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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare the waste water treatment process for operation
   • Chemicals and test equipment are available and ready for use
   • Services are confirmed as available and ready for operation
   • Pre-operational checks are conducted
   • Instrumentation and test equipment is calibrated to manufacturer's specifications to meet workplace requirements
   • Health and safety hazards / maintenance requirements are identified and reported to appropriate personnel according to workplace reporting procedures
2. Operate and monitor the waste water treatment process
   • The waste water system is started up according to company procedures
   • Plant is operated within limits of manufacturer's specifications to meet workplace requirements
   • Equipment is monitored to confirm operating condition
   • Waste water quality is monitored, tested and adjusted as required to meet water standards as defined by site licence
   • First flush systems are operated during rainfall events
   • The workplace meets housekeeping standards
3. Analyse and respond to abnormal performance
   • Water condition and plant operating conditions are analysed to identify causes of abnormal performance
   • Corrective action is taken in accordance with workplace procedures in response to Hazards, out-of-specification test results and/or plant performance
   • Emergency procedures are implemented as required according to workplace procedures and manufacturer's recommendations
4. Handover waste water treatment system
   • Workplace records are maintained in accordance with statutory requirements and workplace procedures
   • Handover is carried out according to workplace procedure
   • Waste water treatment operators are aware of system status and related equipment at completion of handover
5. Shutdown the waste water treatment system
   • The waste water treatment system is shut down according to workplace procedures
   • The waste water treatment system is prepared for storage in shut down mode
   • Maintenance requirements are identified and reported according to workplace reporting procedure

Required Skills

Not applicable

Evidence Required

The assessment process must address all of the following items of evidence

Ability to

Access workplace information to identify waste treatment requirements

Select fit and use personal protective clothing andor equipment

Confirm services are available and equipment is clean and ready for operation

Handle chemicals safely This includes following correct preparation handling and storage procedures and use of appropriate protective clothing and equipment

Conduct prestart checks

Liaise with other work areas as required

Demonstrate wastewater system operating procedures in both manual and automatic modes

Demonstrate first flush system operating procedures in both manual and automatic modes

Monitor waste water system operation This typically includes monitoring

chemical addition rates and residuals

temperatures

flow rates

equipment condition including calibration of instruments

tests as required

dissolved oxygen levels

pH

levels

Conduct water quality tests

Take corrective action in response to outofspecification results or noncompliance

Monitor supply and quality of waste water to and from the process

Report andor record corrective action as required

Demonstrate emergency procedures to control chemical spills or other major incidents relevant to the workplace

Demonstrate shift handover procedure

Demonstrate an operational shut down procedure

Maintain workplace records to meet the requirements of the workplace and site environmental authority

Maintain work area to meet housekeeping standards

May include ability to

Use process control systems

Knowledge of

Relevant state OHS legislation environmental acts and policies standards and codes of practice relating to work responsibilities This includes awareness of standards set out in site license arrangements

Safe work procedures including awareness of health and safety hazards related to waste water system operation and associated control measures Hazards typically include handling chemicals manual handling and flammable gases

Hierarchy of hazard control measures

Purpose and limitations of protective clothing and equipment

Methods used to render equipment safe to inspect maintain andor clean including lockout tagout and isolation procedures

Water cycles for trade waste storm water and sewerage including sources and flow patterns

Purpose and standards required by environmental agreements and responsibilities

Company policy relating to environmental performance

Consequences of nonconformance

Waste characteristics and treatment methods

Sampling and test procedures as appropriate

Purpose of chemicals used

Purpose of first flush systems and their relationship with the wastewater treatment system

Operating requirements and parameters

Water quality sampling and test procedures This includes purpose of test and safe use care and storage of relevant test equipment interpretation and recording of results

Typical causes of nonconforming water quality and corrective action required

Equipment purpose and basic operating principles of waste water treatment equipment and methods

Requirements of both operational and long term shut down conditions to ensure the equipment is left in a safe state for the period of the shutdown and to minimise any delays in future start up

Housekeeping standards for the work area

Reporting and recording systems This includes both statutory and workplace requirements

May include knowledge of

Basic operating principles of process control where relevant This includes the relationship between control panels and systems and the physical equipment

Relationship with other standards

Prerequisite units

There are no prerequisite units for this competency standard

Coassessment of related units

Other units of competency relevant to the work role should be assessed in conjunction with this unit This may include

SUGZPCIA Operate a process control interface

Resources required for assessment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to

Waste water treatment systems and related chemicals

Test equipment

Relevant advice on environmental agreements

Operating procedures and related advice on equipment operation

Personal protective clothing and equipment

Communication systems and equipment

Housekeeping standards and procedures

Workplace information recording systems requirements and procedures

Assessment requirements

For information on how to assess this competency standard and who can assess refer to the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

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Range Statement

The range statement indicates the context for demonstrating competence. This statement is a guide and unless otherwise indicated, items may or may not apply as required by the work context.

Work is carried out in accordance with company policies and procedures, manufacturer's recommendations, legislative requirements, site licenses and trade waste service agreements and industrial awards and agreements. Legislation refers to environmental acts and regulations

Workplace information can include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and manufacturer's specifications

Equipment may include screens, ph correction, oil/grease skimmers, settling and treatment ponds, aeration units, lagoons, first flush systems and wetlands, pumps and valves

Confirming equipment status involves conducting relevant pre-start checks, confirming that cleaning and calibration standards are met, all safety guards are in place and equipment is operational

Operation and monitoring of equipment and processes may require the use of control panels and systems

Typical tests may include pH, solids, colour/turbidity, flow rate, settling rate, settled volume, DO and BOD/COD levels

Work may require the ability to work within a team environment

Information systems may be equipment-based or remote from the treatment plant

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