VEDN Approval Guidelines

GUIDELINES

This document sets out the minimum requirements to be met by contractors seeking Victorian Electrical Distribution Network (VEDN) Owners approval for the Installation of Electrical infrastructure, Civil Works.

The information is provided for gaining approval status only and does not override the requirements of tenders, contracts or the network operator their agent.

In applying for VEDN Approval the Contractor agrees to accept the Conditions of Victorian Electricity Distribution Network Approval.

Contractors with approval status must still obtain individual project approval from the host network operator or their agent prior to access their network or commencement of projects that will form part of the distribution network.

The applicant will meet all costs associated with gaining approval.



EndorsemenT

There are 3 levels of endorsement, following endorsement  the Contractor is eligible to tender for electrical infrastructure civil works. The Contractor and category of endorsement is listed on the VEDN website.


Prequalification Interim (3-4 months)

  • formal application received, has a management system but not audited, civil training completed

Prequalification (12 months)

  • formal application received, has an audited management system, excluding field audit, civil training completed

Accreditation (36 months)

  • formal application received, has a fully audited management system, civil training completed

 

 

APPROVAL PROCESS

The Contractor requesting approval is to engage a VEDN approved JAS ANZ third party auditor to confirm that their Management System is based on: -

  • AS 4801:2001 (Safety)
  • ISO 9001:2000 (Quality)
  • ISO 14001:2004 (Environment),

and

includes the Victorian Electrical Distribution Networks (VEDN) Special Requirements as listed:

 Note:

  • Companies with CCF accreditation need to provide a copy of the certification + CCF-VEDN Addendum (Special Requirements) + a copy of an Open Trench Audit Report
  • Companies with other IMSs need to provide the VEDN IMS checklist + VEDN Special Requirements checklist + a copy of an Open Trench Audit Report

VEDN Special Requirements

Technical Standards

  • Have a process for accessing the Network Owners’ Technical Standards (information generally to be provided by the Project Manager in the construction file/drawings)

Training

 Training matrix by occupation qualification

    • Civil Works - Module 1
      Sufficient number of trained people to ensure that work is either directly supervised or carried out by a trained person
    • Worksite Auditors (Civil) - Module 1 & 4

Approvals

  • Network Owners approval to proceed with the project
  • To work near the Network Owners assets (where applicable)

Auditing / Detailing

  • Compliance to Network Owner project requirements

Provide documentation confirming:

  • Personnel and training
  • Equipment
  • Financial Viability, and
  • Current insurance details

  

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The Contractor must have an integrated Health, Safety, and Environment & Quality Management System that meets the requirements of:

  • AS 4801:2001 (Safety)
  • ISI 14001:1996 (Environment)
  • ISO 9001:2000 (Quality), and
  • Contains the required Victorian Electrical Distribution Networks special requirements pre qualified approval work type.

SQ&E Management Elements

The Contractor must be able to demonstrate application of their Safety, Quality & Environmental systems and that it includes the following elements: -

  • Induction, Training & Competency
  • Hazard identification & Risk Assessment Procedure
  • Incident Reporting & Investigation
  • Corrective Actions Process
  • Hazardous Substances & Dangerous Goods
  • Use of PPE for civil works when working under Green Book 2006
  • Consultation & Communication
  • Environmental Aspects and Impacts
  • Plant & Equipment Safety
  • An internal audit programme
  • Test and Inspection Records
  • Safety Performance Monitoring
  • Calibration, IMTE and PETE Management
  • Safe Work Practices and Procedures

The contractor must also be able to demonstrate the ability to access the following current Acts, Regulations & Codes of practice:

  • Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Regulation
  • Electricity Safety (Network Assets) Code
  • Planning & Environment Act
  • Occupational Health & Safety Act
  • Occupational Health & Safety (Plant) Regulations 1995
  • Road Management Act
  • Environmental Protection Act
  • Dangerous Goods Act 1985
  • Access to Distribution Networks technical standards
  • No Go Zone guidelines

PERSONNEL & TRAINING

The following is the minimum personnel and training requirements for civil works.

Personnel

The Contractor must demonstrate access to skilled resources capable of operating in the following roles:

  • Project Manager
  • Site Supervisor (Installation of Electrical infrastructure, Civil Works)

And, depending on the work type approval requested may require some or all of the following roles.

  • Plant operator
  • Pit, pipe installer

The training detailed in this document relates to the Victorian Electrical Distribution Networks requirements only, and government Acts and Regulations may require additional training.

All personnel engaged on work sites must comply with the relevant industry training requirements.

TRAINING MODULES

VEDN U/G Electrical Infrastructure - Civil (Module 1)

Training package includes:

  • Health & Safety in the workplace
  • Hazard Assessment and Risk Control
  • Auditing Requirements
  • Dial Before You Dig (or MOCS)
  • No Go Zone
  • Plans and Drawings

 VEDN Asset Auditor Training (Module 4)

Auditor Training Includes:

  • Principles of Auditing
  • Audit Types
  • The Role of an Auditor
  • Audit Preparation
  • Approved and Current Construction Plan
  • Network Design & Construction Standards
  • Report Writing
  • Field Visit or Simulated Exercise

EQUIPMENT

The Contractor will need to demonstrate that they have or have access to equipment and technical documents appropriate to the work type requested.

The following is the minimum equipment (unless specifically excluded) which all applicants must demonstrate access to.

Personal Safety

  • Hard Hats (AS1801)
  • Safety Footwear (AS2210)
  • Hi Visibility Clothing/Vests (NENS 09 compliant when working under Green Book 2006)
  • Hard Work Gloves
  • Eye Protection (AS1336)
  • Ear Protection (AS1270)

Plant, Equipment and Site Safety

  • All Plant Fitted With Flashing/Rotating Amber Warning Lights
  • Traffic Warning Signs (AS1742)
  • First Aid Kit (AS2675)
  • Fire Fighting Knapsack 16 Litre, rake hoe, face mask & goggles (Reguired if working during declared fire season only (AS1687)

Pit, Trench and Conduit Installation – Civil Works

  • Excavation capability (Ditchwitch/ Excavator or Backhoe etc)
  • Network Owner's Technical Standards for the Installation of Underground Cables/Pits
  • Network Owner's Technical Standards for Pit, Trench and Conduit specifications
  • No Go Zone guidelines
  • Code of Practice, Confined Spaces

Current Insurance

The Contractor must provide details of Current Insurance details on the application form.