NWP270B
Monitor, operate and report basic anaerobic processes

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to monitor and operate anaerobic processes and report on system performance within domestic and industrial wastewater treatment plants.

Application

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for operational staff with specific responsibility for operating anaerobic processes in treatment plants and checking that the processes comply with organisational requirements.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

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 and operate basic anaerobic process performance.

2.1 Carry out anaerobic process inspections according to planned schedules.

2.2 Collect process samples and conduct standard tests.

2.3 Collect and report process data according to organisational and plant requirements.

2.4 Monitor processes to ensure that parameters of operation are maintained.

2.5 Identify and report process faults and operational condition of plant according to organisational requirements.

2.6 Carry out basic system adjustments according to organisational requirements to enhance system performance.

2.7 Handle, use, store and dose chemicals according to organisational procedures.

3Complete documentation.

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

3.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

Required Skills

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

Required skills:

identify and report operational problems

produce reports and logs

use safety equipment and personal protective equipment

follow plans, charts and instructions

perform system calculations

apply procedures and standards

communicate with employees and customers

work effectively as part of a team

use communication equipment

give and receive instructions

identify system faults

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

sample and test products.

Required knowledge:

anaerobic process principles

system layout

lock-out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

policies, procedures and legislation relating to water treatment

communication systems

hazardous materials handling

explosion hazards

risk factors and potential hazards

basic system calculations

chemical dosing processes

hydraulic detention times

equipment operation, capacity and limitation.

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 monitor, operate and report on basic anaerobic processes by:

planning and conducting routine inspections

monitoring system processes

reporting process and structural faults

performing system adjustments

completing system performance-monitoring documentation.

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.


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.

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.

Anaerobic processes may include:

upflow anaerobic sludge blanket

hybrid reactors

fluidised bed reactors

heated fully mixed reactors

anaerobic lagoons.

Tests may include:

settling

volatile fatty acids

temperature

pH.

System adjustments may include:

pH correction

mixing

chemical additions

sludge wasting

temperature

influent feed rate.


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Treatment


Employability Skills

This unit of competency contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.