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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for work
   • Read and confirm work instructions
   • Prepare tools and equipment
   • Select personal protective equipment and clothing and ensure correct fit
   • Identify manual handling and other work health and safety hazards
2. Set up field for surface irrigation systems
   • Check rotobuck area for irrigation set up
   • Check pumps, bores and other water delivery mechanisms for irrigation set up
   • Position and secure tarpaulins or other water control devices as directed
3. Carry out routine maintenance activities on irrigation delivery systems
   • Service mechanical equipment
   • Flush and clean supply and distribution system
   • Maintain system inlets, outlets, structures and fittings
   • Check system is running smoothly and is free of damage, leaks and blockages in channels, drains and outlets
   • Clean irrigation system and ensure there is no disruption to the system
4. Undertake surface irrigation work as directed
   • Open and shut gates and valves
   • Ensure required head and water levels in head ditch are achieved and maintained to ensure sufficient water flow and availability to crops
   • Start or open the required number of siphons
   • Monitor progress of water flow in furrows
   • Lift siphons where irrigation is complete
   • Carry out irrigation change and mark
   • Move irrigation equipment
5. Record and report maintenance activities
   • Record damage and blockage caused by pests and vermin by damage type, location and the section of the system affected
   • Record and report damage or faulty pumps, valves, electrical components and computer systems and carry out necessary repairs
   • Record and report routine maintenance activities

Range Statement

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Performance Evidence

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

carry out surface irrigation operating tasks as directed

check siphons for even water flow

look for uneven water distribution or drainage

monitor required head and water levels in head ditch

open and close check valves

record and report maintenance activities and faults

start and pull siphons

use mechanical equipment to build and repair banks and for weed removal

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices of surface irrigation

channels, furrows, borders, fittings and outlets

damage and problems that occur with gravity-fed irrigation systems

environmental impacts of irrigation using water from any ground or underground source

identification, characteristics and operation of surface irrigation structures and components

signs of stress in plants as well as the signs of over and under-watering

system cleaning procedures

system malfunctions and their likely causes

purpose and principles of surface irrigation

weed types encountered in gravity fed irrigation systems and their control

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