Assessor Resource

NWPTRT081
Operate and control activated sludge processes

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills required to operate and control activated sludge processes and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control. The ability to identify faults, determine and apply technical adjustments and conduct chemical dosing procedures is essential to performance.

This unit applies to those working as operational staff with a specific responsibility for wastewater activated sludge in treatment plants.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision, performing routine tasks within a familiar context.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)


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.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Plan and prepare for work

1.1 Determine work requirements from job specification and plans.

1.2 Select and check equipment required to meet safety requirements of task and site.

1.3 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment.

2. Operate and control process

2.1 Carry out routine inspection on assets.

2.2 Collect process samples.

2.3 Carry out routine tests.

2.4 Prepare samples for laboratory testing.

2.5 Identify and report process faults and operational condition of assets.

2.6 Carry out basic process adjustments to enhance process performance.

2.7 Monitor processes to maintain parameters of operation.

3. Complete documentation

3.1 Collect, record and complete process data.

3.2 Identify data that falls outside normal parameters and report for further action.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. The candidate must be assessed in at least one of the processes listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

identifying and correcting operational and control process problems

completing logs

determining chemical dosing

identifying and reporting faults

applying basic formulae

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

basic hydraulics

relevant hazards and risks factors

basic microscopy

basic biology and chemistry applying to process

flow measurement

process layout

process issues

chemicals used for pH control, odour control, nutrient removal

features and components of activated sludge processes

operational problems such as sludge bulking and foaming

control of solids

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

Candidate should demonstrate basic knowledge of all processes listed in Range of conditions.

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

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.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Plan and prepare for work

1.1 Determine work requirements from job specification and plans.

1.2 Select and check equipment required to meet safety requirements of task and site.

1.3 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment.

2. Operate and control process

2.1 Carry out routine inspection on assets.

2.2 Collect process samples.

2.3 Carry out routine tests.

2.4 Prepare samples for laboratory testing.

2.5 Identify and report process faults and operational condition of assets.

2.6 Carry out basic process adjustments to enhance process performance.

2.7 Monitor processes to maintain parameters of operation.

3. Complete documentation

3.1 Collect, record and complete process data.

3.2 Identify data that falls outside normal parameters and report for further action.

Current processes include:

intermittent decanted extended aeration (IDEA)

sequencing batch reactors (SBR)

Bathurst Box

oxidation ditches

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. The candidate must be assessed in at least one of the processes listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

identifying and correcting operational and control process problems

completing logs

determining chemical dosing

identifying and reporting faults

applying basic formulae

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

basic hydraulics

relevant hazards and risks factors

basic microscopy

basic biology and chemistry applying to process

flow measurement

process layout

process issues

chemicals used for pH control, odour control, nutrient removal

features and components of activated sludge processes

operational problems such as sludge bulking and foaming

control of solids

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

Candidate should demonstrate basic knowledge of all processes listed in Range of conditions.

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
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 from job specification and plans. 
Select and check equipment required to meet safety requirements of task and site. 
Select, fit and use personal protective equipment. 
Carry out routine inspection on assets. 
Collect process samples. 
Carry out routine tests. 
Prepare samples for laboratory testing. 
Identify and report process faults and operational condition of assets. 
Carry out basic process adjustments to enhance process performance. 
Monitor processes to maintain parameters of operation. 
Collect, record and complete process data. 
Identify data that falls outside normal parameters and report for further action. 
Determine work requirements from job specification and plans. 
Select and check equipment required to meet safety requirements of task and site. 
Select, fit and use personal protective equipment. 
Carry out routine inspection on assets. 
Collect process samples. 
Carry out routine tests. 
Prepare samples for laboratory testing. 
Identify and report process faults and operational condition of assets. 
Carry out basic process adjustments to enhance process performance. 
Monitor processes to maintain parameters of operation. 
Collect, record and complete process data. 
Identify data that falls outside normal parameters and report for further action. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWPTRT081 - 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:

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Assessment Record Sheet

NWPTRT081 - 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: