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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Develop a maintenance program for a low volume irrigation system
   • Maintenance requirements for irrigation components and structures are established
   • Maintenance requirements for the irrigation site are established
   • The frequency of maintenance activities required are determined and a schedule is developed
   • Maintenance activities are costed out in terms of required staff, materials and equipment
   • OHS risks associated with the maintenance program are assessed and suitable controls implemented
   • The environmental impacts of maintenance activities are minimised
   • A system for reporting maintenance activities is developed
2. Supervise maintenance of low volume irrigationcomponents
   • Maintenance checklists are developed for irrigation components
   • Component operation is systematically monitored and operating faults are identified and appropriate action taken
   • Abnormal operation or frequent and recurring breakdowns are identified, investigated and maintenance organised as required
   • Situations requiring expert advice are identified and specialist assistance sought in accordance with site procedures
   • Equipment condition is routinely reviewed to ensure and maintain efficient operations
3. Carry out maintenance of testing equipment
   • Preventative maintenance is performed
   • Equipment wear and faults are identified and reported
   • Minor repairs are performed within limits of authorisation
   • Defective parts are replaced and adjustments made
   • Expert help is sought where difficulties are encountered
   • Maintenance and calibration records are updated
4. Supervise pest and weed control in an irrigated area
   • Evidence of pests is assessed and integrated control measures appropriate to type and species of infestation are determined
   • Areas of weed infestation, which may be reduced or eradicated, are located and species identified
   • Integrated control methods are selected to control pests and weeds
   • Control methods are scheduled at the optimum time with minimal damage to the crop
   • Records of the severity of infestations and treatments are maintained
5. Complete records of irrigation system maintenance
   • Records of maintenance activities are maintained
   • Results of maintenance works are assessed against the maintenance program

Required Skills

Required skills include

Ability to inspect irrigation system test irrigation equipment test emitter output and function check connections service filter strainer periodically ensure proper operation of automatic flush valves confirm operational pressures maintain testing equipment identify pests and weeds in the irrigated area use pest and weed control strategies carry out control systems checks supervise minor repairs of equipment identify the need for and schedule major repairs or replacements maintain testing equipment record all test results clearly and concisely with attention to detail dispose of unused or waste materials from site in an environmentally safe and sensitive manner collate records and analyse performance identify adverse environmental impacts of irrigation activities and appropriate remedial action implement and follow relevant enterprise OHS and environmental policies and procedures

Required knowledge includes

Knowledge of irrigation system components operational and maintenance requirements develop enterprise procedures for preseason irrigation and postseason maintenance pre and postseason maintenance covering emitter parts emitter operating pressures emitter output emitter distribution uniformity pumping and distribution systems visual checks for blockages or signs of wear in emitters pressure testing as per procedures flushing and checking of lines developing a maintenance program and checklists pest and weed control environmental procedures for irrigation maintenance OHS hazard identification and risk assessment

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit	The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following develop maintenance procedures supervise maintenance of irrigation components and testing equipment supervise maintenance of the irrigation area record and report maintenance activities
Context of and specific resources for assessment	Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances

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Range Statement

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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Maintenance programs may include:	preventative maintenance carried out at end of season or throughout the irrigation season, including the regular replacement of irrigation components.
Low volume irrigation systems may include:	low volume irrigation systems include systems that operate under comparatively low volume and pressure including micro irrigation, pop-ups at less than 0.1 litres/second, and drippers.
Maintenance of testing equipment may include:	replacing 'remove and replace' components; lubrication; working adjustments to tolerances; cleaning and storing; and completing usage records.

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