Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:57 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:57 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.
Conduct excavations in the gas industry
Conduct excavations in the gas industry
Unit of competency
National Code
UEGNSG215A
UEGNSG215A
State Code
S8168
S8168
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/05/2013
Field of Education
040327 - Plumbing
Original Release Date
30/05/2013
Nominal Hours
36
Description
1) Scope:1.1) DescriptorThis Unit covers the requirements of performing excavations in the utilities industry. This competency standard covers the preparation and planning stages for excavation as well as the actual excavation. The planning process covers Dial Before you Dig, site preparation and traffic control. Included is the use of tools, plant and equipment PPE and basic visual and operation checks.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for the operating of plant and equipment to perform underground utilities excavation work
- 1.1 Work instructions are received and confirmed
- 1.2 Relevant requirements and established procedures to be followed for the work to be performed are discussed with all persons to establish and confirm the work schedule
- 1.3 OHS, environmental and sustainable energy policies and procedures to be followed for the work to be performed are received and confirmed
- 1.4 Suggestions to assist with operating support plant and equipment used for underground utilities services are made to others involved in the work
- 1.5 Hazards are identified, OHS risks assessed and control measures are prioritised, implemented and monitored including emergency exits kept clear according to established procedures
- 1.6 Scope of responsibility under the relevant work permit is received and confirmed according to requirements and established procedures with relevant persons
- 1.7 Types of equipment, tools and personal protective equipment required for the job are obtained in working order and operated in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and according to established procedures
- 1.8 Relevant responsibilities associated with First Aid and other related work safety procedures at the worksite are confirmed in accordance with requirements and established procedures to ensure safety measures are followed in the instance of an incident.
- 1.9 Client issues are referred to appropriate persons in accordance with industry and community standards
- 1.10 Location of other services and site preparation is confirmed according to given instructions using the work schedule for a quality outcome and to minimise risk and damage to property, commerce and individuals according to established procedures
- 1.11 Road signs, barriers and warning devices are confirmed as positioned in accordance with given instructions and requirements including traffic management plans
2 Operate plant and equipment for underground utilities excavation work
- 2.1 OHS policies and procedures and safe work practices are followed to eliminate or minimise incidents and hazards
- 2.2 Site hazards such as lifting, climbing, working in confined spaces, excavations, trenches and/or aloft, use of power tools equipment, techniques and practices are safely followed in accordance with given instructions and according to requirements confirmed to minimise OHS risks
- 2.3 Operational knowledge for operating support plant and equipment used for underground utilities services is confirmed to ensure completion in an agreed timeframe and to quality standards with a minimum of waste according to requirements and established procedures
- 2.4 Plant and equipment is used safely and in accordance with requirements and established procedures
- 2.5 Minor maintenance is undertaken to plant and equipment in accordance with requirements and established procedures
- 2.6 Operating support plant and equipment used for underground utilities services are checked for faults and are used in accordance with given instructions and established procedures.
- 2.7 Hazard warnings and safety signs are recognised and hazards and assessed OHS risks are reported to the authorised persons for directions according to established procedures
- 2.8 Non-routine events are referred to the authorised persons for directions according to established procedures
- 2.9 Problems associated with operating support plant and equipment used for underground utilities services are dealt with using known solutions and skills related to routine procedures to ensure work instructions and established procedures are met
- 2.10 Ongoing checks of work quality are undertaken in accordance with given instructions and established procedures
3 Complete the operating of plant and equipment to perform underground utilities excavation work
- 3.1 Work undertaken is checked against work schedule and anomalies reported to authorised persons in accordance with established procedures
- 3.2 Accidents and incidents are actioned and reported to authorised persons in accordance with established procedures
- 3.3 Backfilling is performed and the work site is rehabilitated, cleaned up and made safe in accordance with the work schedule, given instructions and established procedures
- 3.4 Tools, equipment and any surplus resources and materials are, where appropriate, cleaned, checked and returned to storage in accordance with established procedures
- 3.5 Appropriate persons are notified of work completion and all safety provisions for isolation or lock out are implemented according to established procedures
- 3.6 Work completion records, report forms and data sheets are completed accurately in accordance with given instructions and established procedures
RANGE STATEMENT
10) 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 may be demonstrated in relation to excavations in the utilities industry.
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 (2)
Inspection (2)
Hand tools (2)
Power tools (2)
Plant and equipment (2)
Personal Protective Equipment (2)
OHS requirements (2)
Types of drawings (2)
Key features of site plans (2)
Key features of plans and elevations (2)
Types of structures (2)
Services (2)
Types of details (2)
Environmental features (2)
Orientation of the site (2)
Excavation tools (2)
Excavation (2)
Surface reinstatements (2)
Backfill (2)
10) 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 may be demonstrated in relation to excavations in the utilities industry.
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 (2)
Inspection (2)
Hand tools (2)
Power tools (2)
Plant and equipment (2)
Personal Protective Equipment (2)
OHS requirements (2)
Types of drawings (2)
Key features of site plans (2)
Key features of plans and elevations (2)
Types of structures (2)
Services (2)
Types of details (2)
Environmental features (2)
Orientation of the site (2)
Excavation tools (2)
Excavation (2)
Surface reinstatements (2)
Backfill (2)
EVIDENCE GUIDE
9) 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
9.1)
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
9.2)
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 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 essential knowledge and associated skills 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.
