This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Required skills

identify and correct operational and control system problems

take samples and perform tests

prepare and apply chemical dosing

produce logs and reports

interpret plans charts and instructions

interpret policies procedures and standards

give and receive instructions

operate control and communication systems

use safety and personal protective equipment

communicate with employees and customers

give and receive instructions

perform system calculations

Required knowledge

process layout

features and components of thickening and dewatering systems

theory of process operation

chemicals used for sludge conditioning

chemical dosing processes

risk factors and potential hazards related to thickening and dewatering systems

risk control requirements including safety equipment and material safety data sheets

lockout procedures for mechanical and electrical installations and hydraulic isolation

equipment operation capacity and limitations

operation of pumping and valving systems

control and communications systems

policies procedures and relevant legislation

relevant utilities and service bodies

hazardous materials handling

environmental aspects of water andor wastewater treatment

procedures for storing and handling dangerous goods and chemicals

interpretation and use of material safety data sheets

chemical principles that form the basis of dewatering processes

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to monitor operate and control dewatering processes including

monitoring test results and processes

identifying and reporting faults

conducting routine plant inspections

taking samples and performing basic tests

preparing and applying chemical dosing

making basic process adjustments according to instructions

collecting data and completing required documentation

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Access to the workplace and resources including

documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation

relevant codes standards and government regulations

Where applicable physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities

Access must be provided to appropriate learning andor assessment support when required

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice

a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the persons competence over time and in various contexts

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct indirect and supplementary evidence

where assessment is for the purpose of recognition RCCRPL the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time

assessment can be through simulated projectbased activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions and reflecting the requirements of the competency and the work being performed

Processes may include:

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

Chemicals may include:

Routine inspection of plant may include:

Tests may include:

System adjustments may include:

Reports may include: