This unit applies to the provision of support to others undertaking a range of irrigation activities in agricultural, horticultural, commercial and domestic situations.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare materials, tools and equipment for irrigation work

1.1. The required materials, tools and equipment are identified according to lists provided and/or supervisor's instructions.

1.2. Checks are conducted on all materials, tools and equipment with insufficient or faulty items reported to the supervisor.

1.3. Techniques used when loading and unloading materials demonstrate correct manual handling and minimise damage to the load and the vehicle.

1.4. Suitable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is selected and checked prior to use.

1.5. Irrigation support is provided according to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements and according to workplace information.

1.6. OHS hazards are identified and reported to the supervisor.

2. Undertake irrigation work as directed

2.1. Instructions and directions provided by supervisor are followed, and clarification sought when necessary.

2.2. Irrigation work is undertaken in a safe and environmentally appropriate manner according to enterprise guidelines.

2.3. Interactions with other staff and customers are carried out in a positive and professional manner.

2.4. Enterprise policy and procedures in relation to workplace practices, handling and disposal of materials is observed.

2.5. Problems or difficulties in completing work to required standards or timelines are reported to supervisor.

3. Handle materials and equipment

3.1. Waste material and debris produced during irrigation work is stored in a designated area according to supervisor's instructions.

3.2. Materials, equipment and machinery are handled and transported according to supervisor's instructions and enterprise guidelines.

3.3. A clean and safe work site is maintained while undertaking irrigation activities.

4. Clean up on completion of irrigation activities

4.1. Materials are returned to store or disposed of according to supervisor's instructions.

4.2. Tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained and stored according to manufacturer's specifications and supervisor's instructions.

4.3. Site is made good according to supervisor's instructions and good environmental practices.

4.4. Work outcomes are reported to the supervisor.

Required skills

follow safe work procedures

prepare materials, tools and equipment for irrigation work

undertake irrigation work as directed

handle materials and equipment

clean up on completion of work

use literacy skills to read and follow a range of basic instructions

use oral communication skills/language competence to communicate effectively with others

use numeracy skills to complete basic calculations

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds.

Required knowledge

safe work practices

preparing for irrigation work and cleaning up on completion

basic construction techniques

irrigation tools and equipment

maintenance practices for planted areas

basic repair and maintenance of irrigation components and systems

OHS legislation and enterprise requirements.

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:

apply safe irrigation work practices

support installation and maintenance activities

handle materials and equipment

clean up following work activities.

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.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Work tasks may include:

assisting with installation of irrigation and/or drainage pipes and components for gravity fed or pressurised systems, including digging trenches, back filling of trenches and completing other basic tasks as instructed.

assisting with maintenance of irrigation and/or drainage systems including clearing blockages, and completing other basic tasks as instructed.

work with a range of materials including plastic and metal pipes and components using hand tools commonly used in irrigation work.

associated irrigation activities including:

assisting in establishing work base

clearing site

erecting barriers and signs

unloading and loading of materials

setting out of works

cleaning up site

disposal of debris and materials.

make site good including:

paths are swept and cleaned

work area is left in a good state

disturbed areas are repaired

all materials, debris, tools and equipment are removed from site

other signs of disturbance or damage are corrected.

Tools and equipment may include:

levelling equipment

wheelbarrow

string lines

tape measures

marking gauges

spades

shovels

crow bars

rakes

brooms

sanding blocks

hacksaws.

Hazards may include

solar radiation

dust

noise

air- and soil-borne micro-organisms

chemicals and hazardous substances

sharp hand tools and equipment

manual handling

holes

slippery and uneven surfaces.

Unit sector

Irrigation

This unit contains employability skills.