Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency unit includes the installation of relevant elements of polyethylene (PE) non-pressure drainage pipeline components. The end applications include pipelines used for drain, waste and vent installations above and below ground.

It also includes the operation of alternative jointing procedures, connections and repairs using all relevant ancillary equipment.

Specifications include national standards for materials (AS/NZS 4129, AS/NZS 2566, AS/NZS 4401 and AS/NZS 2033), workplace specifications and instructions, and government codes and regulations.

This competency requires the use of:
mechanical and thermal jointing equipment, and ancillary jigs and fixtures
measurement devices including pressure gauges, timers, temperature probes, callipers and computer based monitors
calculators
alternative material connection and repair equipment and products
relevant safety equipment
comprehensive work instructions.

Typical hazards include:
hazardous cleaning fluids
pipe material handling
heavy stationary and moving machinery, cutting and heating components.

Routine problems include:
variable PE materials, and as supplied pipes and components
equipment malfunction, wear and tear
variable field site conditions
limitations in available data on specific job requirements.

All operations are required to be performed in accordance with standard procedures and work instructions.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements:
Knowledge and understanding of PE materials and non-pressure drainage pipeline components as described in national standards to recognise suitability for specific application and installation, and to establish work instructions.
Knowledge of specific job requirements necessary to determine detailed work instructions, and the ability to implement requirements to attain required quality outcomes.

Competence includes the ability to:
identify types of materials and components being used
establish specific job needs
set up and maintain safe working environment
set up and maintain required storage, handling, and transport procedures
establish installation requirements
perform jointing and installation to meet required quality levels
identify and rectify fault causes arising from machine operation and component variability
establish completion test requirements
establish and maintain quality records
as relevant for the practical completion of work required.

Critical aspects
It is essential that the procedures are known and followed, and the importance of critical factors is understood. Competence must be demonstrated to recognise situations requiring remedial action, and to implement such actions within required time frames.

Consistent achievement of required output quality standards needs to be demonstrated.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
Read material which is sequenced for instructions, explanations, information or opinions.
Write short and simple messages about routine tasks or activities, or complete forms.
Use hands-on real-life materials and pictures/diagrams based on personal experience and prior knowledge.
Use several pieces of related mathematical information.
Read, write and speak whole numbers and money sums, recognise and interpret simple fractions, decimals and percentages, use simple data, grid references.
Uses simple grammatical forms and vocabulary to give instructions, give explanations, ask questions and express viewpoints.
Clarify intended meaning by asking for repetition when listening, and varying speed and changing tone or emphasis when speaking.
Use strategies such as providing verbal and non-verbal feedback in order to show interest or attitude.

Assessment method and context
Current competence in this unit may be assessed by a combination of:
practical workshop installation exercises
completion of a short answer questionnaire
selection of installation parameters
in-course workshop style discussions.

Resource implications
Hardware
This section should be read in conjunction with the range of variables for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable powered workshop facilities, and classroom space with visual support aids, specialised jointing machines, alternative material connection and repair equipment, measuring and monitoring control devices for pressure, temperature, and time, together with necessary PE pipeline product component samples and material ancillaries.

Software
This section should be read in conjunction with the range of variables for this unit of competency. Resources required for training institutions include comprehensive training resource manuals and support visual aids derived from field experience activities. Presenters require specialised training and field experience in PE materials, pipeline components, application and limitation of jointing technology, field installation and materials testing.