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

AHCIRG421A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Manage a sprinkler irrigation system

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCIRG421A - Manage a sprinkler irrigation system
Description This Unit covers the process of managing a sprinkler irrigation system and defines the standard required to: develop procedures for system operation; troubleshoot faults and blockages; measure performance of the system; and benchmark energy and water efficiency of the system.
Employability Skills This Unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This Unit applies to irrigation managers in the amenity horticulture and food and fibre production industries.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
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: Ensure sprinkler irrigation system is 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
       
Element: Develop and implement start-up and shutdown procedures for a sprinkler irrigation system
  • Start-up procedures for a sprinkler 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
       
Element: 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
       
Element: Measure performance of a sprinkler 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
       
Element: 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
       


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.

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.

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.

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 print-based and computer-based 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 usage/actual water usage

measure output and efficiency of an irrigation system

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:

develop and supervise procedures for starting up, carrying out operational checks and shutting down

monitor system effectiveness:

application rates

irrigation times

sprinkler coverage and output

soil moisture levels

pressure variations and blockages

salinity levels and water quality

depth of irrigation

infiltration and runoff

measure, interpret and adjust flow rates and pressures

sprinkler irrigation technologies

component specifications

pump types used in sprinkler irrigation systems and their output and efficiency ratings

weather patterns

soil moisture testing techniques

irrigation schedules

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

best practices for reducing environmental impacts of irrigation

water in soils and plants

water requirements of plants/crops consistent with sound environmental management

using records to review an irrigation system.

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.

Sprinkler irrigation systems may include:

sprinkler irrigation systems describe systems that use spray or rotor type sprinklers to distribute irrigation water at higher volume including pop-up sprinklers, fixed, and movable sprinklers (e.g. K Line and Ezy Shift).

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
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 
Start-up procedures for a sprinkler 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 
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 
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 
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 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCIRG421A - Manage a sprinkler irrigation system
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

AHCIRG421A - Manage a sprinkler irrigation system

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: