CPCPWT4022A
Commission and maintain backflow prevention devices

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to test, commission and maintain backflow prevention devices in water services.It covers preparation for work, identification of testing and commissioning requirements, physical testing and commissioning of devices, maintenance of devices and completion of work finalisation processes.

Application

Site location for work application will be either residential or commercial, and may be a new work site or an existing structure being renovated, extended, restored or maintained.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Prepare for work.

1.1

Plans and specifications are obtained.

1.2

Work health and safety (WHS) and environmental requirements associated with testing, commissioning and maintaining backflow prevention devices are adhered to throughout the work.

1.3

Quality assurance requirements are identified and adhered to according to workplace requirements.

1.4

Tasks are planned and sequenced in conjunction with others involved in or affected by the work and statutory and regulatory authorities’ requirements.

1.5

Tools and equipmentfor testing, commissioning and maintaining backflow prevention devices, including personal protective equipment, are selected and checked for serviceability.

1.6

Work area is prepared to support efficient testing, commissioning and maintenance of backflow prevention devices.

2

Identify testing and commissioning requirements.

2.1

Service and system design, and testing and commissioning requirements, are identified and confirmed from job specifications and according to standards and relevant information.

2.2

Backflow prevention device specifications and necessary installation materials are identified according to standards, authorities' requirements and job specifications.

2.3

Sustainability principles and concepts are observed when preparing for and undertaking work process.

3

Test and commission device.

3.1

Installation is checked to ensure device is appropriate and installed according to standards, job specifications, manufacturer recommendations and authorities' requirements.

3.2

Operation of device is tested according to job specifications, manufacturer recommendations and authorities' requirements, and adjusted as required.

3.3

Documentation is completed according to regulating authorities' requirements.

4

Maintain device.

4.1

Service and maintenance requirements are identified from manufacturer specifications or authorities' requirements.

4.2

Replacement components are checked and fitted periodically and as required according to specification.

4.3

Maintenance and repair of devices are conducted observing manufacturer and authorities' requirements.

5

Restore work area.

5.1

Work area is cleared and materials disposed of, reused or recycled according to legislation, regulations, codes of practice and job specification.

5.2

Tools and equipment are cleaned, checked, maintained and stored according to manufacturer recommendations and workplace procedures.

5.3

Documentation is completed according to workplace requirements.

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to:

access information

determine requirements

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

follow instructions

report faults

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

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

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

literacy skills to:

complete workplace documentation

read and interpret:

documentation from a variety of sources

plans and specifications

numeracy skills to apply measurements and calculations

planning and organising skills to:

plan and sequence tasks with others

plan and set out work

teamwork skills to work with others to action tasks and relate to people from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities

technical skills to test, commission and maintain high, medium and low hazard backflow prevention devices in water services

technology skills to:

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

use mobile communication technology

Required knowledge

basic hydraulics and mechanics relevant to backflow prevention devices in water services

characteristics and applications of the materials and backflow prevention devices

effective isolation procedures

job safety analysis (JSA) and safe work method statements (SWMS)

process of testing, commissioning and maintaining backflow prevention devices

processes for accessing information and for calculating material requirements

properties of water, including pressure and flow rates

relationship with other service controls and devices

relevant statutory requirements related to testing and commissioning backflow prevention devices

SI system of measurements

standards applicable to the service

testing equipment and techniques

workplace and equipment safety requirements

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.

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:

locating, interpreting and applying relevant information, standards and specifications to the commissioning of backflow prevention devices

applying safety requirements throughout the work sequence, including electrical safety requirements and the use of personal protective clothing and equipment

as a minimum, the ability to test and commission at least:

two different double check valves

a single (testable) check valve

two different registered air gaps (including two different orifice sizes and inlet pressures)

two different types of pressure type vacuum breakers

two different reduced pressure zone devices, indicating the ongoing maintenance requirements for each of them, ensuring:

application of sustainability principles and concepts

correct identification of location, design and details of proposed service

correct selection and use of appropriate processes, tools and equipment

completion of all work to specification

compliance with regulations, standards and organisational quality procedures and processes

communicating and working effectively and safely with others.

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 working 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.

Work health and safety is to be according to commonwealth, state and territory legislation and regulations and may include:

handling of materials

hazard control

identifying and testing for electrical hazards

personal protective clothing and equipment prescribed under legislation, regulations and workplace policies and practices

safe operating procedures, including recognising and preventing hazards associated with:

electricity

hazardous materials and substances

service lines

surrounding structures and facilities

trip hazards

use of tools and equipment

work site visitors and the public

working in proximity to others

use of firefighting equipment

use of first aid equipment

workplace environment and safety.

Environmental requirements cover water quality management and may include:

clean-up protection

stormwater protection

waste management.

Quality assurance requirements may include:

Environment Protection Authority (EPA)

internal company quality assurance policy and risk management strategy

International Standards Organisation

site safety plan

workplace operations and procedures.

Statutory and regulatory authorities include:

commonwealth, state or territory, and local authorities administering applicable Acts, regulations and codes of practice.

Tools and equipment may include:

hand and power tools

approved and calibrated test equipment.

Backflow prevention devices may include:

single check valves

double check valves

pressure type vacuum breakers

reduced pressure zone devices

registered air gaps (RAG)

registered break tanks (RBT).

Information may include:

charts and hand drawings

instructions issued by authorised organisational or external personnel

manufacturer specifications and instructions

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

memos

organisation work specifications and requirements

plans and sketches

regulatory and legislative requirements, particularly those pertaining to:

building codes

WHS and environmental requirements

plumbing regulations

relevant Australian standards, including:

AS/NZS3500 National plumbing and drainage

AS/NZS2845.1:2010 – Water Supply – Backflow prevention devices

safe work procedures relating to commissioning backflow prevention devices

signage

verbal, written and graphical instructions

work bulletins

work schedules, plans and specifications.

Materials may include:

approved backflow prevention devices.

Sustainability principles and concepts:

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

may include:

efficient use of material

efficient water use

efficient energy retention

selecting appropriate components and material to ensure minimal environmental impact.


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.