This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for operational staff with specific responsibility for ensuring that chlorine disinfection systems comply with organisational requirements. For staff working on chlorine disinfection systems where liquefied chlorine gas is used, the unit NWP277A Work safely with liquefied chlorine gas, is essential.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Plan and prepare for work.

1.1 Determine work requirements according to legislative and organisational requirements.

1.2 Select and check equipment required to meet safety requirements of task and site.

1.3 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment.

2Monitor systems performance.

2.1 Monitor chlorine disinfection systems according to agreed schedule and procedures.

2.2 Collect process samples and conduct standard tests.

2.3 Maintain and monitor relevant OHS requirements.

2.4 Collect and report process data according to organisational and disinfection system requirements.

2.5 Make system adjustments as required to maintain effectiveness of chlorine disinfection.

3Prepare and apply chemical dosing.

3.1 Handle, use and store chemicals according to environmental and organisational requirements.

3.2 Prepare chemical dosing according to system specifications and organisational requirements and apply using appropriate chlorine dosing equipment.

3.3 Maintain information related to chlorine supply and usage according to statutory requirements.

4Complete documentation.

4.1 Compile records from plant and system data to meet organisational requirements.

4.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

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

Required skills:

identify and respond to operational and process faults with chlorine dosing equipment problems

produce reports and logs

use safety and personal protective equipment

follow plans, charts and instructions

apply policies, standard operating procedures and regulatory standards

collect and test samples

communicate with employees and customers

work effectively as part of a team

use communication equipment

give and receive instructions

perform work-related calculations

prepare and apply chlorine dosing

operate computerised equipment

identify control system faults

identify hazards

perform microbiological and chlorine residual sampling

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

interpret material safety data sheets (MSDS).

Required knowledge:

properties and chemistry of chlorine

pH

microbiological water quality guidelines

chlorine system layout

lock-out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

policies, standard operating procedures and legislation

communication systems

hazardous substances handling

risk factors and potential hazards associated with chlorination

work-related chlorine calculations

chlorine dosing processes

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

pumping and valving systems

automatic feed rate control systems

MSDS.

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 monitor, operate and report on chlorine disinfection systems by:

scheduling work

selecting and using appropriate tools and equipment, including personal protective equipment

monitoring chlorine disinfection systems

collecting process samples and performing standard tests

collecting and reporting process data

preparing and applying chlorine dosing safely

producing 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 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.

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.

Equipment may include:

electronic monitoring and metering systems

recording systems

basic hand and power tools

sampling and laboratory testing equipment

computerised equipment

on- and off-road vehicles

communication equipment

personal protective equipment.

Disinfection systems may include:

liquefied chlorine gas

sodium hypochlorite

calcium hypochlorite.

Tests may include:

chlorine residuals

pH.

Chemicals may include:

liquefied chlorine gas

sodium hypochlorite

calcium hypochlorite

pH correcting chemicals, such as:

sodium hydroxide

lime

soda ash.

Chlorine dosing equipment may include:

vacuum gas or liquid chlorinator

hypochlorite dosing pump

calcium hypochlorite tablet dispenser.

Treatment

This unit of competency contains employability skills.