AHCIRG322A
Operate sprinkler irrigation systems

This Unit covers the process of operating sprinkler irrigation systems and defines the standard required to: read and follow operations manual and irrigation schedules; carry out pre-start checks; operate and inspect the system; measure and interpret flow rates and pressures; identify environmental hazards; and shut down in response to irrigation indicators.

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 Carry out pre-start checks

1.1 Checks of water, power, fuel and lubricants ensure that all are available and the control system is operational

1.2 Pumps are primed, if necessary, and valves and controls are open or closed as directed

1.3 Pressure and flow testing equipment are calibrated and available as required

1.4 Other pre-start system checks are carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements and enterprise procedures

2 Inspect and operate the system

2.1 Start up sequence is implemented in accordance with operations manual

2.2 Sprinkler spacing is checked against the irrigation plan

2.3 Water pressure and volume is adjusted as required

2.4 Water is delivered as per irrigation schedule

2.5 All malfunctions, leaks and blockages are corrected or repaired immediately and reported in accordance with enterprise procedures

3 Monitor sprinkler irrigation system performance

3.1 Pressure at sprinkler nozzles and on main and lateral pipelines is checked against specifications

3.2 Application rate of water is calculated

3.3 The water distribution pattern in the irrigated area is checked

3.4 Moisture levels in the root zone are checked

3.5 Identify and report any environmental hazards identified

4 Shut down sprinklers in response to irrigation indicators

4.1 Water is applied for sufficient time to achieve required soil moisture levels in accordance with irrigation schedule, environmental considerations and allowing for weather conditions

4.2System components are shut down and drained in sequence in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and enterprise procedures

4.3 Drainage and treatment systems are checked in accordance with enterprise procedures

4.4 Irrigation activities are recorded and in reported accordance with regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures

Required Skills

Required skills include:

Ability to:

read and follow operations manual and irrigation schedules

operate pressure and flow testing equipment

carry out pre-start checks and prime pumps

start up system and carry out operational checks

measure and interpret flow rates and pressures

monitor system effectiveness

application rates

irrigation times

sprinkler output

pressure variations

salinity levels and water quality

depth of irrigation

energy efficiency

connect, calibrate and operate the equipment, and monitor and adjust the delivery of fertilisers

shut down, clean equipment and dispose of waste

use personal protective equipment

perform shut down procedures

carry out measurements for output and efficiency

take and record measurements of output and efficiency

record data.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

general irrigation methods for sprinkler systems

main components of sprinkler irrigation systems

pump types used in sprinkler irrigation systems and their operation

energy efficiency indicators/ benchmarks for sprinkler irrigation

shutdown sequence

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

soil characteristics

soil/plant/water relationships

water requirements of plants/crops consistent with sound environmental management

critical measures for moisture availability

readily available water

water holding capacity

wilting point

field capacity

infiltration rates

evapotranspiration

OHS legislation and procedures

electrical hazards

contact with pumps, motors, other live components

short circuits

standing laterals to remove blockages

water spray onto powerlines.

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:

read and follow operations manual and irrigation schedules

carry out pre-start checks

operate and inspect the system

measure and interpret flow rates and pressures

identify environmental hazards

shut down in response to irrigation indicators.

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.

Sprinkler irrigation systems may include:

any 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).

System components may include:

pumps

sprinklers

nozzles

risers

pipe or tubing

valves

regulators and gauges

laterals

controllers.


Sectors

Irrigation


Employability Skills

This Unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.