AHCIRG318A
Implement a moving sprinkler irrigation maintenance program

This Unit covers the process of implementing a maintenance program for a moving sprinkler irrigation system and defines the standard required to: inspect irrigation systems; maintain irrigation equipment; troubleshoot and undertake minor repairs of equipment; record and report maintenance activities; dispose of unused or waste materials from site.

Application

This Unit applies to skilled workers in the irrigation servicing, food and fibre production and amenity horticulture industries, and is likely to be carried out under routine supervision within enterprise guidelines.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Interpret an irrigation maintenance program

1.1 Scope of maintenance works is determined according to the irrigation maintenance program

1.2 Frequency of maintenance works is determined and implemented according to the irrigation maintenance program

1.3 Irrigation maintenance standards are established in line with the irrigation maintenance program

1.4 Maintenance works are planned and prepared

1.5 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements are identified, associated hazards and risks assessed, and suitable controls implemented

1.6 Environmental considerations of irrigation maintenance activities are identified

2 Inspect a moving sprinkler irrigation system

2.1 An inspection checklist is established according to the irrigation maintenance program

2.2 System is regularly inspected according to the checklist

2.3 Remedial action and repairs are identified and undertaken to restore system to full effectiveness

2.4 Servicing of mechanical equipment is undertaken according to the irrigation maintenance program

2.5 Results of maintenance works are assessed and recorded to ensure repairs or maintenance standards have been achieved according to the irrigation maintenance program

2.6 Surroundings are tidied and materials and equipment cleared from the site on completion of maintenance works

3 Carry out system maintenance

3.1 Damage and blockage caused by pests and animals are recorded by damage type, location and the section of the system affected

3.2 Outlet pressure, flow rate and energy use is measured and recorded on a regular basis

3.3 Damaged or faulty pumps, valves, sprinklers electrical components and computer systems are recorded and reported, and action taken to effect repairs

3.4 Drive mechanism, frames and trusses are inspected and maintained

3.5 End of season maintenance procedures are implemented in accordance with enterprise standards

3.6 Routine and preventative maintenance procedures are implemented in accordance with enterprise standards

3.7 Storage procedures for irrigation components are implemented

4 Record and report maintenance activities

4.1 Maintenance and servicing records are completed

4.2 Parts removed and/or replaced are recorded

4.3 Faults and breakages are recorded or reported

Required Skills

Required skills include:

Ability to:

interpret and apply enterprise maintenance procedures

complete regular and end of season maintenance tasks

change the engine oil and filter

replace the air and fuel filters

grease drive shafts on pump, and motor

check spark plugs on gas, propane or natural gas motors

drain, flush and refill the cooling system

refill the drip oil reservoir and allow oil to drain into the drip line based on pump column length

ensure that the right-angle gear head is free moving and clean and lubricate non-reverse pins

check for malfunctioning sprinklers

check injection pump and safety equipment operation

inspect lift base and arms for any stress marks or cracks

check all bolts for correct torques

record all test results clearly and concisely with attention to detail

undertake minor repairs of equipment

dispose of unused or waste materials from site in an environmentally safe and sensitive manner

identify hazards and implement safe work procedures

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

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

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

methods and techniques of moving sprinkler irrigation

components of a moving sprinkler irrigation system and their maintenance requirements

routine and end of season maintenance requirements for moving sprinkler systems

common operational and maintenance problems

environmental impacts of irrigation maintenance

OHS legislation and safe work procedures.

Evidence Required

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:

inspect moving sprinkler irrigation systems

maintain irrigation equipment

troubleshoot and undertake minor repairs of equipment

record and report maintenance activities

dispose of unused or waste materials from site.

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.


Range Statement

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.

Moving sprinkler irrigation systems may include:

any systems that use specifically hard and soft reel self-travelling irrigators, lateral move systems and centre pivots. Moving sprinkler systems do not include movable sprinkler systems such as K-Line.

System components may include:

pipes

joints

valves

sprinklers

Vjack trusses

span pipes

pressure regulators

hose directors

gear box

control panel

wheels.


Sectors

Irrigation


Employability Skills

This Unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.