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

Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed.

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

Evidence of ability to:

handle chemicals safely

demonstrate wastewater system operating procedures

demonstrate first flush system operating procedures

conduct water quality tests

take corrective action in response to out-of-specification results or non-compliance

monitor supply and quality of waste water

report and/or record corrective action

demonstrate emergency procedures

demonstrate shift handover procedure

demonstrate an operational shut down procedure.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:

Waste water treatment systems and related chemicals

Test equipment

Relevant advice on environmental agreements

Operating procedures and related advice on equipment operation

Personal protective clothing and equipment

Communication systems and equipment

Housekeeping standards and procedures

Workplace information recording systems, requirements and procedures.

Method of assessment

Other units of competency relevant to the work role should be assessed in conjunction with this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

Required skills include:

Ability to:

access workplace information to identify waste treatment requirements

select, fit and use personal protective clothing and/or equipment

confirm services are available and equipment is clean and ready for operation

handle chemicals safely including follow correct preparation, handling and storage procedures and use of appropriate protective clothing and equipment

conduct pre-start checks

liaise with other work areas as required

demonstrate wastewater system operating procedures in both manual and automatic modes

demonstrate first flush system operating procedures in both manual and automatic modes

monitor waste water system operation including monitoring:

chemical addition rates and residuals

temperatures

flow rates

equipment condition including calibration of instruments

tests as required

dissolved oxygen levels

pH levels

conduct water quality tests

take corrective action in response to out-of-specification results or non-compliance

monitor supply and quality of waste water to and from the process

report and/or record corrective action as required

demonstrate emergency procedures to control chemical spills or other major incidents relevant to the workplace

demonstrate shift handover procedure

demonstrate an operational shut down procedure

maintain workplace records to meet the requirements of the workplace and site environmental authority

maintain work area to meet housekeeping standards

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

relevant state OHS legislation, environmental acts and policies, standards and codes of practice relating to work responsibilities including awareness of standards set out in site license arrangements

safe work procedures including awareness of health and safety hazards related to waste water system operation and associated control measures

hierarchy of hazard control measures

purpose and limitations of protective clothing and equipment

methods used to render equipment safe to inspect, maintain and/or clean including lock-out, tag-out and isolation procedures

water cycles for trade waste, storm water and sewerage including sources and flow patterns

purpose and standards required by environmental agreements and responsibilities

company policy relating to environmental performance

consequences of non-conformance

waste characteristics and treatment methods

sampling and test procedures as appropriate

purpose of chemicals used

purpose of first flush systems and their relationship with the wastewater treatment system

operating requirements and parameters

water quality sampling and test procedures including the purpose of test and safe use, care and storage of relevant test equipment, interpretation and recording of results

typical causes of non-conforming water quality and corrective action required

equipment purpose and basic operating principles of waste water treatment equipment and methods

requirements of both operational and long term shut down conditions to ensure the equipment is left in a safe state for the period of the shutdown and to minimise any delays in future start up

housekeeping standards for the work area

reporting and recording systems including both statutory and workplace requirements

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.

Policies and procedures

Work is carried out in accordance with company policies and procedures, manufacturer's recommendations, legislative requirements, site licenses and trade waste service agreements and industrial awards and agreements. Legislation refers to environmental acts and regulations.

Workplace information

Workplace information can include:

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

manufacturer's specifications

Equipment

Equipment may include

screens

pH correction

oil/grease skimmers

settling and treatment ponds

aeration units

lagoons

first flush systems and wetlands

pumps and valves.

Equipment status

Confirming equipment status involves

conducting relevant pre-start checks

confirming that housekeeping standards are met

all safety guards are in place

equipment is operational.

Hazards

Hazards typically include handling chemicals, manual handling and flammable gases.

Equipment operation and monitoring

Operation and monitoring of equipment and processes typically requires the use of control panels and systems.

Tests

Typical tests may include

pH

solids

colour/turbidity

flow rate

settling rate

settled volume

DO

BOD/COD levels.

Teamwork

Work may require the ability to work within a team environment.

Information systems

Information systems may be print or screen based.