Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to coordinate and supervise the construction and installation of a range of irrigation systems.
It applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Develop and implement construction procedures | 1.1 Develop employment and contract management procedures 1.2 Develop procedures for controlling and recording site deliveries 1.3 Develop procedures for recording the hire of plant and equipment 1.4 Determine work health and safety procedures, including risk assessment 1.5 Notify client, authorities and agencies of the schedule of works 1.6 Develop procedures for dealing with environmental issues associated with construction work |
2. Interpret the irrigation system design for the site | 2.1 Determine the purpose, scale and required output of the irrigation system 2.2 Assess the landscape of the site 2.3 Determine construction requirements and verify with the designer 2.4 Select components to meet design specifications and site requirements |
3. Organise resource requirements | 3.1 Nominate tasks and timelines and the required resources for each 3.2 Organise labour requirements 3.3 Verify and check parts and equipment delivered to the site 3.4 Select and maintain equipment and machinery 3.5 Allocate jobs and tasks to the work team 3.6 Carry out safety induction for the task and site |
4. Supervise construction work | 4.1 Interpret plan and supervise construction work 4.2 Confirm site is prepared and set out appropriately 4.3 Confirm the correct lay out of the main lateral line 4.4 Supervise the insertion of sub-mains and flushing manifold 4.5 Supervise the installation of risers, emitters and other components |
5. Complete installation work and test components | 5.1 Connect water supply 5.2 Check emitters for optimal coverage and efficiency 5.3 Set valves to allow water to targeted areas 5.4 Start up and flush the system 5.5 Attach measuring devices and controllers to the system |
6. Commission system | 6.1 Identify operating faults and take corrective action to meet design specifications 6.2 Calibrate testing and monitoring equipment 6.3 Carry out testing procedures and record 6.4 Hand over system in operating order |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
conduct work health and safety risk assessment
develop operational procedures
implement employment procedures
interpret irrigation designs
supervise installation tasks such as:
assembling sprinklers, pressure regulators and hose directors
checking operating specifications for pressures and flow rates
completing installation work and testing components
installing irrigation components
installing power and pumping plant
laying and joining sprinkler lateral pipelines
laying and joining supply and distribution pipeline
pressure testing the system
setting out and preparing site
setting up irrigation controllers
undertaking start-up procedures
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of irrigation system installation supervision
behaviour of water on varying terrain and soil types
calculations for installing low volume irrigation systems
characteristics and operation of joints, valves and sprinkler components
commissioning procedures
design interpretation
distribution uniformity
employment procedures
licensing requirements for electrical work
operating specifications for pressures and flow rates
project management principles
pump capacity
safe work practices for construction
setting up fertigation equipment
setting up irrigation controllers
soil water retention testing techniques
start-up procedures
types of pumps and water flow rates
volume and pressure requirements
water quality and water filtration techniques
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Irrigation (IRG)