This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for field staff with responsibility for ensuring that water distribution system performance complies with legislative and organisational requirements.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Monitor distribution system performance.

1.1 Conduct routine inspections of supply networks and report faults according to organisational procedures.

1.2 Select equipment and inspection methods to meet task and site safety requirements.

1.3 Collect data on system performance and usage and report according to legislative and organisational requirements.

2Monitor water quality.

2.1 Collect and record water samples according to organisational requirements.

2.2 Monitor water quality according to organisational requirements.

3Identify system non-conformance.

3.1 Investigate and report consumer complaints according to organisational requirements.

3.2 Record and report leakages, and damaged pipes and fittings according to organisational requirements.

3.3 Identify and report system faults and operational condition of network according to organisational requirements.

3.4 Investigate and report pressure and flow fluctuations outside acceptable limits according to organisational requirements.

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

Required skills:

identify and respond to operational problems

produce reports and logs

use safety and personal protective equipment

use tools and machinery

follow plans, instructions and policies

perform system calculations

apply inspection and testing procedures and standards

communicate with employees and customers

use communication equipment

give and receive instructions

work effectively as part of a team

identify system faults

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

identify hazards.

Required knowledge:

system hydraulics basics

system layout

system calculations

environmental aspects of maintenance

lock-out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

relevant utilities and service bodies

communication systems

hazardous materials handling

landscape and ground structure of work area

risk management principles

risk factors and potential hazards of inspection processes

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on system operation and plant

control systems

pipes and fittings.

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 inspect water distribution systems, detect faults and report on water distribution system performance including:

monitoring and reporting on performance of water distribution systems, including water quality

identifying and reporting leakages or damage to system components

identifying and reporting operational conditions falling outside performance specifications

processing consumer complaints.

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 should only be made 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.

Routine inspections may include:

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.

Supply networks may include:

distribution system pipe work, including:

polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

polyethylene

mild steel cement lined

ductile iron cement lined

cast iron cement lined

asbestos cement

copper

glass reinforced piping

structures, including:

meter pits

person access chambers or pits

valve chambers

regulators

erosion barriers

head walls

thrust blocks

pumping stations

consumer services

meters

fittings, including:

hydrants

sluices

valves

scours

main taps

jointing systems for pipe types, e.g. gibault

tapping bands

tension bands

solvent cement joints

compression ring joints

bolted flanges

electrofusion

butt welding

backflow prevention devices

cathodic protection.

Equipment may include:

hand and power tools

lifting equipment

mechanical excavation equipment

electronic monitoring and metering systems

recording systems

motorised equipment

on- and off-road vehicles

communication equipment

breathing apparatus

gas detection equipment

rescue equipment

appropriate personal protective equipment.

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.

System faults may include:

loss of pressure

leakage

odour

turbidity and colour

loss of flow.

Collection and distribution

This unit of competency contains employability skills.