Range of tools/equipment/procedures/workplace
Group No
The minimum number of items on which skill is to be demonstrated
Item List
A
At least 4
Interpret alignment sheets, maps, technical drawings and symbols
Service locators
Gas detectors
Traffic barricades
Lighting
Fire fighting equipment
B
At least 5
Small generator sets
Air Compressors and hoses
Pneumatic and/or electric hammers
Rollers and compactors
Concrete and ceramic cutters
Boring equipment
Trenching equipment
C
At least 4
Correctly interpret plans, drawings and maps
Submit Dial Before You Dig application
Obtain procedures and/or work instructions
Correctly interpret instructions
Advise stakeholders of upcoming work
Prepare a safe work method statement of JHA
Obtain all work permits as necessary
D
At least 5
Perform service location in the area
Procure all materials and equipment
Identify and control all possible environmental hazards
Implement control measures for identified hazards
Induct all site workers and explain all hazards
Correct use of PPE appropriate to the Gas Industry
Perform machinery daily log checks and verify operator qualifications
E
At least 3
Traffic control management
Erect barricades
Establish warning and safety signs
Establish muster point where appropriate
Complete permit
F
All
Relevant OHS legislation, regulations, codes of practice, policies and procedures are applied
Maintain a safe, clean and healthy workplace
Work safely with hazardous materials and equipment
Apply safe manual handling techniques
Appropriately respond to unplanned event
Communicate effectively in the workplace
Apply basic planning skills
G
At least one occasion
Deal with 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
9.3)
This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:
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.
In addition to the resources listed above, in Context of and specific resources for assessment, evidence should show demonstrated competency of excavating for underground utilities services operating plant and equipment.
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.
Method of assessment
9.4)
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 Essential Knowledge and Associated Skills 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 essential knowledge and associated skills described in this unit.
Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units
9.5)
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.
UEGNSG102B
Carry out work activities in a utilities industry work environment
UEENEEE101A
Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace
UEGNSG104B
Comply with environmental policies and procedures
UEGNSG105B
Establish the work site
9) 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
9.1)
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
9.2)
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 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 essential knowledge and associated skills 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.
Range of tools/equipment/procedures/workplace
Group No
The minimum number of items on which skill is to be demonstrated
Item List
A
At least 4
Interpret alignment sheets, maps, technical drawings and symbols
Service locators
Gas detectors
Traffic barricades
Lighting
Fire fighting equipment
B
At least 5
Small generator sets
Air Compressors and hoses
Pneumatic and/or electric hammers
Rollers and compactors
Concrete and ceramic cutters
Boring equipment
Trenching equipment
C
At least 4
Correctly interpret plans, drawings and maps
Submit Dial Before You Dig application
Obtain procedures and/or work instructions
Correctly interpret instructions
Advise stakeholders of upcoming work
Prepare a safe work method statement of JHA
Obtain all work permits as necessary
D
At least 5
Perform service location in the area
Procure all materials and equipment
Identify and control all possible environmental hazards
Implement control measures for identified hazards
Induct all site workers and explain all hazards
Correct use of PPE appropriate to the Gas Industry
Perform machinery daily log checks and verify operator qualifications
E
At least 3
Traffic control management
Erect barricades
Establish warning and safety signs
Establish muster point where appropriate
Complete permit
F
All
Relevant OHS legislation, regulations, codes of practice, policies and procedures are applied
Maintain a safe, clean and healthy workplace
Work safely with hazardous materials and equipment
Apply safe manual handling techniques
Appropriately respond to unplanned event
Communicate effectively in the workplace
Apply basic planning skills
G
At least one occasion
Deal with 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
9.3)
This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:
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.
In addition to the resources listed above, in Context of and specific resources for assessment, evidence should show demonstrated competency of excavating for underground utilities services operating plant and equipment.
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.
Method of assessment
9.4)
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 Essential Knowledge and Associated Skills 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 essential knowledge and associated skills described in this unit.
Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units
9.5)
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.
UEGNSG102B
Carry out work activities in a utilities industry work environment
UEENEEE101A
Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace
UEGNSG104B
Comply with environmental policies and procedures
UEGNSG105B
Establish the work site
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WJ020 | UEGNSG219A | Conduct excavations in the utilities industry | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D729 | UEG20211 | Certificate II in Gas Industry Pipeline Operations | Qualification |
| D730 | UEG20311 | Certificate II in Gas Industry Transmission Pipeline Construction | Qualification |
| D735 | UEG50211 | Diploma of Gas Supply Industry Operations | Qualification |
| D733 | UEG30211 | Certificate III in Gas Supply Industry Operations | Qualification |
| D734 | UEG40311 | Certificate IV in Gas Supply Industry Operations | Qualification |
| D732 | UEG20511 | Certificate II in Gaseous Fuel Delivery Operations | Qualification |