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:

identify and investigate environmental issues

assess and report environmental risks

apply suitable environmental procedures as required

manage and report environmental incidents

monitor and review the effectiveness of environmental procedures

contribute to the continuous improvement of environmental procedures

complete relevant workplace 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/or 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 only taken at the point 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, any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and reflecting 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:

access, interpret and apply relevant legislative responsibilities

communicate the application of environmental plans and procedures within the workplace

monitor and coordinate environmental procedures

access, interpret and apply relevant standard operating procedures

interpret and apply environmental policies, plans and procedures

apply control procedures to environmental risks and incidents

assess environmental risks at the work site

report and record environmental procedures.

Required knowledge:

relevant legislative requirements and responsibilities

organisational procedures

standard operating procedures

environmental management procedures

control procedures for environmental risks and incidents

the water cycle

ecologically sustainable development

heritage conservation

primary agencies involved in drinking water quality management

water quality performance indicators

overview of the water supply system

water hazardous agents and preventative strategies

community and agency roles and responsibilities in monitoring water quality

risk assessment procedures

environmental impact assessment

recording procedures

reporting procedures

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 if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Environmental issues may include:

emissions to air

releases to/of water

releases to land

vibration and noise

disposal of waste

contamination of land

impact on communities

destruction of habitat

use of energy sources

waste generation processes and technologies

impact on culturally significant sites.

Environmental legislationand standards may include:

federal legislation

state or territory legislation

local government by-laws

government and quasi government policies and regulations

community planning and development agreements (for example, land care agreements)

organisational policies and standards.

Environmental risks and impacts may include:

impact of mismanagement of chemicals

impact of mismanagement of biological agents

detrimental impact on limited water resources

spillage

waste disposal

detrimental impact on water catchment areas (urban and non-urban)

detrimental impact on rivers, waterways and channels

unsatisfactory water and wastewater treatment processes

unsatisfactory trade waste treatment and disposal processes

poor construction processes

planning deficiencies.