CPCPCM5014A
Design sewer infrastructure systems

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to design and document sewer infrastructure systems, including specifying responsibilities, procedures and safety standards for sewerage equipment, construction, soil classification, pipelaying techniques and trench construction; analysing factors relating to pumping and tunnelling; and supervising the installation of a sewer infrastructure system.

Application

This unit of competency supports development of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in a consultancy or supervisory capacity in relation to plumbing services and hydraulics.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Prepare and implement sewer contracts.

1.1

Sewer contracting procedures are implemented.

1.2

Required qualifications, roles and responsibilities of local authority personnel and contracted parties are documented.

2

Evaluate design parameters.

2.1

Scope of workis established for sewer infrastructure systems.

2.2

Design requirementsare determined from relevant Australian standards, codes, plans, specifications and client brief.

2.3

Cost-benefit analysisis conducted comparing a range of pipe materials and system designs.

2.4

Statutory and regulatory requirements and relevant Australian standards and codes for the design of sewer infrastructure systems are analysed and applied.

2.5

Manufacturer requirements and trade and technical manuals are interpreted.

2.6

Additional research, including a desktop study, is conducted to outline design parameters.

2.7

Factors that contribute to quality, safety and time efficiency are determined.

2.8

Point of connection to the authority’s system is determined.

2.9

Safety procedures and regulations for trench safety and for pumping stations are specified.

2.10

Performance requirements are established.

2.11

Pipe sizes are assessed using equivalent population (EP) density.

3

Plan and detail system components.

3.1

Soils are tested and classified and characteristics of soil types are analysed.

3.2

Trenching safety proceduresare detailed and backfilling and compaction methods are specified.

3.3

Layout of pipework systems and type and location of fittings, valves and controls are planned.

3.4

Pipelaying, dewatering and testing procedures for installation of pipework of varying sizes are specified.

3.5

Self-cleaning velocities, pipe size and grade, and ventilation requirements are calculated for a range of systems.

3.6

Sewer connections, access chambers, bedding material and support systems are detailed.

3.7

Requirements for pump station, pumps, controls and equipment are sized and detailed.

3.8

Approved materials, jointing methods and installation requirements for sewer infrastructure systems are specified.

3.9

Maintenance procedures of the system are identified.

4

Design and size systems.

4.1

Easements and location for sewer infrastructure systems are identified, including pumping rising mains.

4.2

Sewer infrastructure systems are designed for a range of applications.

4.3

Sewer long sections are designed and detailed.

4.4

Pump rising main systems are designed.

4.5

Pumping stations are designed.

4.6

Sewer infrastructure systems are designed and sized using calculations and computer software packages.

4.7

Ventilation requirements are determined and designed.

4.8

Sustainability principles and concepts are applied throughout the design process.

5

Prepare documentation.

5.1

Client brief of the desired design is prepared.

5.2

Plans and specification are prepared for a range of sewer infrastructure systems.

5.3

Testing and commissioning schedule is prepared.

5.4

Operation and maintenance manual is produced, including information on how to properly and safely maintain the system.

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to:

communicate with others to ensure safe and effective work practices

confirm job specifications and client requirements

enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret non-verbal communication, such as hand signals

initiative and enterprise skills to:

develop creative and responsive approaches

identify and accurately report to appropriate personnel any faults in tools, equipment or materials

literacy skills to:

read and interpret:

plans, specifications, drawings and design briefs

standards and manufacturer requirements and manuals

statutory and regulatory requirements

produce written documentation, including:

plans, specifications and schedules

an operation and maintenance manual

planning and organising skills to:

research, collect, organise and understand information relating to the design of sewer infrastructure systems

take initiative and make decisions

problem-solving skills to analyse requirements, consider options and design an appropriate system

technology skills to:

access and understand site-specific instructions in a variety of media

use mobile communication technology

Required knowledge

application of:

relevant Australian standards, including Sewerage Code of Australia

manufacturer specifications, including hazards identified in relation to devices and systems used

fire safety requirements

other codes or standard operating procedures

pipe sizing procedures

pump selection and rising main requirements

ventilation requirements

regulatory authorities’ requirements

common terminology and definitions used in the design of sewer infrastructure systems

nature of materials used and effects of performance under various conditions

principles of technology in the design of sewer infrastructure systems

workplace safety requirements, including relevant statutory regulations, codes and standards

Evidence Required

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

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment providing that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate plumbing and services workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

It may be assessed on its own or as part of an integrated assessment activity involving preparation of designs for two sewer systems for different applications, including plans, specifications and all associated documentation.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:

design, size and document the installation and layout details for a sewer infrastructure system of a residential development of 50 properties, incorporating a gravity system and pumping station, to include:

sewer reticulation mains

pump station

pump rising main

ventilation

odour control

evaluate and document design parameters to relevant Australian standards and codes, and regulatory, client and manufacturer requirements

specify soil identification and trench safety procedures

prepare plans and specifications

prepare testing and commissioning schedules

prepare operation and maintenance manuals

apply sustainability principles and concepts throughout the process

communicate with others to ensure safe and effective workplace operations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

an induction procedure and requirement

realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the minimum task requirements

relevant specifications and work instructions

tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices

support materials appropriate to activity

workplace instructions relating to safe work practices and addressing hazards and emergencies

material safety data sheets

research resources, including industry-related systems information.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Scope of work:

must include:

interpretation of plans and specifications

sizing and documenting layout of sewer infrastructure systems

may be for either new projects or existing sewer mains being extended.

Design requirements may include:

architectural plans

builder specifications

Sewerage Code of Australia

fire safety requirements

owner requirements

pipework identification

flow requirements and sizing of pipework

ventilation requirements.

Cost-benefit analysis:

compares the range of suitable materials and system choices available to enable cost-effective choices to be made without compromising the integrity of the project

may include:

design styles

energy costs

expected design life

labour costs

material costs

safety factors

speed of installation

suitable materials.

Statutory and regulatory requirements and relevant Australian standards and codes may include:

Acts, regulations and commonwealth, state or territory, and local government policies

AS/NZS3500 National plumbing and drainage

AS2200 Design charts for water supply and sewerage

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)

National Construction Code

Sewerage Code of Australia

other relevant Australian standards and codes.

Manufacturer requirements may include:

material specifications

collection and storage systems

design and installation

equipment installation

pump installation

technical manuals.

Desktop study may include collection and interpretation of data for design purposes, such as:

architectural and building plans

developer’s plans

equivalent population (EP) density

manufacturer’s data

other documents, including:

forms

brochures

applications

policies

regulations

other reports as available.

Safety procedures and regulations for trench safety:

may include:

analysing factors that determine tunnelling

assessing and identifying types of soil requiring tunnel excavation and shoring procedures

defining methods of trench installation

defining procedures for trench rescue

specify safety procedures with reference to:

advisory standards

compliance standards

industry standards

Work Health and Safety Act

other Acts, codes or regulations relating to trenching

working in confined spaces.

Performance requirements are established using relevant Australian standards, codes and local authorities’ requirements may include:

discharge requirements

durability

emergency storage backup

longevity

self-cleaning ability

sufficient capacity.

Trenching safety procedures may include:

conditions affecting trench stability

condition of soils disturbed by previous excavations

effect of water on excavations

effects of moisture content on excavated trenches

traffic and vibrations

confined space safety requirements, e.g. for exhaust emissions

prevention of trench collapse

trench collapse procedures

trench inspection procedures

trench excavation methods used for different:

backfilling methods

bedding methods

depth

slope

support systems

types.

Layout of pipework systems may include:

gravity

pumped and rising mains

vacuum

identification of easements and location for sewer infrastructure systems, including pumping rising mains

layout, which must:

not unduly affect building integrity and aesthetic appeal

have principles of economy, serviceability, durability and fit for use applied.

Fittings, valves and controls may include:

fittings, including:

bends

flanges

junctions

inspection openings

unions

valves, including:

non-return

isolation

controls, including:

level

alarms

management communication systems.

Pipelaying may include:

cutting, handling and storage procedures

fittings used for sewerage work

jointing methods and procedures

laying procedures for pipework

methods of dewatering trenches methods of grading and maintaining pipe direction and reduced levels

methods of placing bedding materials, encasing pipes, backfilling and compacting

methods of testing sewer drains

methods of pressure testing pump rising mains.

Pipe size, pipe grade and ventilation requirement calculations may include:

determination of flow and loadings

gradient calculations

equivalent population (EP) density

interpretation of design charts and tables

pipe sizing calculations

projected flows

pumping flow rates

reduced level calculations

self-cleaning pipe velocities

stormwater infiltration

system ventilation.

Access chamber details must include:

access

benching

connections

covers

flow and gradient

open and closed channel

sizing.

Pump station, pumps, controls and equipment requirements may include:

access covers

access ladders

automatic controls

capacity

corrosion-resistant materials

emergency storage and power supply

impeller sizing and selection

inlet and outlet design

installation and mounting

odour control

macerator requirements

management communication system

provision for servicing

pump selection

pumpwell sizing

space requirements

valves

ventilation

warning system.

Materials may include:

cast iron (CI)

concrete

vitrified clay pipes (VCP)

polyethylene (PE)

polypropylene (PP)

unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U)

other approved material.

Jointing methods may include:

electrofusion welding

mechanical joints

rubber ring

solvent cement welding

other approved jointing methods.

Installation requirements may include:

bedding

pipe protection, which may include:

cover

corrosion

impact

level of workmanship

manufacturer-recommended specific fixings

pipe support

provision for pipe movement

serviceability and access.

Rising main systems may include:

approved pressure pipe and fittings

calculated rise and pump delivery requirements

environmental protection

pump sizing to meet calculated flow conditions

self-cleaning pipe velocities

odour control.

Computer software packages include:

manufacturer software

proprietary design software.

Sustainability principles and concepts:

cover the current and future social, economic and environmental use of resources

may include:

selecting appropriate material to ensure minimal environmental impact

efficient use of material

efficient energy usage/capital outlay comparison

consideration of the Green Building Council of Australia rating scheme.

Plans:

may include:

axonometrics

cross-sections

details

elevations

isometrics

schematics

site

sections

may be produced using:

computer generation

drawing equipment.

Specification may include:

bedding

commissioning

excavation requirements

support

concrete support and detailing specialised components

jointing

access chambers (manholes)

manufacturer requirements

materials

piping

pumps

pumping stations

safety (WHS)

testing

workmanship.

Testing may include:

air pressure

drainage inspection

hydrostatic

performance

compliance with authorities discharge requirements

quality assurance (QA) audit.

Commissioning schedule must include:

system certification

check for foreign material

containment

leak check

operational

pumping

system defects

system functions as per design

ventilation

odour control

WHS compliance.

Operation and maintenance manual may include:

as installed drawings

certification documentation

emergency procedures

results of commissioning test

maintenance schedules

manufacturer brochures and technical information

odour control

WHS requirements

ventilation.


Sectors

Functional area

Unit sector

Plumbing and services


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

In some jurisdictions, this unit of competency may form part of accreditation, licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.