AHCPGD306
Implement a maintenance program for an aquatic environment


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to implement a maintenance program for an aquatic environment in a park or garden setting.

It applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. 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. Prepare for maintenance activities

1.1 Identify, interpret and apply requirements for the maintenance of the aquatic environment

1.2 Select and prepare tools, equipment and machinery for use

1.3 Identify work health and safety hazards, assess risks and implement controls

1.4 Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment

1.5 Identify environmental implications associated with maintenance activities and report to supervisor

2. Maintain aquatic organisms

2.1 Identify indigenous, exotic and pest aquatic animals and plants for the specific aquatic environment

2.2 Monitor aquatic plants and animals and record and maintain relevant data and apply to aquatic plant maintenance activities

2.3 Report issues to supervisor, with recommendations for action

2.4 Implement control methods for excess aquatic animals and plants, and identified pest animals and plants

2.5 Process waste plant and animal material with regards to environmental issues

3. Maintain water quality

3.1 Monitor water quality where appropriate for the aquatic environment and the input water resource

3.2 Record monitoring data, maintain and apply to water quality maintenance activities

3.3 Remove debris and process using appropriate equipment

3.4 Report water quality issues to supervisor, with suggestions for remedial action

3.5 Discharge water, clean environment, and recharge water from the designated storage area or other input water resource

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.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

interpret site plans and maintenance program requirements, and use proforma reporting, recording, analysis and work procedure documents

measure materials and aquatic site dimensions

schedule and implement monitoring activities correctly and record, interpret and apply monitoring data


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices of aquatic environment maintenance

aquatic systems ecology

correct safety procedures working from boats or adjacent to large bodies of water

enterprise systems and procedures for the safe operation and maintenance of machinery and equipment in aquatic environments

food chain and nutrient cycling in aquatic systems

recognition, physiology and biological characteristics of animals and/or plants specific to the aquatic environment

regulations and industry standards for water quality requirements in association with specified use

relevant legislation regarding water pollution and management

safe systems and procedures for handling, transporting and storing chemicals and hazardous substances taking into account toxicity levels and environmental impacts

wildlife habitats associated with the aquatic environment


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

Parks and gardens (PGD)