Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency unit includes the design of relevant elements of polyethylene (PE) pressure pipeline components. The end applications include pipelines used for transmission of gaseous and water based fluids.

Specifications include national standards for materials (AS/NZS 4129, and AS/NZS 4130, AS/NZS 2566 and AS/NZS 2033), workplace specifications and instructions, and government codes and regulations.

This competency requires the use of:
measurement devices including pressure gauges, timers, temperature probes, callipers and computer based monitors
calculators
relevant safety equipment
comprehensive work instructions.

Typical hazards include:
hazardous cleaning fluids
pipe material handling
heavy stationary and moving machinery, cutting and heating components.

Routine problems include:
variable PE materials, and as supplied pipes
variable field site conditions
limitations in available data on specific job requirements.

All operations are required to be performed in accordance with standard procedures and work instructions.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements:
Knowledge and understanding of PE materials and pipeline components as described in national standards to recognise suitability for specific application, and to establish work instructions.
Knowledge of detailed work instructions necessary to determine detailed work instructions and to implement requirements to attain required quality outcomes.

Competence includes the ability to:
identify types of materials and components being used
establish specific job needs
establish product selection
set up and maintain safe working environment
establish installation requirements
identify and rectify fault causes arising from application and component variability
establish completion test requirements
establish and maintain quality records
as relevant for the practical completion of work required.

Critical aspects
It is essential that the procedures are known and followed, and the importance of critical factors is understood. Competence must be demonstrated to recognise situations requiring remedial action, and to implement such actions within required time frames.

Consistent achievement of required output quality standards needs to be demonstration.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
Read material which is sequenced for instructions, explanations, information or opinions.
Write short and simple messages about routine tasks or activities, or complete forms.
Use hands-on real-life materials and pictures/diagrams based on personal experience and prior knowledge.
Use several pieces of related mathematical information.
Read, write and speak whole numbers and money sums, recognise and interpret simple fractions, decimals and percentages, use simple data, grid references.
Uses simple grammatical forms and vocabulary to give instructions, give explanations, ask questions and express viewpoints.
Clarify intended meaning by asking for repetition when listening, and varying speed and changing tone or emphasis when speaking.
Use strategies such as providing verbal and non-verbal feedback in order to show interest or attitude.

Assessment method and context
Current competence in this unit may be assessed by the combination of:
completion of a short answer questionnaire
completion of in-course calculation exercises
in-course workshop style discussions.

Resource implications
Hardware:
This section should be read in conjunction with the range of variables for this unit of competency. Resources required for training institutions include suitable powered workshop facilities, and classroom space with visual support aids, specialised measuring and monitoring control devices for pressure and time, together with necessary PE pipeline product component samples and material ancillaries.

Software:
This section should be read in conjunction with the range of variables for this unit of competency. Resources required for training institutions include comprehensive training resource manuals and support visual aids derived from field experience activities. Presenters require specialised training and field experience in PE materials, pipeline components, application and limitation of component performance, field installation and materials testing.