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

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

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to perform basic wastewater tests by:

interpreting testing requirements and procedures

preparing, checking and using equipment correctly

conducting at least three different tests safely while maintaining the integrity of samples

recording all relevant information

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Access to the workplace and resources including:

documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation

relevant codes, standards and government regulations.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice

a decision of competence should only be made when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence

where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time

assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

conduct basic wastewater tests

calibrate testing equipment

operate testing equipment

conduct sub-sampling

dispose of samples and waste

communicate effectively

produce reports and logs

perform relevant work-related calculations

work effectively as part of a team

use literacy skills in regard to verbal and written communication in the workplace

interpret work requirements

Required knowledge:

range and purpose of basic wastewater testing

procedures for the use of instruments and other field-testing equipment

test procedures

relevant work-related calculations

maintenance and storage of reagents

sub-sampling and basic wastewater test methods

documentation procedures for test results

sample and waste disposal procedures

relevant legislative and organisational 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. Add any 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.

Basic wastewater tests include:

range of tests required for competent performance of work tasks in the organisational context, which should comprise at least three of the following types of test:

pH

temperature

electrical conductivity

dissolved oxygen

microscopy

thirty minute settleability

settleable solids concentration (cone test)

turbidity

Testing details may include:

locations, including:

on-site testing

field-based testing

laboratory

range of testing procedures and techniques that apply to organisational, plant or field sites

variety of samples to be tested

testing equipment

test reporting systems

Planning of testing work may include:

interpretation of instructions and directions

timelines

interaction and communication with team members and individuals

interpretation of legislative and organisational requirements

Legislative and organisational requirements may include:

relevant federal and state or territory legislation and regulations

codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material

documented organisational policies, manuals and induction programs

relevant community planning and development agreements, such as land care agreements

Testing equipment may include:

portable meters, such as:

pH meters

electrical conductivity meters

thermistors

comparators

pocket colorimeters

dissolved oxygen meters

test kits

microscopes

thermometers

Imhoff cones

graduated cylinders and settling apparatus

Abnormal sample characteristics may include:

insufficient sample volume

odour

visible contaminants, such as:

scum

debris

discolouration

Maintaining integrity of samples may include application of correct:

holding time

storage procedures

sub-sampling procedures

Atypical data may include:

results that fall outside organisational range requirements

results that fall outside legislated range requirements

Information may include:

time and logging of sample receipt and testing

visual observations

equipment identification

atypical results

test results