ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Assess irrigation drainage and collection systems

1.1 Measurements are taken with appropriate equipment to determine drainage performance

1.2 Drainage/tail water quality is measured in accordance with OHS and enterprise policy and procedures

1.3 Water table depth is measured where required in accordance with OHS and enterprise policy and procedures

1.4 Soil salinity is measured where required in accordance with OHS and enterprise policy and procedures

1.5 Factors external to the system, which may cause interference, are identified and recorded in accordance with OHS and enterprise policy and procedures

1.6 Drainage system data is analysed and compared to the performance specified in the irrigation drainage plan

2 Regulate flows

2.1 Flow regulating systems are inspected and apply adjustments are applied necessary to achieve discharge requirements specified

2.2 Discharge flows are monitored and diversions applied to facilitate repair or emergency

3 Control and operate drainage system structures and processes

3.1 Processes are controlled to maintain performance specified in the irrigation drainage plan

3.2 Maintenance procedures for drainage system structures are developed and implemented

3.3 Operational conditions of the drainage system are identified, addressed and reported according to organisational requirements

3.4 Processes are integrated to improve drainage network performance

4 Troubleshoot drainage problems

4.1 A visual inspection is undertaken to determine damaged or broken components and results are recorded in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and enterprise policy and procedures

4.2 Areas being drained are inspected for signs of water pooling and problems are recorded in accordance with OHS and enterprise policy and procedures

4.3 Access to drainage lines is obtained to allow blockage to be cleared

4.4 Blockage is cleared or blocked section is replaced according to enterprise, environmental and OHS procedures

4.5 Drainage line is tested to confirm blockage is cleared from pipe system

4.6 Drainage line is repaired/resealed to permit normal use

4.7 The drainage site is rehabilitated

5 Record and report system performance status

5.1 Water quality is recorded in accordance with enterprise procedures

5.2 Water table depth, soil moisture and salinity are recorded in accordance with enterprise procedures

5.3 Strategies that minimise the negative environmental impacts and maximise the positive impacts of the drainage system, are documented

Required skills include:

Ability to:

identify hazards and implement safe work procedures

apply soil moisture testing techniques

calculate water volumes from rate and depth

measure water table depth, soil moisture and salinity

clear and refill drainage lines

isolate drainage lines

clear blockages from drainage systems

identify adverse environmental impacts of drainage systems and appropriate remedial action

use computers for recording and reporting drainage system data

implement and follow relevant enterprise OHS and environmental policies and 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:

measuring and monitoring procedures for factors contributing to drainage system performance

positive and negative environmental impacts of drainage systems

water table and salinity measures

water quality monitoring methods and techniques

soil moisture measurement procedures

water authority standards and procedures

enterprise policies and procedures

environmental role of drainage systems.

drainage appliances/fixtures/fittings and related

level and align site

types and operational parameters of drains

components used in drainage systems

isolation processes and procedures

levelling and alignment processes

regulatory requirements, codes of practice and relevant enterprise service standards relating to blockage removal, disconnection and reconnection activities

environmental impacts of drainage systems

OHS legislative 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:

identify and correcting system problems

measure, record and report soil moisture, salinity and water table depth

apply measuring and testing techniques

regulate drainage flows and clear blockages

record and report system performance.

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. 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.

Irrigation drainage systems may include:

both surface and sub-surface drainage installed to handle water which is excess to plant requirements in an irrigated area.

Drainage system structuresmay include:

surface drains

culverts

mole drains

sand slit

sub-surface traps

pit and trap systems

dune and swale systems

reed beds

water-recycling pumps and baffles.