Assessor Resource

NWPTRT091
Operate and control solids handling processes

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills required to monitor, operate and control water and wastewater dewatering and sludge thickening plant and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control. The ability to identify faults, determine and apply technical adjustments andconduct chemical dosing procedures is essential to performance.

This unit applies to those working as operational staff with a specific responsibility for water and/or wastewater dewatering and sludge thickening processes in a treatment plant.

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, particularly those relating to storing and handling dangerous goods and chemicals and WHS.

Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision, while 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. Monitor dewatering process performance

1.1 Monitor test results and processes to maintain the parameters of operation.

1.2 Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of plant.

2. Control chemical use

2.1 Use, handle and store chemicals.

2.2 Determine and carry out chemical dosing.

2.3 Maintain chemical supply and usage records.

2.4 Select, fit and use required safety equipment, including personal protective equipment.

3. Operate and control dewatering processes

3.1 Carry out routine plant inspections.

3.2 Conduct and analyse process tests and determine performance against plant operational requirements.

3.3 Make integrated process adjustments to optimise system performance.

3.4 Collect, interpret and record process data.

4. Complete documentation

4.1 Compile reports from plant and system data.

4.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

performing system calculations

monitoring test results and processes

identifying and reporting faults

conducting routine plant inspections

taking samples and performing basic tests including at least one of:

solids analysis

jar testing

sludge density

centrate clarity

dewatering process efficiency

preparing and applying chemical dosing

making basic process adjustments according to instructions, including at least one of:

loading rates

chemical dosing rates

dewatering polymers

centrifuge settings

collecting data and completing required documentation

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.

process layout

features and components of thickening and dewatering systems

theory of process operation

chemicals used for sludge conditioning including synthetic and organic polymers

chemical dosing processes

risk factors and potential hazards relating to thickening and dewatering systems

risk control requirements including safety equipment and safety data sheets

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

hazardous materials handling

environmental aspects of water and/or wastewater treatment

interpretation and use of safety data sheets

principles that form the basis of dewatering processes

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.

Some components of this unit require assessment in a workplace environment therefore the unit is not suitable for fully external or electronic based assessment.

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. Monitor dewatering process performance

1.1 Monitor test results and processes to maintain the parameters of operation.

1.2 Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of plant.

2. Control chemical use

2.1 Use, handle and store chemicals.

2.2 Determine and carry out chemical dosing.

2.3 Maintain chemical supply and usage records.

2.4 Select, fit and use required safety equipment, including personal protective equipment.

3. Operate and control dewatering processes

3.1 Carry out routine plant inspections.

3.2 Conduct and analyse process tests and determine performance against plant operational requirements.

3.3 Make integrated process adjustments to optimise system performance.

3.4 Collect, interpret and record process data.

4. Complete documentation

4.1 Compile reports from plant and system data.

4.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

performing system calculations

monitoring test results and processes

identifying and reporting faults

conducting routine plant inspections

taking samples and performing basic tests including at least one of:

solids analysis

jar testing

sludge density

centrate clarity

dewatering process efficiency

preparing and applying chemical dosing

making basic process adjustments according to instructions, including at least one of:

loading rates

chemical dosing rates

dewatering polymers

centrifuge settings

collecting data and completing required documentation

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.

process layout

features and components of thickening and dewatering systems

theory of process operation

chemicals used for sludge conditioning including synthetic and organic polymers

chemical dosing processes

risk factors and potential hazards relating to thickening and dewatering systems

risk control requirements including safety equipment and safety data sheets

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

hazardous materials handling

environmental aspects of water and/or wastewater treatment

interpretation and use of safety data sheets

principles that form the basis of dewatering processes

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.

Some components of this unit require assessment in a workplace environment therefore the unit is not suitable for fully external or electronic based assessment.

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
Monitor test results and processes to maintain the parameters of operation. 
Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of plant. 
Use, handle and store chemicals. 
Determine and carry out chemical dosing. 
Maintain chemical supply and usage records. 
Select, fit and use required safety equipment, including personal protective equipment. 
Carry out routine plant inspections. 
Conduct and analyse process tests and determine performance against plant operational requirements. 
Make integrated process adjustments to optimise system performance. 
Collect, interpret and record process data. 
Compile reports from plant and system data. 
Report observations outside defined parameters for further action. 
Monitor test results and processes to maintain the parameters of operation. 
Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of plant. 
Use, handle and store chemicals. 
Determine and carry out chemical dosing. 
Maintain chemical supply and usage records. 
Select, fit and use required safety equipment, including personal protective equipment. 
Carry out routine plant inspections. 
Conduct and analyse process tests and determine performance against plant operational requirements. 
Make integrated process adjustments to optimise system performance. 
Collect, interpret and record process data. 
Compile reports from plant and system data. 
Report observations outside defined parameters for further action. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWPTRT091 - Operate and control solids handling 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

NWPTRT091 - Operate and control solids handling 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: