Assessor Resource

NWP351B
Monitor, operate and control activated sludge processes

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for operational staff with a specific responsibility for ensuring that activated sludge processes including derivatives such as IDEA and SBR processes, Bathurst box processes and oxidation ditches, comply with organisational and statutory requirements.

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to monitor, operate and control activated sludge processes including derivatives such as IDEA and SBR processes, Bathurst box processes and oxidation ditches. This unit also describes the outcomes required to measure and report on activated sludge process performance and 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 of competency 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 control activated sludge processes, including:

monitoring test results and processes

identifying and reporting faults

conducting routine plant inspections

taking samples and performing basic tests

making basic process adjustments according to instructions

collecting data and completing required 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 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, any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and reflecting 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.

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

Required skills:

identify and correct operational and control system problems

take samples and perform tests

produce logs and reports

interpret plans, charts and instructions

interpret policies, procedures and standards

give and receive instructions

determine chemical dosing requirements

operate control and communication systems

use safety and personal protective equipment

perform process related calculations

use safety and personal protective equipment

communicate with employees and various customers

work effectively as part of a team

operate computerised equipment

take samples and conduct tests.

Required knowledge:

process layout

features and components of activated sludge systems

theory of process operation and monitoring

operational problems such as sludge bulking and foaming

control of solids such as F:M ratio, sludge age

chemicals used for pH control, odour control, nutrient addition

flow measurement

risk factors and potential hazards related to activated sludge systems

risk control requirements including safety equipment and material safety data sheets

lockout procedures for mechanical and electrical installations and hydraulic isolation

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

operation of pumping and valving systems

control and communications systems

policies, procedures and relevant legislation

relevant utilities and service bodies

process calculation

hazardous materials handling

interpretation and use of material safety data sheets

chemical and biological principles that form the basis of activated sludge wastewater treatment.

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.

Processes may include:

suspended media aerobic processes such as:

conventional and/or extended aeration activated sludge

contact stabilisation

high rate activated sludge processes.

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

by-laws and organisational policies

standard operating procedures

Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) guidelines

environment protection

occupational health and safety

chemicals

dangerous goods

lifts and cranes

Environment Protection Authority regulations

licensing agreements

electrical standards.

Equipment used may include:

diffused aeration

surface aerators

aspirating aerators

electronic monitoring and metering systems

chart recording systems

basic hand tools

sampling and laboratory testing equipment

computerised equipment

on- and off-road vehicles

communication equipment

personal protective equipment

pumps and valves.

Routine plant inspection may include:

interaction and communication with other employees, other authorities and the general public

visual observation

identification of corrosion damage

implementation of reporting procedures that may also include procedures for the implementation of by-laws, organisational policies and statutory requirements.

Tests may include:

settling tests

microscopic observation

pH

dissolved oxygen

suspended solids

oxygen demand

oxygen uptake rates

respiration rates

nutrient analysis, such as:

nitrogen

phosphorus

temperature.

System adjustments may include:

pH correction

dissolved oxygen levels

flow rates

nutrient addition

return and wasting rates.

Process calculations may include:

sludge volume index

solids inventory

food to micro-organisms ratio

mean cell residence time

oxygen uptake rate and respiration rate

return activated sludge flow rate

sludge wasting rates

secondary sedimentation, such as:

detention time

weir overflow rate

surface and solids loading rate.

Reports may include:

plant performance data

chemical usage.

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
Monitor test results and processes to meet organisational and statutory requirements. 
Identify and report faults and the operational condition of the process according to organisational procedures and statutory requirements. 
Select and check equipment and correctly fit and use personal protective equipment. 
Carry out routine plant inspections according to the type of plant and organisational requirements. 
Collect process samples and conduct standard tests. 
Carry out system adjustments and process calculations to enhance system performance according to organisational procedures and statutory requirements. 
Collect and report process data according to organisational and plant requirements. 
Compile reports from plant and system data to meet organisational procedures and statutory requirements. 
Report observations outside defined parameters for further action. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWP351B - Monitor, operate and control activated sludge 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

NWP351B - Monitor, operate and control activated sludge 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: