DEFCA303B
Assist in the preparation, construction, operation and maintenance of a field water-point

This unit covers the competency required to assist in testing for water quality, selecting a suitable work site and preparing, constructing and operating a field water-point. The unit also includes the assembly and operation of water purification equipment, and the production and storage of potable water under field conditions to meet the requirements of personnel and equipment deployed into an area without adequate water supply.The individual will work under supervision in a team, but may be responsible for completing individual tasks relating to the production of potable water.

Application

The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.


Prerequisites

Prerequisite Unit/s

BCG1004A Carry out measurements and calculations

BCG1006A Use small plant and equipment

BCG1011A Handle construction materials and safely dispose of waste

BSBCMN311A Maintain workplace safety


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Locate a supply of water

1.1 A water supply within a designated area is located

1.2 Water is collected and tested for compliance with quality standards in accordance with standard procedures

1.3 Water sources are assessed for suitability to be used for collection, treatment and storage

1.4 The suitabilityof the water as a source of supply is determined and if approved, the site is prepared

2. Prepare a field water-point

2.1 Personal protective equipment is selected and worn in accordance with standard procedures

2.2 Equipment, tools and materials are selected and checked for serviceability and any faults are reported to the supervisor

2.3 Local utility assets such as water, electricity and gas pipelines are located and marked to prevent damage, and liaison is undertaken with local authorities as required

2.4 Water-point chemicals are correctly handled, prepared, tested and stored in accordance with standard procedures and any faults are reported to the supervisor

2.5 When mechanical excavation equipment is required, contact with appropriate agencies is established and maintained to facilitate construction activities

2.6 Manual or mechanical equipment is used, where required, to construct the water-point and to compact/backfill the site in accordance with standard procedures

2.7 Structures such as water towers and storage tanks are constructed/established, as required, in accordance with standard procedures

2.8 Field water supply equipment and accessories are assembled, operated and maintained in accordance with standard procedures

3. Operate a water-point to produce potable water

3.1 Potable water is produced, stored and distributed in accordance with standard procedures

3.2 Water treatment and testing equipment is calibrated, serviced, operated and maintained in accordance with standard procedures

3.3 Water samples are collected and tested in accordance with standard procedures

3.4 Chemicals are used in accordance with standard procedures

3.5 Information related to chemical supply, usage and disposal is recorded in accordance with standard procedures

3.6 Process and performance data is collected, recorded, maintained and reported in accordance with standard procedures

3.7 Equipment is inspected and maintained in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and standard procedures

4. Refurbish water-point site

4.1 Work site is restored to normal, when required, in accordance with standard procedures

4.2 Chemicals are disposed of in accordance with standard procedures

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

assemble, operate and disassemble water supply and purification equipment

calculate and record water flows

follow instructions/directives and report information

participate in team

encourage other team members

use a variety of verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

Required Knowledge

OH&S requirements

effects of weather on water quality and the operation of the site and plant

risk factors and potential hazards of surface water systems

safe handling and disposal of chemicals

team work principles and strategies

techniques for supporting others

composition of teams and roles and responsibilities of team members

verbal and non-verbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

written communication to a level required to complete workplace forms and reports

basic numeracy, such as addition, subtraction and multiplication

formula and method for calculating water flow and volume

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to assist in the construction, operation and maintenance of a field water-point over a period of time sufficient for the individual to be assessed as competent in all aspects of the production, storage and distribution of water

Assessment must also confirm the ability to:

operate a field water-point

analyse water quality data

handle water purification chemicals

communicate effectively and work in a team

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over a time frame that allows the individual to be observed in all aspects of the construction, operation and maintenance of a field water-point

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed under field conditions. Evidence should be gathered by observing the individual assisting in the construction, operation and maintenance of a field water-point in accordance with standard procedures and job instructions.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to:

field water supply equipment and accessories relevant to the task

hand tools, power tools, plant and other equipment appropriate to the supply of water

suitable training area for water supply.


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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Field conditions may include

A range of terrain, soil and vegetation

Under all weather conditions

By day or night and under illumination

Standard procedures include

OH&S regulations

Water quality requirements

Written and verbal orders and job instructions

Procedures manuals, job guides, field engineering pamphlets and other publications

Manufacturer's handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

Local government by-laws governing water supply

Suitability of water supply may include

Water quality, flow and volume

Access

Availability of storage

Ease of distribution

Security of site

Work site preparation may include

Establishment of boundaries and fences

Clearance of debris and access

Excavation for storage

Provision of hard standing

Protecting equipment such as generators and pumps

Personal protective equipment may include

Boots

Safety glasses/goggles

Ear plugs/muffs

Dust masks/respirators

Gloves

Hard hat

Cap

Equipment, tools and materials may include

Water supply and purification equipment

Electronic monitoring and metering systems

Manual chart recording systems

Chemical testing and analysis equipment

Hand and power tools

Communication equipment

Watercraft

Manual/hydraulic and pneumatic flow control and adjustment equipment

Pumping systems, eg submersible, centrifugal, multiple stage deep well

Valuing systems, eg sluice, blade, gate, non-return, pressure reducing

Improvised storage equipment


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.