Application

This unit of competency covers skills and knowledge required to install polyethylene (PE) plastic pressure pipes and pipeline components in the field. Pipelines may be used for drainage, waste transmission and vent installations above and below ground.
This unit of competency applies to experienced operators who are required to confirm that materials are suitable for the specific pressure applications; prepare for and perform jointing, repairs and service of PE plastic pressure pipes and pipeline components; and solve problems within area of responsibility.
This unit of competency applies to an experienced operator demonstrating theoretical and technical knowledge and well developed skills in situations that require some discretion and judgement. The operator may work alone or as a member of a team or group and will work in liaison with other shift team members, team leader and supervisor, as appropriate.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and demonstrate the ability to:
• read and interpret procedures, national standards, job specifications, material labels and safety data sheets (SDS)
• identify materials being used in the installation as being suitable for specific applications
• identify applications for alternative jointing technologies
• determine appropriate methods of handling, storage and transport of polyethylene (PE) plastics components
• perform trial jointing
• monitor key variables, including:
• alignment
• materials and conditions for joint
• integrity of joint
• general conformance to specification
• determine service connection requirements and make connections
• determine repair requirements and make repairs
• make adjustments to remedy faults and non-conformity
• apply safety procedures
• apply housekeeping procedures
• apply waste management procedures
• recognise early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems
• distinguish between causes of problems, including:
• operational problems
• materials properties
• process variables
• procedural errors
• recognise and prioritise problems requiring action
• resolve routine and non-routine problems
• communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors
• assess quality of completed installations by following appropriate testing and commissioning procedures.

Knowledge Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and demonstrate knowledge of:
• safe working requirements
• types of materials and components being used
• range of methods, relevant to types of materials/components for:
• mechanical jointing
• chemical bonding
• service connections
• repairs
• factors which may affect product quality or production output and appropriate remedies
• storage, handling and transport procedures for PE equipment
• quality requirements and tests
• routine and non-routine problems that may arise, the range of possible causes and appropriate actions
• organisation procedures relevant to the work environment/job role
• hierarchy of control
• hazards that may arise in the job/work environment the range of possible causes, potential consequences and appropriate risk controls.

Assessment Conditions

• The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence shall be based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.
• The collection of performance evidence:
• should occur over a range of situations
• will typically include a supervisor/third-party report or other evidence, focusing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency
• must include the use of appropriate industrial equipment requiring demonstration of operation, start and stop procedures and responding to problems
• may use industry-based simulation for all or part of the unit particularly where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue.
• Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment that reflects realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
• Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews.
• Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
• Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.
• The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.
• Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
• Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
• In addition the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment shall demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they shall assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.
• Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:
• relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment
• appropriate workplace experience
• appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed
• Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:
• being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed
• being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency
• having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment
• conducting on the job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed.

Foundation Skills

• {'skill': 'Foundation Skills', 'description': 'This section describes those required skills (language, literacy and numeracy) that are essential to performance.\nFoundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.'}

Related Units

• PMBPREP305 — Change extrusion die and setup
  Same training package
• PMBTECH405 — Repair damaged fibre-composites structures
  Same training package
• PMBWELD305E — Install polyethylene plastic pipelines for pressurised applications
  Same training package
• PMBPROD249 — Apply liquid surface coatings
  Same training package
• PMBFIN205E — Hand decorate products
  Same training package
• PMBTECH303E — Make minor modifications to products
  Same training package