DEFCA319 - Assist in the preparation, construction, operation and maintenance of a field water point

DEFCA319
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 waterpoint. The unit also includes the assembly and operation of water purification equipment, and the production and storage of potable water 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. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. In a Defence context, this means that there is no civilian need to hold this unit in order to meet licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.

Application

This competency was developed for combat engineer personnel required to assist in testing for water quality, selecting a suitable work site and preparing, constructing and operating a field water point in a deployed operational environment but is applicable to any individual in this field of work.

Typically, operators work as part of a team under direct supervision, use discretion and judgement, and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.

All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant organisational policies and procedures.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

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 suitability of the water as a source of supply is determined and if approved, the site isprepared.
2. Prepare a field waterpoint	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 Waterpoint 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 waterpoint 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 waterpoint 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 waterpoint 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

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 nonverbal communication techniques including language style, active listening

Required Knowledge

WHS 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 nonverbal 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 waterpoint 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 waterpoint

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 waterpoint

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.

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.
Standard procedures may include:	local government bylaws governing water supply manufacturer’s handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions procedures manuals, job guides, field engineering pamphlets and other publications water quality requirements WHS regulations written and verbal orders and job instructions
Suitability of water supply may include:	access availability of storage ease of distribution security of site water quality, flow and volume
Work site preparation may include:	clearance of debris and access establishment of boundaries and fences excavation for storage protecting equipment such as generators and pumps provision of hard standing
Personal protective equipment may include:	boots cap dust masks/respirators ear plugs/muffs gloves hard hat safety glasses/goggles
Equipment, tools and materials may include:	chemical testing and analysis equipment communication equipment electronic monitoring and metering systems hand and power tools improvised storage equipment manual chart recording systems manual/hydraulic and pneumatic flow control and adjustment equipment pumping systems, e.g. submersible, centrifugal, multiple stage deep well valuing systems, e.g. sluice, blade, gate, nonreturn, pressure reducing water supply and purification equipment watercraft

Sectors

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

Not applicable.