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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Ensure the low volume irrigation systemis prepared for operation
   • Staff are trained in carrying out pre-start checks and routine servicing
   • The irrigation controller is programmed and/or adjusted to meet the required schedule
   • Procedures are established for adjusting valves and checking filters and emitters
2. Develop and implement start-up and shutdown procedures for a low volume irrigation system
   • Start-up procedures for a low volume irrigation system are developed according to system specifications and technical manuals
   • Shut down sequence and isolation procedures are developed according to system specifications and technical manuals
   • Safety/security lock off devices and signage is installed according to enterprise policy and procedures
   • Instructions are provided for flushing the system as required
3. Carry out trouble shooting for faults and blockages
   • Access to faulty components and blockages is arranged
   • Faulty components are removed from the system, according to system specifications and technical manuals, and repaired or disposed of in an environmentally responsible way
   • Replaceable components are selected from manufacturer catalogues and procured using enterprise procedures
   • Replacement components are installed to meet system specifications according to technical manuals
4. Measure performance of a low volume irrigation system
   • Variations in pressures are identified and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures
   • Water flow rates are measured and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures
   • Variations in water flow and distribution are identified and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures
   • Pump performance parameters are measured as necessary and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures
   • Variations in pump performance parameters are measured where relevant and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures
   • Distribution and delivery systems are inspected and malfunctions in system are identified, fixed and actions recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures
   • Factors external to the system that may cause interference are identified and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures
5. Review system performance status
   • System pressures and variations are recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures
   • System flow rates and variations are recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures
   • Distribution uniformity and mean application rates are calculated and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures
   • Watering depth is determined and recorded in accordance with enterprise policy and procedures
   • Calculations are made for energy use and water efficiency and compared to industry benchmarks

Required Skills

Required skills include

Ability to develop and supervise procedures for starting up carrying out operational checks and shutting down carry out operational tests measure interpret and adjust flow rates and pressures operate maintain and repair irrigation systems shut down and isolate components replace components access and prepare data records for both printbased and computerbased data use computers for recording and reporting data apply measuring and testing techniques measure output and efficiency of an irrigation system calculate pressure differentials flow rates crop yields estimated water usageactual water usage use recorded information to review energy and water efficiency for an irrigation system 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 schedules application rates irrigation times dripper output pressure variations and blockages salinity levels and water quality depth of irrigation low volume irrigation technologies component specifications pump types used in low volume irrigation systems and their output and efficiency ratings soil water retention testing techniques measuring and monitoring procedures for factors contributing to irrigation system delivery water authority standards and procedures best practices for reducing environmental impacts of irrigation OHS 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 procedures for system operation troubleshoot faults and blockages measure performance of the system benchmark energy and water efficiency of the system
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.

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.

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