Assessor Resource

AHCIRG216
Assist with surface irrigation operations

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to assist with installing, operating and maintaining surface irrigation operations.

It applies to individuals who work under general supervision and exercise limited autonomy with some accountability for their own work. They undertake defined activities and work in a structured context.

No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Plan and prepare for work

1.1 Read and confirm work instructions

1.2 Prepare tools and equipment

1.3 Select personal protective equipment and clothing and ensure correct fit

1.4 Identify manual handling and other work health and safety hazards

2. Set up field for surface irrigation systems

2.1 Check rotobuck area for irrigation set up

2.2 Check pumps, bores and other water delivery mechanisms for irrigation set up

2.3 Position and secure tarpaulins or other water control devices as directed

3. Carry out routine maintenance activities on irrigation delivery systems

3.1 Service mechanical equipment

3.2 Flush and clean supply and distribution system

3.3 Maintain system inlets, outlets, structures and fittings

3.4 Check system is running smoothly and is free of damage, leaks and blockages in channels, drains and outlets

3.5 Clean irrigation system and ensure there is no disruption to the system

4. Undertake surface irrigation work as directed

4.1 Open and shut gates and valves

4.2 Ensure required head and water levels in head ditch are achieved and maintained to ensure sufficient water flow and availability to crops

4.3 Start or open the required number of siphons

4.4 Monitor progress of water flow in furrows

4.5 Lift siphons where irrigation is complete

4.6 Carry out irrigation change and mark

4.7 Move irrigation equipment

5. Record and report maintenance activities

5.1 Record damage and blockage caused by pests and vermin by damage type, location and the section of the system affected

5.2 Record and report damage or faulty pumps, valves, electrical components and computer systems and carry out necessary repairs

5.3 Record and report routine maintenance activities

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

carry out surface irrigation operating tasks as directed

check siphons for even water flow

look for uneven water distribution or drainage

monitor required head and water levels in head ditch

open and close check valves

record and report maintenance activities and faults

start and pull siphons

use mechanical equipment to build and repair banks and for weed removal

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices of surface irrigation

channels, furrows, borders, fittings and outlets

damage and problems that occur with gravity-fed irrigation systems

environmental impacts of irrigation using water from any ground or underground source

identification, characteristics and operation of surface irrigation structures and components

signs of stress in plants as well as the signs of over and under-watering

system cleaning procedures

system malfunctions and their likely causes

purpose and principles of surface irrigation

weed types encountered in gravity fed irrigation systems and their control

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Plan and prepare for work

1.1 Read and confirm work instructions

1.2 Prepare tools and equipment

1.3 Select personal protective equipment and clothing and ensure correct fit

1.4 Identify manual handling and other work health and safety hazards

2. Set up field for surface irrigation systems

2.1 Check rotobuck area for irrigation set up

2.2 Check pumps, bores and other water delivery mechanisms for irrigation set up

2.3 Position and secure tarpaulins or other water control devices as directed

3. Carry out routine maintenance activities on irrigation delivery systems

3.1 Service mechanical equipment

3.2 Flush and clean supply and distribution system

3.3 Maintain system inlets, outlets, structures and fittings

3.4 Check system is running smoothly and is free of damage, leaks and blockages in channels, drains and outlets

3.5 Clean irrigation system and ensure there is no disruption to the system

4. Undertake surface irrigation work as directed

4.1 Open and shut gates and valves

4.2 Ensure required head and water levels in head ditch are achieved and maintained to ensure sufficient water flow and availability to crops

4.3 Start or open the required number of siphons

4.4 Monitor progress of water flow in furrows

4.5 Lift siphons where irrigation is complete

4.6 Carry out irrigation change and mark

4.7 Move irrigation equipment

5. Record and report maintenance activities

5.1 Record damage and blockage caused by pests and vermin by damage type, location and the section of the system affected

5.2 Record and report damage or faulty pumps, valves, electrical components and computer systems and carry out necessary repairs

5.3 Record and report routine maintenance activities

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

carry out surface irrigation operating tasks as directed

check siphons for even water flow

look for uneven water distribution or drainage

monitor required head and water levels in head ditch

open and close check valves

record and report maintenance activities and faults

start and pull siphons

use mechanical equipment to build and repair banks and for weed removal

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices of surface irrigation

channels, furrows, borders, fittings and outlets

damage and problems that occur with gravity-fed irrigation systems

environmental impacts of irrigation using water from any ground or underground source

identification, characteristics and operation of surface irrigation structures and components

signs of stress in plants as well as the signs of over and under-watering

system cleaning procedures

system malfunctions and their likely causes

purpose and principles of surface irrigation

weed types encountered in gravity fed irrigation systems and their control

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Read and confirm work instructions 
Prepare tools and equipment 
Select personal protective equipment and clothing and ensure correct fit 
Identify manual handling and other work health and safety hazards 
Check rotobuck area for irrigation set up 
Check pumps, bores and other water delivery mechanisms for irrigation set up 
Position and secure tarpaulins or other water control devices as directed 
Service mechanical equipment 
Flush and clean supply and distribution system 
Maintain system inlets, outlets, structures and fittings 
Check system is running smoothly and is free of damage, leaks and blockages in channels, drains and outlets 
Clean irrigation system and ensure there is no disruption to the system 
Open and shut gates and valves 
Ensure required head and water levels in head ditch are achieved and maintained to ensure sufficient water flow and availability to crops 
Start or open the required number of siphons 
Monitor progress of water flow in furrows 
Lift siphons where irrigation is complete 
Carry out irrigation change and mark 
Move irrigation equipment 
Record damage and blockage caused by pests and vermin by damage type, location and the section of the system affected 
Record and report damage or faulty pumps, valves, electrical components and computer systems and carry out necessary repairs 
Record and report routine maintenance activities 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCIRG216 - Assist with surface irrigation operations
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCIRG216 - Assist with surface irrigation operations

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: