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 monitor, operate and report on sedimentation processes by:

planning and conducting routine plant inspections

monitoring system processes

reporting process and structural faults

performing system adjustments

completing system performance monitoring documentation.

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:

identify and respond to operational problems

produce reports and logs

use safety equipment and personal protective equipment

follow plans, charts and instructions

perform system calculations

apply procedures and standards

communicate with employees and various customers

work effectively as part of a team

use communication equipment

give and receive instructions

identify control system faults

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

sample and test products.

Required knowledge:

principles that form the basis of sedimentation processes

system layout

lock-out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

policies, procedures and legislation relating to water treatment

communication systems

risk factors and potential hazards

basic system calculations

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of changes in hydraulic load on sedimentation processes.

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.

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.

Equipment used may include:

electronic monitoring and metering systems

recording systems

basic hand and power tools

sampling and laboratory testing equipment

computerised equipment

communication equipment

personal protective equipment.

Tests may include:

pH

dissolved oxygen

settleable solids concentration (cone test)

suspended solids

temperature

total solids concentration.

Processes may include:

Imhoff tanks

conventional clarifiers and sedimentation tanks

lamellar thickeners

picket fence thickeners

gross pollution traps

primary treatments, such as primary sedimentation

oily water separators

riffle plate separators.

System adjustments may include:

sludge withdrawal rates

scum removal

inflow control.