Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify the basic way in which sewage systems function and the strategies needed to maintain sewage systems in the community.
This unit applies to work in a public health context and workers at this level will work under supervision and within defined guidelines.
Plumbing work must only be performed by a person authorised by registration or licence granted by the relevant State or Territory regulatory authority under legislation.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria specify the level of performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify potential problems and faults with sewage systems in the community | 1.1 Identify components of the sewage system in the community 1.2 Check for signs of contamination and identify potential problems that can occur with sewage systems and household plumbing and fixtures, including septic tanks |
2. Monitor and maintain the sewage system | 2.1 Identify strategies required to prevent the transmission of disease through sewage disposal 2.2 Develop and implement a work plan in relation to the identified strategies in conjunction with supervisor 2.3 Report any difficulties or problems to supervisor in accordance with organisation policy and procedure 2.4 Refer any problems or difficulties that are outside own area of responsibility or expertise to appropriate people or agencies |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
identified at least 2 potential health risks or problems associated with sewage systems and developed and implemented a work plan that includes strategies to deal with each issue.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
legal and organisation requirements relating to sewage systems work, including:
organisation standards, policies and procedures, including:
infection control
manual handling
personal protective equipment
immunisation requirements and/or recommendations
scope of own role and responsibilities
approvals required and process of obtaining approvals
referral agencies and procedures
household plumbing design and fixtures and the way in which effluent and sullage waste leaves the house or building to go out to the waste disposal system
water and sewerage plans for the community, if available
type, design and components of the sewage system in the community and how they function, including:
septic or onsite systems
sewage or effluent systems
what sewage is and the difference between effluent (black) and sullage (grey) water
causes of common faults, risks and problems associated with household plumbing and sewage systems and how to identify and prevent them
sewerage disposal strategies for communities or outstations without a sewerage disposal system (onsite and/or septic system or sewerage and/or effluent system), including knowledge of grease trap and soakage pit, pit toilets and shallow trench latrines.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
work health and safety (WHS) procedures
personal protective equipment
organisation guidelines and procedures
suitable work area, equipment and materials
modelling of industry operating conditions.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.