HVSO High Voltage Switching Operations

• UETDRMP002 ESI Safety rules for work on, near or in the vicinity of electrical apparatus
• UETDREL006 Working safely near live electrical apparatus as a non-electrical worker
• UEPOPS116 Operate local H.V. switchgear
• UEPOPS117 Operate local L.V. switchgear
• UEPOPS021 Control permit to work operations
• UEPOPS036 Develop H.V switching programs
• UEPOPS124 Perform switching to a switching program
• UETDREL005 Working safely near live electrical apparatus
• UETDRSB001 Perform substation switching operation to a given schedule
• UEPOPS022Coordinate and direct switching program

All course participants are eligible to attain the following units of competency, which have no prescribed pre-requisites if they successfully complete all assessment requirements:

• UETDRMP002 ESI Safety rules for work on, near or in the vicinity of electrical apparatus
• UETDREL006 Working safely near live electrical apparatus as a non-electrical worker
• UEPOPS116 Operate local H.V. switchgear
• UEPOPS117 Operate local L.V. switchgear
• UEPOPS021 Control permit to work operations
• UEPOPS036 Develop H.V switching programs
• UEPOPS124 Perform switching to a switching program

The following units have prerequisites that must be met for participants to receive these units on the issued SOA.

UETDREL005 Working safely near live electrical apparatus – participants must be able to produce the following:

• UEECD0007 Apply work health and safety regulations, codes, and practices in the workplace Or current electrical licencing (Mechanical or fitter trade)

UETDRSB001 Perform substation switching operation to a given schedule – participants must be able to produce one of  the following:

• A UET Certificate III, IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma qualification or the equivalent issued in an Australian state or territory
• An Electrician or Electrical Fitter qualification or the equivalent issued in an Australian state or territory An Australian Electrical Licence
• Evidence of having completed or passing the Capstone exam and awaiting the result, or issuance of their Electrical Licence
  • Their current Electrical Apprenticeship Training Plan, which demonstrates continuous UoC commencements throughout the first 3 years of their Apprenticeship
  • Statements of Attainment relating to their Electrical Apprenticeship- showing at least 3yrs of results
  • A legitimate ‘Record of Results' from the delivery RTO of their Electrical Apprenticeship (demonstrating ongoing currency -minimum 3yrs)
  • A USI transcript illustrating a ‘Record of Academic Achievement' (relating to the Electrical Apprenticeship (demonstrating ongoing currency- minimum 3yrs )If students are unclear of their requirements for the above unit, they are to contact the Competency Training team to discuss.

This High Voltage Switching Operations course is intended for personnel who will be carrying out the role of an authorised High Voltage Switching Operator. This role includes:

• Performing switching to a switching program
• Writing, checking and authorising switching programs
• Issuing access permits
• Coordinating switching schedules and permit procedures

The High Voltage Switching Operations course is meticulously designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform high voltage switching operations safely and effectively. The comprehensive curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:

• High Voltage Switching Operations and Procedures: Understanding the fundamental principles and practices involved in high voltage switching.
  • Understanding electrical safety protocols and procedures.
• Switching Program Development and Implementation: Learning how to create and execute effective switching programs, including control room scenarios.
• High Voltage Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Gaining hands-on experience with various high voltage equipment and understanding their maintenance requirements.
• Electrical Apparatus and Switchgear Operation: Operating and managing different types of electrical apparatus and switchgear.
• Access Authority Procedures and Permit Requirements: Navigating the protocols for obtaining access authority and understanding permit procedures.
• ESI Safety Rules and Risk Management Safety Procedures: Adhering to industry safety standards and implementing risk management strategies.
• Personal Protective Equipment Requirements: Ensuring the correct use of personal protective equipment to maintain safety during operations.

This course is tailored to meet the needs of electrical workers who require high voltage switching training, including those in the rail sector. It aligns with the UET Transmission, Distribution and Rail Sector Training Package and the UEP Electricity Supply Industry-Generator Sector Training Package, ensuring participants receive industry-relevant training.

A High Voltage Switching Operations – Refresher course is available.

In accordance with industry best practice, Competency Training recommends that this high voltage training course be refreshed every 2-3 years.

In WA, this will also ensure compliance with the Guidelines for the safe management of high voltage installations, which states:

HV switching operators are required to be assessed as being competent, and maintain currency, in units of switching contained in Industry Training Packages delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) approved to deliver Nationally Recognised Training within the Australian Qualifications Framework.

This section equips participants with the skills to develop and implement high voltage switching programs in real-world and simulated environments. Key areas include:

• Creating and coordinating switching programs
• Operating HV & LV switchgear
• Managing HV distribution systems
• Verifying operations using active test points
• Applying risk management and safety procedures

Hands-on training ensures participants gain confidence in performing high voltage switching safely and effectively.

Participants are assessed through simulated switching scenarios, focusing on safe operations, risk management, and switching procedures. On successful completion, a Statement of Attainment for 12 units of competency is issued by Coex Training (RTO 41119). PPE (safety boots, long cotton clothing, safety glasses) is required during practical assessments.