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Title / Control excavations in the vicinity of a high pressure gas pipeline
Level / 4 / Credits / 4
Purpose / People credited with this unit standard are able to: locate and identify procedures, documentation, and equipment for excavating in the vicinity ofa high pressure gas pipeline; control excavation in the vicinity ofhigh pressure gas pipelines; control excavation to expose high pressure gas pipelines; control backfilling in the vicinity of high pressure gas pipelines; and complete reporting and documentation requirements for excavation in the vicinity ofhigh pressure gas pipelines.
Classification / Gas Industry > Gas Transmission Operations
Available grade / Achieved
Guidance Information
1This unit standard is intended for, but not limited to, workplace assessment. The range statements relate to enterprise specific equipment, procedures, and processes.
2Evidence presented for assessment against this unit standard must be consistent with safe working practices and be in accordance with applicable manufacturer’s specifications, company procedures and legislative requirements.
3Performance of the outcomes of this unit standard must comply with the following:
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015;
Resource Management Act 1991;
Excavation Safety good practice guidelines ISBN 978-0-908336-49-4 (online);
AS/NZS 4645.1:2008Gas distribution networks – Network management;
AS/NZS 4645.2:2008Gas distribution networks – Steel pipe systems;
AS/NZS 4645.3:2008Gas distribution networks – Plastics pipe systems;
AS 2885.1-2012 Pipelines – Gas and liquid petroleum Design and construction;
AS 2885.3-2012 Pipelines – Gas and liquid petroleum Operation and maintenance.
4References
Australian standards (AS) may be found at
Australian/New Zealand standards (AS/NZS) may be found at
5Any new, amended or replacement Acts, regulations, standards, codes of practice, guidelines, or authority requirements or conditions affecting this unit standard will take precedence for assessment purposes, pending review of this unit standard.
6This unit standard does not include locating and identifying pipes and cables. Locating pipes and cables is covered in unit standard 30379.
7Definitions
Company procedures mean the documented methods for performing work activities, and include health and safety, operational, environmental, and quality management requirements. They may refer to legislation, regulations, guidelines, standard operating procedures, manuals, codes of practice, or policy statements.
In the vicinity ofrefers to anything inside the safety zone or easement of the pipeline.
Outcomes and performance criteria
Outcome 1
Locate and identify procedures, documentation, and equipment for excavating in the vicinity of a high pressure gas pipeline.
Performance criteria
1.1Reasons for excavating in the vicinity of gas pipelines are explained.
1.2Documentation and company procedures for excavating in the vicinity of gas pipelines are located and interpreted in relation to specified job requirements.
1.3Job instructions are confirmed.
Rangeinstructions may include– site location, work instructions, site access, site conditions, pipeline plans, utility plans, mark-outs, work permit, local authority consents, notifiable works.
1.4Types and function of excavation equipment, components and materials for excavating in the vicinity of a gas pipeline are identified and described.
Rangemay include – pipe locater, probe, shovel, digger, warning tape, marking paint, pegs and flags.
1.5Potential risks of incorrect application and operation of equipment and procedures,and the steps to avoid them are described.
Rangemay include – supply interruption, personal harm and equipment damage, environmental impact.
1.6Resource requirements are identified and sourced.
Rangeincludes but is not limited to –plant, tools, materials, documentation, personnel, personal protective equipment, communication equipment.
Outcome 2
Control excavation in the vicinity ofhigh pressure gas pipelines.
Performance criteria
2.1Excavation requirements are identified.
Rangelocating and identifying pipeline, works authorisation, permit, safety controls.
2.2Excavation is carried out.
2.3Pipelines are protected by maintaining safe clearances around the pipeline.
2.4On-site safety is ensured during excavation.
Rangeadequate ventilation, trench stability, access and egress, trench wall loading, vehicle movement, water damage, securing of trench, warning signs, barricading.
Outcome 3
Control excavation to exposehigh pressure gas pipelines.
Performance criteria
3.1Excavation requirements are identified.
Rangelocating and identifying pipeline, works authorisation, permit, safety controls.
3.2Excavation is carried out.
3.3Final exposure of pipelines is carried out by hand ensuring no damage occurs to pipe coating.
3.4On-site safety is ensured during excavation.
Rangeadequate ventilation, trench stability, access and egress, trench wall loading, vehicle movement, water damage, securing of trench, warning signs, barricading.
Outcome 4
Control backfilling in the vicinity of high pressure gas pipelines.
Performance criteria
4.1Backfilling requirements are identified.
Rangeshading, rock shield, warning tape, compaction, seeding.
4.2Backfilling is carried out.
Outcome 5
Complete reporting and documentation requirements for excavation in the vicinity of gas pipelines.
Performance criteria
5.1Information is communicated to internal and external parties.
Rangemay include – special conditions, completion notice, additional work, close approach consents, photographs, survey, as built drawings, pipeline permits.
5.2Records and documents are completed and processed.
Planned review date / 31 December 2022Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for AssessmentRegistration / 1 / 22 May 2009 / 31 December 2020
Review / 2 / 17 August 2017 / N/A
Revision / 3 / 30 August 2018 / N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0014
This CMR can be accessed at
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact MITO New Zealand Incorporated you wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
MITO New Zealand IncorporatedSSB Code 101542 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018