Assessor Resource

AHCIRG322A
Operate sprinkler irrigation systems

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This Unit applies to skilled workers in the irrigation servicing, food and fibre production and amenity horticulture industries, and is likely to be carried out under routine supervision within enterprise guidelines.

This Unit covers the process of operating sprinkler irrigation systems and defines the standard required to: read and follow operations manual and irrigation schedules; carry out pre-start checks; operate and inspect the system; measure and interpret flow rates and pressures; identify environmental hazards; and shut down in response to irrigation indicators.

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

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This Unit contains employability skills.



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.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

read and follow operations manual and irrigation schedules

carry out pre-start checks

operate and inspect the system

measure and interpret flow rates and pressures

identify environmental hazards

shut down in response to irrigation indicators.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

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.

Required skills include:

Ability to:

read and follow operations manual and irrigation schedules

operate pressure and flow testing equipment

carry out pre-start checks and prime pumps

start up system and carry out operational checks

measure and interpret flow rates and pressures

monitor system effectiveness

application rates

irrigation times

sprinkler output

pressure variations

salinity levels and water quality

depth of irrigation

energy efficiency

connect, calibrate and operate the equipment, and monitor and adjust the delivery of fertilisers

shut down, clean equipment and dispose of waste

use personal protective equipment

perform shut down procedures

carry out measurements for output and efficiency

take and record measurements of output and efficiency

record data.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

general irrigation methods for sprinkler systems

main components of sprinkler irrigation systems

pump types used in sprinkler irrigation systems and their operation

energy efficiency indicators/ benchmarks for sprinkler irrigation

shutdown sequence

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

soil characteristics

soil/plant/water relationships

water requirements of plants/crops consistent with sound environmental management

critical measures for moisture availability

readily available water

water holding capacity

wilting point

field capacity

infiltration rates

evapotranspiration

OHS legislation and procedures

electrical hazards

contact with pumps, motors, other live components

short circuits

standing laterals to remove blockages

water spray onto powerlines.

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Sprinkler irrigation systems may include:

any systems that use spray or rotor type sprinklers to distribute irrigation water at higher volume including pop-up sprinklers, fixed, and movable sprinklers (e.g. K Line and Ezy Shift).

System components may include:

pumps

sprinklers

nozzles

risers

pipe or tubing

valves

regulators and gauges

laterals

controllers.

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
Checks of water, power, fuel and lubricants ensure that all are available and the control system is operational 
Pumps are primed, if necessary, and valves and controls are open or closed as directed 
Pressure and flow testing equipment are calibrated and available as required 
Other pre-start system checks are carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements and enterprise procedures 
Start up sequence is implemented in accordance with operations manual 
Sprinkler spacing is checked against the irrigation plan 
Water pressure and volume is adjusted as required 
Water is delivered as per irrigation schedule 
All malfunctions, leaks and blockages are corrected or repaired immediately and reported in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Pressure at sprinkler nozzles and on main and lateral pipelines is checked against specifications 
Application rate of water is calculated 
The water distribution pattern in the irrigated area is checked 
Moisture levels in the root zone are checked 
Identify and report any environmental hazards identified 
Water is applied for sufficient time to achieve required soil moisture levels in accordance with irrigation schedule, environmental considerations and allowing for weather conditions 
Drainage and treatment systems are checked in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Irrigation activities are recorded and in reported accordance with regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCIRG322A - Operate sprinkler irrigation systems
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

AHCIRG322A - Operate sprinkler irrigation systems

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: