AHCWAT301
Monitor and operate water treatment processes


Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor, operate, measure, adjust and report water (including waste water) treatment performance and process control.

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. Plan and prepare for work

1.1 Identify work plans and clarify with supervisor

1.2 Select and carry out pre-operational and safety checks on tools, equipment and machinery

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

1.4 Select, use and maintain suitable safety and personal protective equipment

2. Monitor water treatment plant performance

2.1 Conduct routine inspections of treatment equipment

2.2 Collect water samples and conduct standard tests or send samples for analysis where required by the biosecurity and food safety codes

2.3 Collect data on treatment process and record and report in appropriate manner

3. Control chemical use

3.1 Use, handle and store chemicals appropriately

3.2 Prepare chemical dosing

3.3 Maintain information related to chemical supply and usage

4. Operate and control water treatment processes

4.1 Monitor water and waste water treatment processes to maintain parameters of operation

4.2 Identify and report process faults and operational conditions of treatment equipment

4.3 Initiate basic equipment and process adjustments to enhance performance

5. Complete work

5.1 Compile reports from equipment and water treatment processes

5.2 Clean and store tools and equipment

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:

identify adverse environmental impacts of irrigation activities and appropriate remedial action

identify control system faults

identify hazards and implement safe work procedures

prepare and apply chemical dosing

use water sampling and testing techniques


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

principles and practices for monitoring and operating water treatment processes

chemical dosing processes

environmental impacts of irrigation using water from any ground or underground source

environmental issues associated with water treatment

hazardous materials handling

water quality monitoring methods and techniques

water treatment and water filtration techniques

work health and safety procedures relating to the operation of machinery and the use of chemicals


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

Water (WAT)