This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for field and operational staff with responsibility for using flow control and metering devices according to organisational procedures.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Monitor required flows in water or wastewater treatment network systems.

1.1 Apply operating parameters and requirements for flows in water or wastewater treatment network systems.

1.2 Use equipment to support the monitoring process in water or wastewater treatment network systems according to OHS, organisational and manufacturer requirements.

1.3 Monitor, measure and record flows at designated locations and systems according to agreed schedule and procedures.

1.4 Identify potential operational problems in water or wastewater treatment network systems and provide proactive advice to relevant personnel.

2Regulate flows in water or wastewater treatment network systems.

2.1 Adjust flow regulation and control mechanisms in water or wastewater treatment network systems to increase and decrease flow according to organisational procedures.

2.2 Secure flow regulation devices in water or wastewater treatment network systems to maintain a constant flow and meet legislative and organisationalrequirements.

3Record and report system adjustments.

3.1 Produce information relating to flow adjustments in water or wastewater treatment network systems according to organisational procedures.

3.2 Collect, record and report information on flows and abnormalities in water or wastewater treatment network systems according to organisational requirements.

4Respond to contingencies.

4.1 Identify and assess potential risks and contingencies in operation of flow control and regulating devices within water or wastewater treatment systems.

4.2 Identify and apply organisational standards and procedures for responding to potential and actual risks and contingencies.

4.3 Apply organisational standards and procedures for informing relevant personnel of potential risks within the organisation.

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

Required skills:

collect and report system performance information

adjust and maintain flow system control mechanisms

secure flow regulation devices

use literacy skills in regard to verbal and written communication in the workplace

use personal protective equipment.

Required knowledge:

impact of the principles of hydraulics on the operation of flows

system layout

role of relevant utilities and service bodies

risk factors and potential hazards

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of system and site

system flow control mechanisms

relevant lock-out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

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

The candidate should demonstrate the ability in water and wastewater treatment network systems to:

identify flow requirements

prepare for and conduct flow monitoring

identify and report operational problems

adjust and regulate flows according to organisational requirements

complete records and reports.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Access to the workplace and resources including:

documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation

relevant codes, standards and government regulations.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

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

a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence

where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time

assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

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. Add any 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.

Equipment used includes:

personal protective equipment

electronic digital monitoring and metering systems

basic hand and power tools

valves, pumps and flow meters

mechanical meters and flow devices

hydrants

recording systems

communication equipment, including:

two-way radio

telephone

fax

lifting and winching equipment

on- and off-road vehicles.

Processes to ensure flows are monitored, measured and recorded may require:

interaction and communication with other employees, other authorities and general public

visual observation

implementation of reporting procedures that may also include procedures for implementation of by-laws, organisational policies and statutory requirements.

Designated locations and systems may include:

urban locations

rural locations

ground and surface water source systems

wastewater collection and transfer systems

trade waste systems.

Flow regulation may involve operation of:

valving systems, including:

sluice

blade

gate

non-return

pressure reducing

supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems

pumping systems, including:

centrifugal

Archimedes screw type

submersible

positive displacement

electronic and manual controlling systems

service reservoirs.

Legislative and organisational requirements may include:

relevant federal and state or territory legislation and regulations

codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material

documented organisational policies, manuals and induction programs

relevant community planning and development agreements, such as land care agreements.

Collection and distribution

This unit of competency contains employability skills.