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

NWP328A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Inspect and report on embankment dam safety

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency NWP328A - Inspect and report on embankment dam safety
Description This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to plan, implement and report on embankment dam safety inspection. This requires the operator to conduct routine visual inspection, capture and report dam condition and faults in dams constructed primarily from earth and rock materials. Dam safety operators should be aware of the damage potential of the dam and be able to recognise and report deficiencies, or adverse trends that could lead to failure.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit is required for staff with responsibility for the inspection of embankment dams and reporting of faults or trends.This unit forms part of the skills set for:Monitor and inspect embankment dams
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field Dam safety
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: Plan and prepare embankment dam inspection.
  • Identify and apply organisational requirements relating to embankment dam safety inspection.
  • Identify features of embankment dam types and their applications to the dams to be inspected.
  • Identify embankment dam behaviour under a range of conditions.
  • Gather and validate checklists and previous inspection reports.
  • Schedule activities for embankment dam inspection according to workplace requirements.
       
Element: Inspect and assess the condition of components of embankment dams.
  • Implement embankment dam inspection procedures and practices according to organisational requirements, including for unusual events.
  • Inspect and assess the condition and performance of identified areas and features of embankment dams.
  • Recognise, record and assess any faults and changes in the condition of the embankment dam and its appurtenant structures.
       
Element: Report the condition of the components of embankment dams.
  • Identify the purpose and audience of dam safety reports.
  • Collect and record measurements and evidence to establish the extent of changes in conditions
  • Prepare and submit reports to meet organisational requirements.
       


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.

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

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to conduct and report on embankment dam safety inspection including:

interpreting and applying relevant organisational and regulatory information and requirements to the planning of inspection activities

identifying inspection features and scheduling activities according to the required frequency

conducting embankment dam inspection activities

gathering and recording data

identifying faults, changes and failure indicators

reporting on inspection and monitoring outcomes, with recommendations for action.

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 and/or 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 should only be made when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's 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 (RCC/RPL), 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 project-based 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 or examination 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.


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:

follow instructions, standard operating procedures, policies and standards for embankment dam safety

plan and organise work schedules and responses to contingencies

communicate with engineering professionals, team members and the public on dam safety using clear and direct communication

record and report dam safety data using organisation information systems

make mathematical calculations to collect and process data from dam inspections

identify embankment dam faults and failure indicators

assess the importance and urgency of deficiencies

collect and process embankment dam inspection observations

read and interpret plans, drawings and charts

produce embankment dam inspection reports

apply safety hazards protocols

use digital photography and locational equipment.

Required knowledge:

embankment dam types (including concrete faced rock fill dams), elements, zones, risks and failure modes

historic information and lessons from previous embankment dam incidents

potential earthquake effects and damage

properties of stored water

embankment dam design and construction principles, including basic understanding of:

materials science (in particular soil and rock properties)

hydraulics and erosion by water

principles of filters, piping and embankment stability

treatment of foundations, grouting and drainage system

pore pressures

causes of cracks and settlement

dam performance history

principles of embankment dam inspection

occupational health and safety and personal work site safety relevant to worksite and working with dams including working in confined spaces

organisational policies, procedures, guidelines and requirements relevant to the work site and dam safety monitoring.

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.

Organisational requirements will include:

Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD) guidelines

past embankment dam inspection reports, surveillance reports and risk assessments

survey information

relevant regulator's technical bulletins

occupational health and safety information, regulations and procedures

operation and maintenance information

dam performance history

dam safety performance indicators

environmental laws and policies

incident management plans

public safety and disaster plans

state and local government requirements

standard operating procedures

asset management plan

dam safety inspection manuals

and may include:

design and modification plans and reports

construction records and reports.

Features of embankment dam types will include:

soil mechanics and its application in dam embankments design

foundations, grout curtains and filter systems

spillway and water regulation options for a range of embankment dams

dam structure

embankment walls and structures

hydraulic structures

spillways/ diversions systems

outlet works/ intake structures

pipes/ conduits

abutments and foundations

access to areas

reservoir perimeter and downstream areas

weirs and monitoring installations

tunnels, galleries and drainage systems

and may include:

mechanical and electrical components including valves, winches, hydraulic and electrical systems

civil infrastructure including ladders, pipe work, and security

post tensioning anchors.

Embankment dam behaviours will include:

design of the embankment downstream, upstream and settlement movement of the embankment

leakage and seepage through drainage systems under a range of weather and storage content situations

structural vibration and water flow patterns of regulated and flood waters

structural movements expected during and post earthquakes.

Unusual events may include:

seismic events

floods

extreme inflows

rapid draw down

landslides and slips

dam incidents

sabotage / terrorist attack

fires

long term low storage levels.

Identified areas and features will include:

visual observation and note taking

use of manual, electronic and/or computer equipment and digital camera

dam condition assessments

site security

site access

embankment dam safety fault indicator reporting

landslides and environmental conditions

details of sites to be inspected and monitored, including:

embankment crest, slopes and groins

downstream toe area

walls retaining earth/rock fill

spillways/ diversions systems

outlet works/ intake structures

pipes/ conduits

abutments and foundations

reservoir perimeter and downstream areas

weirs and monitoring installations

galleries.

Faults and changes will include:

cracks

slips

seepage

embankment and foundation piping

sinkholes

erosion and rutting

settlement and movement

deterioration

animal and human activity:

burrowing

vandalism

maintenance concerns:

dense overgrowth

blocked drainage

leaking or inoperative valves and gates

damaged monitoring instrumentation.

Measurements and evidence will include:

flood, rainfall and relevant weather information

visual observation and note taking

manual, electronic and/or computer equipment and digital camera

dam condition assessments

site security

site access

embankment dam safety fault indicator reporting

seismic and other incident details

inspection findings

location and extent of faults and changes

photographs

monitoring data.

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
Identify and apply organisational requirements relating to embankment dam safety inspection. 
Identify features of embankment dam types and their applications to the dams to be inspected. 
Identify embankment dam behaviour under a range of conditions. 
Gather and validate checklists and previous inspection reports. 
Schedule activities for embankment dam inspection according to workplace requirements. 
Implement embankment dam inspection procedures and practices according to organisational requirements, including for unusual events. 
Inspect and assess the condition and performance of identified areas and features of embankment dams. 
Recognise, record and assess any faults and changes in the condition of the embankment dam and its appurtenant structures. 
Identify the purpose and audience of dam safety reports. 
Collect and record measurements and evidence to establish the extent of changes in conditions 
Prepare and submit reports to meet organisational requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWP328A - Inspect and report on embankment dam safety
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

NWP328A - Inspect and report on embankment dam safety

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: