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

This unit of competency could be assessed by carrying out routine maintenance of the following types of swimming pool and spa heating systems:

gas

solar

electric

heat exchangers

heat pumps.

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

A person should demonstrate the ability to:

locate, interpret and apply relevant information, standards and specifications to carry out routine maintenance of swimming pool and spa heating systems

apply safety requirements throughout the work sequence, including using personal protective clothing and equipment

carry out routine maintenance activities on the heating systems of swimming pools and spas, includingidentifying faults and undertaking routine repairs in line with manufacturer instructions and client and enterprise requirements

report complex faults and repair requirements to relevant persons in line with enterprise requirements

restore work area to original condition and check swimming pool or spa, heating system and environs for safety hazards

ensure that waste is disposed of and tools and equipment are cleaned and stored in line with WHS and enterprise requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context and is to comply with relevant regulatory and Australian Standards’ requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

relevant codes, standards and government regulations

a technical reference library with current publications on different types of swimming pool and spa heating systems and components.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the CPP07 Property Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

Guidance information for assessment

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Assessment processes and techniques should, as far as is practical, take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Required skills

communication skills to interact in an ethical manner with clients from diverse social, economic and cultural backgrounds

decision-making and problem-solving skills to identify and rectify faults in swimming pool and spa heating systems

literacy skills to read and interpret work instructions

numeracy skills to interpret mathematical and graphical information related to swimming pool and spa heating systems

research skills to locate manufacturer’s and other information on components and operation of swimming pool and spa heating systems

technology skills to use tools and equipment required to carry out routine maintenance on swimming pool and spa heating systems

Required knowledge

Australian Competition and Consumer Commission product safety guidelines

commonwealth, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations, Australian standards, and codes of practice impacting on the routine maintenance of swimming pools and spas related to:

dangerous goods

electrical and plumbing regulations controlling conduct of electrical and plumbing work

environment protection

environmental health

work health and safety

private and public swimming pools and spas

waste disposal

energy efficiency:

energy consumption of different heating systems

ways of maximising energy efficiency of swimming pool and spa heating systems

hazards associated with heated water in swimming pools and spas:

algae

bacteria

chemical treatment

protozoa

viruses

water testing

swimming pool and spa heat loss and gain:

calculations of energy loss and gain

conduction loss

controlling energy loss

convection loss

energy loss

heat gains:

heaters

indirect sources

sunlight

pool and spa covers

thermal radiation loss

water temperatures for different water-related activities

swimming pool and spa heating system:

appliance details

benefits and limitations of different types of heating systems

common faults

components

differences between indoor and outdoor pools and spas:

air temperature requirements

energy efficiency

energy recovery systems

heating system impact on water chemistry

maintenance procedures and costs

operating principles of different heating systems

principles underpinning use of pool cover in conjunction with heating system

purpose of heating system

source of advice on and assistance with heating systems

types, operation, fault finding and servicing of heating systems:

gas

solar

electric

heat exchangers

heat pumps

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.

Work instructions may include:

access to site and specific site requirements

equipment and systems location information

equipment, tools and material requirements

heating system information:

features, functions and capabilities

manufacturer instructions

service and maintenance requirements

type

warranties and guarantees

personal protective clothing and equipment requirements

reporting requirements

specific client requirements

timeframes

work schedules

work tasks and procedures.

Relevant persons may include:

business owner

client

colleague

equipment and systems manufacturer

site manager or project manager

supervisor

swimming pool or spa manager or operator

technician.

Swimming pool and spa heating systems may include:

gas

electric

heat exchangers

heat pumps

solar:

freestanding

glazed

plastic

roof-mounted

rubber

solar blankets.

Tools and equipment may include:

communications equipment

computer and software

hand tools

ladders

lifting equipment

personal protective equipment

power tools

scaffolds.

Risks and hazards may include:

burns and scalds

chemical hazards

confined spaces

electrical hazards

exposure to:

asbestos

algae

bodily fluids

contaminated surfaces

contaminated water:

bacteria

faecal

viruses

disinfection by products

dogs

dust

fibres

glass

heights

insects

live power

natural and other gas build-up

noise

snakes

spiders

sun

swimming pool and spa chemicals

vermin

weather

gas hazards

inadequate ventilation

manual handling

non-compliance with building codes and regulations

personal health hazards

plant and equipment hazards

trips and falls

unaccompanied minors

water hazards.

Personal protective equipment may include:

buoyancy vest or personal flotation device (PFD)

gloves

hard hat or protective head covering

hearing protection (e.g. earplugs and earmuffs)

high visibility vest

non-slip and waterproof boots or other safety footwear

protective eyewear and glasses

protective outdoor clothing

respirator or face mask

safety harness

sun protection (e.g. sunhat, sunscreen and sunglasses)

uniforms or overalls

water-resistant clothing.

Routine servicing may include:

adjustments

cleaning

confirming operation

identifying worn parts

inspecting

lubricating

programming automated systems

replacing consumable or worn parts

routine repairs

testing.

Faults may include:

heating system not operational

leakages

non-compliance with manufacturer’s design or recommendations

pool surface staining

pool water quality

reduced performance of swimming pool and spa heating system

water circulation.

Routine repairs are restricted to:

replacing non-electrical and non-gas components.