UEE Hazardous Areas

Project overview Project commencement Training package development and consultation Validation Endorsement

Project scope

The Hazardous Areas project will review two qualifications and develop 11 new Units of Competency in the Electrotechnology Training Package to reflect industry and relevant Australian Standard (AS/NZS4761.1:2018) requirements for working with electrical equipment for hazardous areas (EEHA).

The Electrotechnology Training Package currently contains units directly adopted from clauses contained within AS/NZS4761.1:2018. The Standard sets out the generic cross-industry competencies needed for work associated with electrical equipment for hazardous areas. The competencies are intended for use by any industry sector or enterprise conducting operations where explosive atmospheres are present, and cover design, installation, inspection, maintenance, repair and area classification. They set out minimum requirements for persons to be ‘competent’ to undertake the related tasks.

The 11 units not currently included are primarily used by degree qualified engineers to verify competence to work in hazardous areas. They were initially not adopted because the Standard contains preconditions for assessment (qualifications at AQF 5-7) that cannot be adopted within the unit template. Industry wants all the remaining units (clauses) contained within the standard available for delivery within the regulated VET system. This will ensure a mechanism exists for quality verification of competent persons to undertake design, installation, inspection, maintenance, repair of equipment for hazardous areas.

The Electrotechnology Industry Reference Committee (IRC) has received correspondence from industry requesting the clauses not adopted in the Electrotechnology Training Package be added to the Training Package. The IRC has committed to a project to develop unit/s to cover the requirements of the clauses so they can be trained and assessed within the accredited VET system. Advice related to compliance with preconditions for assessment will be included in the unit application to ensure this is met.

VIEW CASE FOR CHANGE

The Electrotechnology IRC will have oversight of this project, which will be facilitated by Australian Industry Standards (AIS) in consultation with industry stakeholders. A Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will be formed for this project.

If you have any questions about this project, or are a subject matter expert and would like to be considered for the TAC for this project, please contact the Industry Skills Specialist.

Timeline

The Case for Endorsement and draft materials are due to be submitted by May 2022.

Deliverables

The full list of products included in this project:

Qualifications

UEE42620 Certificate IV in Hazardous areas – Electrical

UEE61220 Advanced Diploma of Engineering – Explosion protection

Units of Competency

New Unit Manage continuous supervision inspection of electrical installations for hazardous areas

New Unit Conduct a conformity assessment review of explosion-protected equipment

New Unit Assess the fitness-for-purpose of explosion-protected equipment

New Unit Design explosion-protected of electrical systems and installations

New Unit Perform compliance audits of hazardous areas and related electrical installation

New Unit Classify areas where flammable gas or vapour hazards may arise

New Unit Classify areas where a combustible dust hazard may arise

New Unit Repair reeling, trailing and flexible cables used in coal mining

New Unit Test reeling, trailing and flexible cables and their attachments used in coal mining

New Unit Inspect, maintain and fit plugs/couplers for reeling, trailing and flexible cables – coal mining

New Unit Verify compliance of repaired reeling, trailing and flexible cables and attachments – coal mining

TAC ESTABLISHED

5 OCTOBER 2021

The Electrotechnology Industry Reference Committee has established a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for this project.

Comprising of 18 subject matter experts from Industry, RTOs, and Peak Bodies, the TAC has been tasked with:

Providing specialist industry subject-matter knowledge in applying AS/NZS4761.1:2018 Competencies for working with Electrical Equipment for Hazardous Areas (EEHA) to the review and development of qualifications and Units of Competency
Validating the technical content of the Training Package products
Identifying relevant qualitative and quantitative data sources to inform the development of draft materials
Reviewing feedback from stakeholders through public consultations
Assisting in identifying and engaging broader industry networks to participate in consultation and/or validation activities during the duration of the project
Offering advice and guidance to assist in informing the direction of the project throughout its duration
Making recommendations on the developed Training Package materials to the relevant IRC, which has the final decision-making authority.

The first meeting of the TAC is scheduled for 14 October 2021.

Technical advisory committee

2 SEPTEMBER 2021

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS NEEDED

Work on this project has commenced and the Electrotechnology IRC is forming a TAC.

Your industry expertise and insight is welcome to help review and develop Training Package materials to:

The Hazardous Areas project will review two qualifications and develop 11 new Units of Competency to reflect AS/NZS4761.1:2018 Competencies for working with Electrical Equipment for Hazardous Areas (EEHA). The Electrotechnology Training Package does not currently cover all clauses contained within the Standard and Industry has requested that the remaining units be adopted. The Standard sets out the generic cross-industry competencies needed for work associated with electrical equipment for hazardous areas.

Registrations closed Thursday, 16 September 2021.

Consultation

6 DECEMBER 2021

DRAFT MATERIAL

On behalf of the Electrotechnology Industry Reference Committee, the TAC has drafted materials for this project and is requesting stakeholder feedback.

The project has reviewed two Qualifications and developed 11 new Units of Competency to reflect AS/NZS4761.1:2018 Competencies for working with Electrical Equipment for Hazardous Areas (EEHA).

The Electrotechnology Training Package does not currently cover all clauses contained within the Standard and Industry has requested that the remaining units be adopted. The Standards sets out the generic cross-industry competencies needed for work associated with electrical equipment for hazardous areas.

Feedback submissions closed Friday, 28 January 2022.

Feedback will be collated and discussed at the next TAC meeting.

Quality Assurance

4 MAY 2022

FINAL DRAFT CASE FOR ENDORSEMENT

The draft Training Package materials have undergone independent edit and quality assurance and have been updated to reflect the intent of the qualification and address higher-level theoretical concepts more appropriate for the vocational destinations of graduates.

The Case for Endorsement is scheduled to be submitted to the AISC in May 2022.

Validation

17 FEBRUARY 2022

FINAL DRAFT MATERIAL

On behalf of the Electrotechnology Industry Reference Committee, its Technical Advisory Committees have considered all stakeholder feedback and revised draft Training Package materials.

The project has updated two qualifications and developed 11 new Units of Competency to reflect AS/NZS4761.1:2018 Competencies for working with Electrical Equipment for Hazardous Areas (EEHA).

The Electrotechnology Training Package does not currently cover all clauses contained within the Standard and Industry has requested that the remaining units be adopted. Based on feedback received during the first round of public consultation the prerequisite field of 11 existing Units of Competency has also been amended for consistency with the new units. Nothing else in these existing units has been changed.

Feedback closed Monday, 7 March 2022.

Feedback will be collated and discussed at the next TAC meeting.

Endorsement

26 OCTOBER 2022

The Electrotechnology Training Package Release 4.0 has been endorsed by the Skills Ministers for implementation.

This project resulted in updates to two qualifications and 13 Units of Competency, and the development of 11 new Units to reflect AS/NZS4761.1:2018 Competencies for working with Electrical Equipment for Hazardous Areas (EEHA).

The training products adopt the requirements of AS/NZS4761.1:2018 which cover the skill and knowledge requirements for competent persons to undertake design, installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of equipment for hazardous areas. They cover the relevant Regulation, Codes, Australian Standards, and associated and OHS/WHS requirements. Industry requested that the clauses from AS/NZS4761.1:2018 be adopted as Units of Competency in the UEE Training Package so they were available for delivery within the regulated VET system to ensure a quality-controlled mechanism existed for verification of competent persons.

To support the delivery of the Training Package, a Companion Volume Implementation Guide (CVIG) has been developed to assist assessors, trainers, Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) and enterprises. The CVIG contains a comprehensive list of all products in the Training Package; mapping information which details the changes that have been made to the materials; regulation and licensing implications; and useful links to other information.

The endorsed Training Package materials are now available on training.gov.au

This release also includes the following projects:

The following materials were approved:

Updated Qualifications:

UEE42622 Certificate IV in Hazardous areas – Electrical
UEE61222 Advanced Diploma of Engineering – Explosion protection

New Units of Competency:

UEEHA0016 Assess the fitness-for-purpose of explosion-protected equipment
UEEHA0017 Classify areas where a combustible dust hazard may arise
UEEHA0018 Classify areas where flammable gas or vapour hazards may arise
UEEHA0019 Conduct a conformity assessment review of explosion-protected equipment
UEEHA0021 Design explosion-protected electrical systems and installations
UEEHA0024 Inspect, maintain and fit plugs/couplers for reeling, trailing and flexible cables -coal mining
UEEHA0027 Manage continuous supervision inspection of electrical installations for hazardous areas
UEEHA0028 Perform compliance audits of hazardous areas and related electrical installation
UEEHA0030 Repair reeling, trailing and flexible cables used in coal mining
UEEHA0036 Test reeling, trailing and flexible cables and their attachments used in coal mining
UEEHA0037 Verify compliance of repaired reeling, trailing and flexible cables and attachments -coal mining

Updated Units of Competency:

UEEHA0020 Conduct detailed inspection of electrical installations for hazardous areas
UEEHA0022 Determine the explosion-protection requirements to meet a specified classified hazardous area
UEEHA0023 Develop and manage periodic electrical inspection and maintenance programs for hazardous areas
UEEHA0025 Install explosion-protected equipment and associated apparatus and wiring systems
UEEHA0026 Maintain equipment associated with hazardous areas
UEEHA0029 Plan electrical installations for hazardous areas
UEEHA0031 Supervise repair and overhaul of explosion-protected equipment type flameproof (Ex d)
UEEHA0032 Supervise repair and overhaul of explosion-protected equipment type increased safety (Ex e)
UEEHA0033 Supervise repair and overhaul of explosion-protected equipment type intrinsically safe (Ex i)
UEEHA0034 Supervise repair and overhaul of explosion-protected equipment type pressurised (Ex p)
UEEHA0035 Supervise repair and overhaul of explosion-protected rotating machines
UEEHA0038 Conduct visual and close inspection of electrical installations for hazardous areas
UEEHA0039 Supervise repair and overhaul of explosion-protected equipment type Group III (‘t’)

Approval

1 SEPTEMBER 2022

At its meeting on 17 August 2022 the AISC approved the Electrotechnology Training Package (Release 4.0) for referral to Skills Ministers for endorsement.

The materials developed through the projects below address priority skills needs for the Electrotechnology Industry:

Advanced Diploma of Engineering – Electrical
Assess and Report on Smoke Control Features
Electricity Meters
Hazardous Areas

For more information on this project, please contact the Industry Skills Specialist.

Submission

6 JUNE 2022

CASE FOR ENDORSEMENT SUBMITTED TO AISC

The Electrotechnology Industry Reference Committee has submitted the Case for Endorsement and draft Training Package materials to the Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) for consideration at its meeting on 17 August 2022.

This project has updated two qualifications, developed 11 new Units of Competency and updated 13 existing units to reflect AS/NZS4761.1:2018 Competencies for working with Electrical Equipment for Hazardous Areas (EEHA).

View Case for Endorsement

If approved, this Case for Endorsement will result in:

Updated Qualifications:

UEE41222 Certificate IV in Electrical – Rail Signalling
UEE42622 Certificate IV in Hazardous areas – Electrical
UEE61222 Advanced Diploma of Engineering – Explosion protection
UEE62122 Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology – Electrical

New Units of Competency:

UEECD0064 Interpret, produce and modify electrotechnology drawings
UEEEL0077 Evaluate and report on the performance of LV machines
UEEEL0079 Plan and analyse LV electrical apparatus
UEEEL0080 Plan and analyse wiring systems, circuits, control and protection for electrical installations
UEEHA0016 Assess the fitness-for-purpose of explosion-protected equipment
UEEHA0017 Classify areas where a combustible dust hazard may arise
UEEHA0018 Classify areas where flammable gas or vapour hazards may arise
UEEHA0019 Conduct a conformity assessment review of explosion-protected equipment
UEEHA0021 Design explosion-protected electrical systems and installations
UEEHA0024 Inspect, maintain and fit plugs/couplers for reeling, trailing and flexible cables -coal mining
UEEHA0027 Manage continuous supervision inspection of electrical installations for hazardous areas
UEEHA0028 Perform compliance audits of hazardous areas and related electrical installation
UEEHA0030 Repair reeling, trailing and flexible cables used in coal mining
UEEHA0036 Test reeling, trailing and flexible cables and their attachments used in coal mining
UEEHA0037 Verify compliance of repaired reeling, trailing and flexible cables and attachments -coal mining
UEEIC0051 Evaluate motor drive systems and diagnose faults
UEERS0020 Apply rail signalling principles
UEERS0026 Maintain communications based signalling equipment
UEERS0035 Maintain wayside asset protection equipment

Updated Units of Competency:

UEEEL0078 Install and commission whole current electricity meters
UEEHA0020 Conduct detailed inspection of electrical installations for hazardous areas
UEEHA0022 Determine the explosion-protection requirements to meet a specified classified hazardous area
UEEHA0023 Develop and manage periodic electrical inspection and maintenance programs for hazardous areas
UEEHA0025 Install explosion-protected equipment and associated apparatus and wiring systems
UEEHA0026 Maintain equipment associated with hazardous areas
UEEHA0029 Plan electrical installations for hazardous areas
UEEHA0031 Supervise repair and overhaul of explosion-protected equipment type flameproof (Ex d)
UEEHA0032 Supervise repair and overhaul of explosion-protected equipment type increased safety (Ex e)
UEEHA0033 Supervise repair and overhaul of explosion-protected equipment type intrinsically safe (Ex i)
UEEHA0034 Supervise repair and overhaul of explosion-protected equipment type pressurised (Ex p)
UEEHA0035 Supervise repair and overhaul of explosion-protected rotating machines
UEEHA0038 Conduct visual and close inspection of electrical installations for hazardous areas
UEEHA0039 Supervise repair and overhaul of explosion-protected equipment type Group III (‘t’)
UEERA0098 Inspect, test and repair fire and smoke control features of mechanical services systems
UEERS0021 Assemble and wire electrical rail signalling equipment
UEERS0022 Find and repair rail signalling system faults.
UEERS0023 Inspect, test and certify rail power signal equipment
UEERS0024 Install and maintain rail track circuit leads and bonds
UEERS0025 Maintain active level crossing equipment
UEERS0027 Maintain computer-based interlocking rail systems
UEERS0028 Maintain mechanical rail signalling equipment and infrastructure
UEERS0029 Maintain non-vital telemetry systems
UEERS0030 Maintain power-operated point actuating devices
UEERS0031 Maintain rail signalling power supplies
UEERS0032 Maintain trackside signal and train protection equipment
UEERS0033 Maintain train detection equipment
UEERS0034 Maintain vital relay interlocking systems
UEERS0036 Repair rail signalling power and control cables
UEERS0037 Test copper rail signalling cables

Deleted Units of Competency:

UEECD0058 Observe safety practices are followed in the vicinity of isolated electrical cables
UEERS0002 Decommission electrical and electromechanical rail signalling from service
UEERS0003 Develop rail signalling system maintenance programs
UEERS0007 Install and maintain non-vital screen-based control systems
UEERS0015 Maintain electronic and microprocessor-based remote control systems

New Skill Sets:

UEESS00188 Electrical -Rail Signalling Principles Skill Set
UEESS00189 Rail Signalling Constructor Skill Set

Updated Skill Sets:

UEESS00187 Electrical – Install and Set Up Interval Metering Skill Set
UEESS00190 RAC – Inspect, Test and Repair Fire and Smoke Control Features of Mechanical Services Systems

Thank you to all stakeholders who provided valuable feedback and contributed to this project.