DEFCA313B
Prepare and operate a field water-point

This unit covers the competency required to locate suitable water sources, select a suitable work site, operate and maintain a field water-point, and refurbish the site.The individual will usually be engaged in this activity by leading a team and working autonomously.

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

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


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare and plan for water acquisition

1.1 Requirement is received, understood and confirmed with higher authority as necessary

1.2 Resource availability and serviceability is identified and constraints are determined

1.3 An analysis of the area is conducted from available data to identify potential water sources

1.4 Site surveys, risk and environmental assessments are conducted

1.5 Plan is developed in accordance with survey, water quality and quantity, resources, risks and environmental considerations

1.6 Problems that cannot be resolved locally are referred to higher authority for resolution

1.7 Competence of team members is confirmed and monitored

1.8 Team is briefed in accordance with standard procedures

1.9 Liaison with outside agencies is undertaken as required

1.10 Occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation in accordance with standard procedures

2. Construct a field water-point

2.1 Team is directed and supervised in accordance with plan

2.2 Support from outside agencies is organised and directed

2.3 Local utility assets are located and marked to prevent damage

2.4 Routes in and out of water-points are established

2.5 Structures are designed and constructed/established

2.6 Technical advice is provided to the chain of command and/or support agencies

2.7 All unexpected situations that require a quick and decisive response are recognised and responded to in accordance with operational requirements and standard procedures

3. Operate and maintain a field water-point

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

3.2 Water-point team is supervised

3.3 All unexpected situations that require a response are recognised and responded to in accordance with operational requirements and standard procedures

3.4 Reports and data are provided to higher authority in accordance with standard procedures

4. Refurbish site and finalise activity

4.1 Site is refurbished in accordance with environmental requirements

4.2 Chemicals and waste are disposed of in accordance with environmental requirements and standard procedures

4.3 Equipment, tools and materials are recovered, cleaned and maintained

4.4 Equipment, tools and materials are either stored or redeployed to another site in accordance with standard procedures

4.5 Documentation is completed in accordance with standard procedures

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

analyse instructions

command and control skills

conduct and quality assure water analysis

conduct risk assessment

conduct tactical and technical reconnaissance - water-point

design and prepare chemical storage

liaison skills

manage fuel/chemical spill containment

manage the storage of water

prepare and issue instructions and orders

provide advice

select and maintain routes

supervise the construction of improvised water towers

use MSDS

Required Knowledge

design and construction requirements of improvised water towers

environmental compliance certificate

environmental considerations:

chemical storage/MSDS

fuel/chemical spill containment

legal responsibilities

pathology report of water samples

relevant legislation and procedures in relation to environmental requirements

relevant OH&S regulations/requirements, equipment, material and personal safety requirements

requirements of a technical reconnaissance of a water-point

water analysis and storage requirements

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to prepare and operate a field water-point within three days.

Assessment must also confirm the ability to communicate effectively with team personnel and outside agencies, and to monitor water quality and quantity.

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated over a time frame that allows the individual to be observed in all aspects of the operation. A typical time frame would be three days.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed under field conditions.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to:

field water-point equipment and accessories relevant to the task

team

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

suitable water supply

field water-point site

pathology report of water samples.


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.

Suitable water sources may include

Bores

Canals

Dams

Existing piped supplies

Lakes

Oceans

Rivers

Springs

Field water-point may include

Access roads

Accommodation

Chemicals

Communications equipment

Drainage

Filling points

Fuel

Generator and lighting

Hardstanding

Pumps and pipes

Signage

Storage facilities

Testing facilities - field and laboratory (pathology)

Water desalination equipment

Water purification equipment

Site survey may include

Access

Access to local resources

Availability of storage

Collecting and testing water samples

Ease of distribution

Security of site

Site diagram

Site reference points

Water flow rates

Water quality

Volume of water (yield)

Standard procedures may include

Australian Standards

Job guides, pamphlets and other publications

Manufacturers' handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions

Material safety data sheets (MSDS)

OH&S regulations

Organisational policies and procedures

Relevant local government by-laws

Relevant state/territory or federal legislation or regulations

Water quality requirements

Written and verbal orders and job instructions

Local utility assets may include

Electricity

Gas pipelines

Water

Structures may include

Storage tanks

Water towers

Potable water is clear of

Bacterial levels that are within medical standards

Colour

Odour

Poisons

Plant algae

PH in accordance with OH&S standards

Salinity

Turbidity

Supervising a water-point team includes

Accurately recording relevant information

Calibrating, servicing, operating and maintaining water treatment and testing equipment

Collecting and testing water samples

Completing maintenance activities in accordance with standard procedures

Storing, handling and applying chemicals in accordance with OH&S requirements and standard procedures

Documentation may include

Construction documentation

Distribution records

Environmental compliance

Equipment documentation

Maintenance records

Water testing records


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.