This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to plan electrical installations for hazardous areas by selecting compliant explosion-protected equipment and wiring systems. It includes determining the extent of the installation from area classification documents and plant specifications; identifying the hazardous area zones; referencing manufacturer’s data and plant design specifications to select and locate compliant explosion-protected and associated equipment and wiring systems; ensuring equipment received is consistent with the plan; and documenting the hazardous area installation plan.

This unit applies to electrical installation planning functions.

Site-specific work permits may be required to work in the hazardous environment. In addition, other permits may be required, such as confined space and to operate specific pieces of equipment such as elevated work platforms (EWPs) in various jurisdictions.

Additional and/or other conditions may apply in some jurisdictions subject to regulations related to electrical work. Practice in the workplace and during training is also subject to work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations.

This unit of competency and associated assessment requirements is adopted from clause 2.8 of AS/NZS 4761.1:2018 Competencies for working with electrical equipment for hazardous areas (EEHA). There may be differences between the content of this unit and AS/NZS 4761.1:2018, so the Standard must be checked to ensure compliance with it. Clause 2.8 of AS/NZS 4761.1:2018 includes the following precondition for assessment:

• “A candidate seeking assessment in this unit shall have been deemed competent to arrange circuits, control and protection and select wiring systems and cables for non-hazardous electrical installations at AQF level 4 or NZQF level 5 or equivalent or higher”.