Assessor Resource

AHCIRG324A
Operate surface irrigation systems

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


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

This Unit covers the process of operating surface irrigation systems and defines the standard required to: read and follow operations manual and irrigation schedules; use pre-start checks; operate and inspect the system; check pressure at the headworks and control valves; carry out running repairs on irrigation delivery and drainage systems; 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

Evidence is required in the process of operating gravity fed irrigation systems. 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

use pre-start checks

operate and inspect the system

check pressure at the headworks and control valves

carry out running repairs on irrigation delivery and drainage systems

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:

carry out running repairs on irrigation delivery and drainage systems

inspection procedures

start up the system

start and move syphons and spiles and check flow

operate surface irrigation equipment

check pressure at the head works and control valves

carry out running repairs on irrigation delivery and drainage systems

adjust and monitor check valves

carry out shut down procedures, clean equipment and dispose of waste

measure water usage

identify variations in water flow and distribution.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

general irrigation methods for surface irrigation systems

main components of surface irrigation systems

possible environmental impacts of fertigation activities

energy efficiency indicators/ benchmarks for surface irrigation

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

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

OHS, environmental and enterprise policies and procedures relating to the operation of gravity fed irrigation systems.

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.

Surface irrigation systems may include:

any systems that apply water across the surface of a levelled or contoured area. These include furrow, border and basin irrigation.

System components may include:

diversion and conveyancing structures:

intake structures

diversion weirs and gates

field distribution structures:

canals

pipelines

drop structures and chutes

division boxes and turnouts

checks

crossing structures:

flumes

culverts

inverted siphons

water measurement structures

weirs

parshall flumes

cut-throat flumes.

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 gates and controls are open or closed in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Pipes, system equipment and outlets are positioned and set up in accordance with enterprise standards and OHS requirements 
Syphons and other delivery mechanisms are primed and started in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Start up sequence is implemented in accordance with operations manual and water levels, and pressure built up slowly as directed 
Pressure at the headworks and control valves is checked 
Water is distributed evenly to the targeted areas with minimal wastage and run-off 
Area is irrigated in accordance with enterprise procedures, and time lag between shut down and end of watering is observed to minimise run-off and deep percolation 
All malfunctions, leaks, damage to water courses and blockages are corrected or repaired immediately and reported in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Head water levels are monitored and maintained 
All water outlets are operating in accordance with operating procedures 
Blocked inlets and outlets are replaced or cleared 
Flow rates and water usage are measured and recorded 
Irrigation changes are implemented in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Water intake, conveyance and distribution, drainage and tailwater is monitored 
Water reuse systems are checked for clearance and freedom from weeds 
If used, pumps are monitored during operation, rubbish is cleared from outlets, and pump is backflushed in accordance with enterprise procedures 
System components are shut down in sequence in accordance with manufacturer’s and enterprise procedures 
Irrigation activities are reported and recorded in accordance with regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCIRG324A - Operate surface 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

AHCIRG324A - Operate surface 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: