Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

AHCIRG332 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Operate pressurised irrigation systems

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCIRG332 - Operate pressurised irrigation systems
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate low volume and sprinkler irrigation systems.It applies to individuals who take responsibility for own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Carry out pre-start checks
  • Determine work requirements and identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures
  • Select required tools and equipment and check for safe operation
  • Select and use suitable personal protective equipment
  • Check water, power, fuel and lubricants to confirm all are available and the control system is operational
  • Prime pumps, if necessary, and open or close valves and controls as directed
  • Calibrate pressure and flow testing equipment
  • Carry out other pre-start system checks
       
Element: Inspect and operate the system
  • Implement start up sequence
  • Check emitter spacing against the irrigation plan
  • Adjust water pressure as required
  • Keep filters clear and replace as required
  • Correct or repair all malfunctions, leaks and blockages and report
       
Element: Monitor irrigation system performance
  • Check emitters for output
  • Calculate application rate of water
  • Check the water distribution pattern in the irrigated area
  • Monitor moisture levels in the root zone
  • Minimise environmental impacts of the operation
       
Element: Shut down irrigation system
  • Apply water for sufficient time to achieve required soil moisture levels and allowing for weather conditions
  • Shut down system components and drain
  • Record and report irrigation activities
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Carry out pre-start checks

1.1 Determine work requirements and identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures

1.2 Select required tools and equipment and check for safe operation

1.3 Select and use suitable personal protective equipment

1.4 Check water, power, fuel and lubricants to confirm all are available and the control system is operational

1.5 Prime pumps, if necessary, and open or close valves and controls as directed

1.6 Calibrate pressure and flow testing equipment

1.7 Carry out other pre-start system checks

2. Inspect and operate the system

2.1 Implement start up sequence

2.2 Check emitter spacing against the irrigation plan

2.3 Adjust water pressure as required

2.4 Keep filters clear and replace as required

2.5 Correct or repair all malfunctions, leaks and blockages and report

3. Monitor irrigation system performance

3.1 Check emitters for output

3.2 Calculate application rate of water

3.3 Check the water distribution pattern in the irrigated area

3.4 Monitor moisture levels in the root zone

3.5 Minimise environmental impacts of the operation

4. Shut down irrigation system

4.1 Apply water for sufficient time to achieve required soil moisture levels and allowing for weather conditions

4.2 Shut down system components and drain

4.3 Record and report irrigation activities

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

assess soil moisture levels

carry out measurements for output and distribution

measure and interpret flow rates and pressures

monitor system effectiveness including:

application rates

depth of irrigation

emitter output

irrigation times

pressure variations and blockages

salinity levels and water quality

perform shut down procedures

read and follow operations manual and procedures

record data

start up the system and carrying out operational checks

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices of pressurised irrigation system operation

critical measures for moisture availability including:

evapotranspiration

field capacity

infiltration rates

readily available water

water holding capacity

wilting point

electrical hazards including:

contact with pumps, motors, other live components

short circuits

standing laterals to remove blockages

water spray onto power lines

energy efficiency indicators and benchmarks for low volume irrigation

environmental impacts of irrigation using water from any ground or underground source

general irrigation methods for low volume systems

main components of low volume and sprinkler irrigation systems

principles of irrigation and the water cycle

pump types used in irrigation systems and their operation

shutdown sequence and flushing procedures

soil characteristics

soil, plant and water relationships

water requirements of plants and crops consistent with sound environmental management

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Element

Performance criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Carry out pre-start checks

1.1 Determine work requirements and identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures

1.2 Select required tools and equipment and check for safe operation

1.3 Select and use suitable personal protective equipment

1.4 Check water, power, fuel and lubricants to confirm all are available and the control system is operational

1.5 Prime pumps, if necessary, and open or close valves and controls as directed

1.6 Calibrate pressure and flow testing equipment

1.7 Carry out other pre-start system checks

2. Inspect and operate the system

2.1 Implement start up sequence

2.2 Check emitter spacing against the irrigation plan

2.3 Adjust water pressure as required

2.4 Keep filters clear and replace as required

2.5 Correct or repair all malfunctions, leaks and blockages and report

3. Monitor irrigation system performance

3.1 Check emitters for output

3.2 Calculate application rate of water

3.3 Check the water distribution pattern in the irrigated area

3.4 Monitor moisture levels in the root zone

3.5 Minimise environmental impacts of the operation

4. Shut down irrigation system

4.1 Apply water for sufficient time to achieve required soil moisture levels and allowing for weather conditions

4.2 Shut down system components and drain

4.3 Record and report irrigation activities

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Determine work requirements and identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures 
Select required tools and equipment and check for safe operation 
Select and use suitable personal protective equipment 
Check water, power, fuel and lubricants to confirm all are available and the control system is operational 
Prime pumps, if necessary, and open or close valves and controls as directed 
Calibrate pressure and flow testing equipment 
Carry out other pre-start system checks 
Implement start up sequence 
Check emitter spacing against the irrigation plan 
Adjust water pressure as required 
Keep filters clear and replace as required 
Correct or repair all malfunctions, leaks and blockages and report 
Check emitters for output 
Calculate application rate of water 
Check the water distribution pattern in the irrigated area 
Monitor moisture levels in the root zone 
Minimise environmental impacts of the operation 
Apply water for sufficient time to achieve required soil moisture levels and allowing for weather conditions 
Shut down system components and drain 
Record and report irrigation activities 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCIRG332 - Operate pressurised irrigation systems
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCIRG332 - Operate pressurised irrigation systems

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: