
tools



At least 4
Small generator sets
Air Compressors and hoses
Pneumatic hammers
Rollers and compactors
Hand held concrete and ceramic cutters

C. Preparatory procedures
At least 4
Utilise plans, drawings and maps
Utilise Dial Before You Dig information
Obtain procedures and/or work instructions
Correctly interpret and follow instructions
Conduct basic risk assessment
Utilise and participate in preparation of safe work method statement or JSA
Work in accordance with work permits/authorisations as necessary

D. Excavation procedures
At least 5
Perform service location in the area
Check all materials and equipment
Identify and monitor all possible environmental hazards
Utilise control measures for identified hazards
Correct use of PPE appropriate to the Gas Industry
Carry out excavation
Perform machinery daily log checks and verify operator qualifications

E. Traffic control procedures
At least 3
Traffic control management
Erect barricades
Layout warning and safety signs
Identify muster point where appropriate
Complete permit, if required

F Unplanned events
At least one occasion
Respond to an unplanned event by drawing on essential knowledge and associated skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in the holistic assessment with the above listed items

Context of and specific resources for assessment
8.3)

This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:

WHS/OHS policy and work procedures and instructions.
Suitable work environment, facilities, equipment and materials to undertake actual work as prescribed by this Competency Standard Unit.
Appropriate environmental regulation and work practices.
Appropriate organisational requirements.
Appropriate work environment, equipment and tools.





These should be part of the formal learning/assessment environment.
Assessment of this competency must also be undertaken in either an actual workplace or under a simulated work environment. Assessment must also integrate the employability skills.
Note:
Where simulation is considered a suitable strategy for assessment, conditions must be authentic and as far as possible reproduce and replicate the workplace and be consistent with the approved industry simulation policy.

The resources used for assessment should reflect current industry practices in relation to locating, proving and protecting utility assets.

Method of assessment
8.4)

This Competency Standard Unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume 1, Part 3 ‘Assessment Guidelines’.

Note: Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this Competency Standard Unit applies. This requires that the specified Required Skills and Knowledge are assessed in a structured environment which is primarily intended for learning/assessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the required skills and knowledge described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units
8.5)

There are no recommended concurrent assessments with this unit, however in some cases efficiencies may be gained in terms of learning and assessment effort being concurrently managed with allied Competency Standard Units where listed.

UEGNSG132A
Carry out work activities in a gas industry work environment

UEGNSG140A
Apply with environmental policies and procedures in the utilities industry

UEGNSG134A
Establish a utilities infrastructure work site