Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 10:01 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.

Employ explosive power tools in an underwater environment

Employ explosive power tools in an underwater environment

Unit of competency
National Code
DEFDV015B
State Code
AVV16
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
24/01/2013
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
Nominal Hours
0
Description
This unit covers the competency required to employ explosive power tools (EPT) in an underwater environment.The unit also include selecting the appropriate EPT for the work task and inspecting them for serviceability. The diver must ensure the EPT are secure on own body throughout the dive, and correctly operate the EPT during the work task, with particular attention to safety during firing.The diver will be responsible for the recovery of any waste arising from the work task to ensure the preservation of the environment. Finally, the EPT must be de-serviced and stored appropriately for ongoing use.Note: This Unit of Competency relates, in part, to the existing standards of the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS). All information was correct at the time of development of this Unit of Competency; however, any diver seeking ADAS accreditation should consult ADAS and not rely on the information contained in this unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to use EPT underwater
  • 1.1 Work task and worksite data are determined and analysed to determine the specific requirements for EPT.
  • 1.2 Work plan is developed consistent with the dive plan
  • 1.3 EPT, explosive charges and protective equipment are selected, inspected and prepared.
  • 1.4 EPT and explosive charges are secured safely to/from the dive site.
  • 1.5 Access obstructions and other hazards are assessed and action is taken to remove/reduce the risk.
2. Operate EPT underwater
  • 2.1 EPT and explosive charges are secured on self for ease of accessibility and lack of interference with mobility and dive equipment.
  • 2.2 Material or base set out intended for explosive fasteners complies with detailed drawings and specifications.
  • 2.3 EPT attachments are installed and EPT charges are chambered.
  • 2.4 Work-safe area is established and the location and safety of divers is confirmed prior to commencing work task/s.
  • 2.5 EPT are operated underwater ensuring management of their associated hazards.
  • 2.6 EPT are cleared and rendered safe to evaluate the work task.
  • 2.7 Fastener penetration is checked for angle, depth and integrity of base.
3. Conclude underwater EPT operations
  • 3.1 Environmental impact arising from use of EPT is minimised and waste products are recovered.
  • 3.2 EPT and protective equipment are de-serviced after use.
  • 3.3 Explosive charge usage is documented.
The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Work task may include
fastening
Worksite data may include::
composition of base (refer below for types of base)
condition of base
current
depth
gradient
hazards
obstacles
EPT may include:
direct action
indirect action
Protective equipment may include:
boots
ear protection
gloves
Selecting, inspecting and preparing EPT, explosive charges and protective equipment may include:
date checks
reviewing equipment logs
visual inspection
Action to remove/reduce the risk may include:
erecting signage
using patrol/sentry craft
Material or base may include:
concrete
masonry
steel
EPT attachments may include:
channel
rebate
Operation of EPT may include:
loading
firing
misfire procedures
Hazards may include:
fall zone of objects being worked on
impact of ept on dive equipment (e.g. hoses, gauges, communications)
operational zone and danger area of ept
release of fuels and associated chemical contaminants resident at the worksite
Environmental impact may include:
contamination of surrounding water (e.g. leaking oil)
physical damage to reef and associated floor eco-systems (e.g. coral)
visual pollution of waste material (e.g. concrete and metal parts)
De-servicing may include:
drying
logging work details into equipment logs
oiling/greasing
washing in fresh water
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment must confirm the ability to attend to personal and collective safety; to consider the environmental impact as part of the dive plan; and to focus on the integrity of the fasteners in performing the intended role.
Consistency in performance
Competency should be demonstrated during a number of work tasks where the diver fires a minimum of two charges over, at a minimum, two underwater work tasks into concrete, masonry or steel.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Context of assessment
Competency should be assessed in the ocean supported by questioning on shore or aboard vessels.
When practicable, assessment should relate to the diver’s vocational focus.
Assessment should be conducted over a time frame that allows for the safe demonstration of competency.
Specific resources for assessment
Access to a complete range of diving, safety and accessory equipment; EPT and charges.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BBC07 DEFWDV015 Employ explosive power tools in an underwater environment Unit of competency
No information