Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:45 PM 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
NWPNET029
State Code
OBN92
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
04/02/2020
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/06/2020
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
15/06/2020
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to locate, identify and protect utilities.It includes preparing to locate utility services at the worksite, locating utility assets by excavation, operating plant near underground or overhead utility assets. It also includes protecting and supporting utility assets during excavation and backfilling and initiating emergency procedures. This unit applies to those involved in locating, constructing, repairing or installing underground utility infrastructure to prevent damage, injury, death or loss of service. Those undertaking this unit would work under appropriate supervision, performing routine tasks, in mostly familiar context ensuring minimum damage to the environment.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare to locate utility services at worksite
  • 1.1 Identify utility assets or services by communicating with relevant authorities
  • 1.2 Determine and mark worksite boundaries and requirements from plans, specifications and workplace 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 Conduct risk assessment for environmental and safety factors including personal and protective equipment to ensure it is safe to commence work
  • 1.5 Identify yourself to your customers and determine customer needs
2 Operate pipe and cable locating equipment
  • 2.1 Identify and select appropriate locating equipment
  • 2.2 Operate pipe and cable locating equipment according to manufacturer instructions
  • 2.3 Interpret false signals or interference with pipe and cable locating equipment and make appropriate adjustments
  • 2.4 Mark the approximate location of services on the surface of the worksite according to workplace procedures
  • 2.5 Conduct test excavation to visually confirm service location according to workplace procedures
3 Operate plant near underground or overhead utility assets
  • 3.1 Monitor plant during work activities according to workplace procedures
  • 3.2 Identify potential or actual encroaches of plant on minimum clearances to assets
  • 3.3 Give instructions to plant operator using agreed signals
4 Protect and support utility assets during excavation and backfilling
  • 4.1 Protect and support assets according to utility owner requirements to prevent damage
  • 4.2 Report damage to assets to utility owner according to workplace procedures
  • 4.3 Restore worksite using equipment, tools and materials to meet environmental and workplace procedures
5 Maintain locating equipment
  • 5.1 Perform daily maintenance of equipment according to manufacturer instructions
  • 5.2 Record maintenance details according to workplace procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AVY80 NWPNET011 Locate, identify and protect utilities Unit of competency