Assessor Resource

NWP276A
Monitor, operate and report fluoridation processes

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit is a skill set required by water operators responsible for fluoridation processes in water treatment. It may be a requirement for compliance with state and territory legislation and government water quality guidelines.

This unit of competency is a skills set for operators responsible for fluoridation processes in water treatment.

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to monitor and operate fluoridation processes and to report on water quality control.

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, 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 fluoridation processes by:

scheduling work

selecting and using appropriate tools and equipment, including personal protective equipment

calculating average fluoride concentrations

collecting process samples and determining fluoride residuals

collecting and reporting process data

preparing and applying fluoride dosing safely

completing log sheets.

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.


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

identify and respond to operational problems

produce reports and logs

use safety and personal protective equipment

follow plans, charts and instructions

apply policies, regulatory standards and standard operating procedures relevant to fluoridation

communicate effectively with colleagues to determine work requirements and report information using clear and direct communication appropriate for the audience and context

work effectively as part of a team

use organisation's communication equipment

receive, clarify and confirm work instructions

perform chemical dosing calculations

prepare and apply fluoride dosing

identify and report control system faults

identify and report hazards

perform fluoride residual sampling and testing

use literacy skills to produce reports and logs and interpret a range of workplace documents

interpret and follow material safety data sheets (MSDS).

Required knowledge:

properties of fluoridation chemicals

fluoridation and its relationship to public health

fluoride sampling and record keeping

fluoride addition points

fluoride system layout and security

lock-out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

policies and standard operating procedures for fluoride processes

organisation's communication systems and procedures

safe handling and disposal of fluoride compounds

risk factors and potential hazards associated with fluoridation

work-related fluoride calculations

fluoride dosing processes

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant

pumping and valving systems

automatic feed rate control systems

MSDS.

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.

Organisational requirements may include:

codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material for the handling and control of fluoride processes

organisational policies, manuals and induction programs

occupational health and safety requirements.

Equipment and tools may include:

electronic monitoring and metering systems

recording systems

basic hand and power tools

sampling and laboratory testing equipment

computerised equipment

off-road vehicles, such as forklift trucks

organisation's communication equipment.

Personal protective equipment may include:

that specified in MSDS

impervious rubber or plastic suits

elbow-length gloves, apron and boots with long-sleeved shirt and long trousers

for plants using dry fluoridating agents:

full face mask with type 3 respiratory filter or chemical goggles and a half mask with P3 type respiratory filter (AS/NZS 1715 Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Devices)

for plants using liquid fluoridising agents:

full face shield or splash-proof safety goggles.

Fluoridation processes may include:

solution feed such as:

sodium fluoride solution feed

sodium fluoride saturator system.

dry chemical feeders, such as sodium fluorosilicate

acid feed systems.

Tests may include:

fluoride residual analysis

ion selective electrodes

spectrophotometry/colorimetry, such as SPADNS method.

Process data may include:

volume of water treated

quantity of fluoride added to the water

stock fluoride on hand

results of fluoride residual analyses

calculated average fluoride concentrations.

Calculations may include:

average fluoride dosage or concentration

chemical dosing rate, given required fluoride dosage

fluoride dosage, given chemical dosing rate.

Fluoridation chemicals may include:

sodium fluoride

sodium fluorosilicate

fluorosilicic acid.

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
Determine work requirements according to organisational requirements and health and safety requirements. 
Select and check equipment and tools required to meet safety requirements of task and site. 
Select, fit and use personal protective equipment. 
Monitor fluoridation processes according to agreed schedule and procedures. 
Collect process samples and conduct standard tests. 
Maintain and monitor relevant OHS requirements. 
Collect process data, perform calculations and report according to organisational and fluoridation process requirements. 
Handle, use and store fluoridation chemicals according to organisational requirements. 
Apply fluoride dosing and perform calculations according to organisational requirements. 
Maintain information related to fluoride supply and usage according to organisational requirements. 
Produce information relating to maintenance and operation according to organisational requirements. 
Record information and submit according to organisational procedures for continuous improvement and incident management. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWP276A - Monitor, operate and report fluoridation processes
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

NWP276A - Monitor, operate and report fluoridation processes

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: