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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Develop a maintenance program for a moving sprinkler irrigation system
  2. Supervise maintenance of moving sprinkler irrigation components
  3. Supervise maintenance of moving sprinkler irrigation structures
  4. Testing equipment is maintained
  5. Complete records of irrigation system maintenance

Required Skills

Required skills include

Ability to

develop maintenance procedures and demonstrate the skills for regular and end of season maintenance tasks to

change the engine oil and filter

replace the air and fuel filters

grease drive shafts on pump and motor

check spark plugs on gas propane or natural gas motors

drain flush and refill the cooling system

refill the drip oil reservoir and allow oil to drain into the drip line based on pump column length

ensure that the rightangle gear head is free moving and clean and lubricate nonreverse pins

check for malfunctioning sprinklers

check injection pump and safety equipment operation

inspect lift base and arms for any stress marks or cracks

check all bolts for correct torques

develop enterprise procedures for preseason irrigation and postseason maintenance

inspect irrigation system

test irrigation equipment

carry out visual checks for blockages or signs of wear in components

pressure test as per procedures

carry out control systems checks

supervise minor repairs of equipment

identify the need for and schedule major repairs or replacements

record all test results clearly and concisely with attention to detail

dispose of unused or waste materials from site

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

pre and postseason maintenance covering

system components

sprinkler operating pressures

sprinkler output

sprinkler distribution uniformity

pumping and distribution systems

drainage systems

environmental impacts of irrigation maintenance

OHS hazards and safe work procedures

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 irrigation structures

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


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.

Moving sprinkler systems may include:

moving sprinkler irrigation systems describe specifically hard and soft reel self-travelling irrigators, lateral move systems and centre pivots.

Maintenance programs may include:

preventative maintenance carried out at end of season or throughout the irrigation season, including the regular replacement of irrigation components.

Maintenance of testing equipment may include:

replacing 'remove and replace' components; lubrication; working adjustments to tolerances; cleaning and storing; and completing usage records.