• NWP243B - Operate bore fields and groundwater source systems

NWP243B
Operate bore fields and groundwater source systems

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to operate bore fields and groundwater source systems. Monitoring the availability and quality of supply, and control of water flows from the source are also required, in conjunction with the ability to apply legislative and organisational requirements.

Application

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for field staff operating bores and groundwater sources in urban or rural areas.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Monitor water quality and supply of bore field or groundwater source.

1.1 Determine work requirements or specifications, including required equipment.

1.2 Monitordesignated locations within groundwater sources area according to agreed schedule and legislative and organisational requirements.

1.3 Monitor water depths according to agreed schedule and procedures.

1.4 Collect and record water samples according to organisational requirements.

1.5 Take water flow measurements to determine demand and usage rates.

2Check source areas.

2.1 Identify potential hazards to public and environment and report them to relevant personnel.

2.2 Identify and report breaches of legislative and organisational requirements.

2.3 Respond to public enquiries in line with organisational requirements.

3Regulate and report flows.

3.1 Regulate flow control mechanisms according to organisational requirements to maintain system supply.

3.2 Produce data relating to system demand adjustments according to organisational requirements.

Required Skills

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

Required skills:

identify and respond to operational problems

operate communications equipment

use tools and equipment

interpret plans, instructions and standard operating procedures

perform work-related calculations

follow procedures and standards

use safety equipment and personal protective equipment

identify hazards

give and receive instructions

communicate with customers and other employees

operate effectively as part of a team

measure water flows and water table levels

select and collect samples

identify control system faults

identify and prevent well contamination

adjust mechanical and electrical systems

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

isolate mains and waterways.

Required knowledge:

OHS standards and requirements

public and site safety

system hydraulics and flushing

system layout

lock-out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

relevant utilities and service bodies

communication systems

environmental, landscape and ground structure of work area

risk factors and potential hazards of groundwater source systems

well contaminants

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant

sampling procedures

water flow measurement

control systems

basic types of bore construction and principles.

Evidence Required

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 to operate bore fields and groundwater source systems including:

monitoring groundwater depth

taking and processing water samples ready for testing

taking and recording flow measurements

monitoring groundwater sources and surrounding area

reporting environmental problems and breaches

operating flow control and regulation devices

recording and reporting work activities.

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.


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, 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 may include:

electronic digital monitoring and metering systems

recording systems

communication equipment, including:

two-way radio

telephone

fax

basic hand and power tools

on- and off-road vehicles

flow control and adjustment equipment

pumping systems, including:

submersible

centrifugal

multiple stage

deep well pumps

valving systems, including:

sluice

blade

gate

non-return

pressure reducing

water table level measuring devices

personal protective equipment.

Monitoring designated locations may require:

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

visual observation

directing traffic and the public

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

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.


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Collection and distribution


Employability Skills

This unit of competency contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.