Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to supervise irrigation maintenance work.
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 a maintenance program for an irrigation system | 1.1 Establish the maintenance requirements for irrigation components and structures 1.2 Establish the maintenance requirements for the irrigation site 1.3 Determine the frequency of maintenance activities required and develop a schedule 1.4 Calculate the costs of maintenance activities in terms of required staff, materials and equipment 1.5 Assess the work health and safety risks associated with the maintenance program and implement suitable controls 1.6 Minimise the environmental impacts of maintenance activities 1.7 Develop a system for reporting maintenance activities |
2. Supervise maintenance of irrigation components | 2.1 Develop maintenance checklists for irrigation components 2.2 Monitor component operation, identify operating faults and take appropriate action 2.3 Identify and investigate abnormal operation or frequent and recurring breakdowns and organise maintenance as required 2.4 Identify situations requiring expert advice seek and specialist assistance 2.5 Review equipment condition routinely to ensure and maintain efficient operations |
3. Carry out maintenance of testing equipment | 3.1 Perform preventative maintenance 3.2 Identify and report equipment wear and faults 3.3 Perform minor repairs within limits of authorisation 3.4 Replace defective parts and make adjustments 3.5 Seek expert help where difficulties are encountered 3.6 Update maintenance and calibration records |
4. Supervise pest and weed control in an irrigated area | 4.1 Assess evidence of pests and determine species of infestation 4.2 Locate areas of weed infestation, which may be reduced or eradicated and identify species 4.3 Select integrated control methods for pests and weeds 4.4 Schedule control methods at the optimum time that will have minimal damage to the crop 4.5 Maintain records of the severity of infestations and treatments |
5. Complete records of irrigation system maintenance | 5.1 Maintain records of maintenance activities 5.2 Assess the results of maintenance works against the maintenance program |
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:
carry out visual checks for blockages or signs of wear in components
check connections and controllers
check sprinkler output and function
confirm operational pressures
develop enterprise procedures for maintenance
ensure proper operation of automatic flush valves
inspect irrigation systems
maintain testing equipment
pressure testing systems
service irrigation equipment
test emitter output and function
test irrigation equipment
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
principles and practices of irrigation system maintenance supervision
develop enterprise procedures for pre-season, irrigation and post-season maintenance
drainage systems
environmental impacts of irrigation maintenance
equipment testing
system components
system inspection
operating pressures and output
operational and maintenance requirements
pre and post-season maintenance covering
pressure testing as per procedures
pumping and distribution systems
distribution uniformity
visual checks for blockages or signs of wear in components
work health and safety hazards and safe work procedures
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)