This unit applies to an employee of an enterprise engaged in commercial-scale composting operations. Tasks are likely to be performed by a yard hand or general hand under supervision of an operations team leader or site foreman. Work is likely to be performed as a part of a team. The work requires the application of basic operational knowledge and skills to a limited range of maintenance tasks and roles, most of which are routine and predictable.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Set up a water delivery system

1.1. Requirements for set up of water delivery system and application methods to be used are obtained from supervisor and clarified if required.

1.2. Details of location to which water is to be delivered are confirmed with supervisor and any regulations covering use of site are noted and observed.

1.3. Hoses, tools and equipment and components appropriate to particular water delivery system being set up are selected and correctly used.

1.4. Appropriate water sources on site are identified.

1.5. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards associated with task are identified and appropriate action is taken to minimise risks to self and others.

1.6. Water delivery lines, where required, are measured and marked out according to instructions.

1.7. Water delivery system is set up according to instructions and enterprise procedures.

2. Operate a water delivery system

2.1. Water delivery is commenced as instructed.

2.2. Water application rate is set according to enterprise procedures.

2.3. Pipes, hoses and all joints are checked and confirmed to be secure and leak free.

2.4. Pumps are operated and checked according to manufacturer instructions and enterprise procedures.

2.5. Remedial action is taken if required and according to enterprise guidelines and supervisor instructions.

3. Check the efficiency of a water delivery system

3.1. Water application rate and distribution are checked according to enterprise procedures.

3.2. Water delivery system is visually inspected for operating faults and dry areas, and observations are recorded in maintenance log.

3.3. Variations from required rate or settings, or leaks, operating faults and dry areas observed at any stage in process are reported to supervisor.

3.4. Remedial action is carried out as directed by supervisor and according to enterprise procedures.

3.5. Amounts of water delivered to location are recorded according to enterprise procedures.

3.6. Work outcomes are reported to supervisor, feedback on performance is sought and any required improvements are noted for future action.

Required skills

identify hazards and adopt safe work practices

interpret site water management plan and site operating plan or map

use a tape measure

observing faults and variations from required settings

operating pumps

recording water application data

setting out and operating watering systems

using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) correctly

using relevant equipment

use literacy skills to follow sequenced written instructions and record information accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

characteristics and operation of joints, hoses, valves and sprinkler components

components of water delivery system

methods and techniques of water delivery

procedures for safe use of equipment, such as powered and hand tools, as used in water delivery system maintenance

standard industry risk-control measures to minimise risk associated with setting up and operating a water delivery system

reporting and recording requirements

OHS and environmental legislation and enterprise 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:

establish the requirements for a water delivery system

set up and operate a water delivery system on a commercial-scale composting site

record water application data

observe faults and variations from required settings

observe and report any faults or variations from required settings.

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.

Water delivery systems may include:

permanent overhead sprinklers

portable or travelling sprinklers

soaker hoses

spray and drippers

stand pipes

water tanker.

Unit sector

Water

This unit contains employability skills.