NWP272B
Monitor, operate and report wastewater lagoon processes

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to monitor and operate wastewater lagoon processes and report on system performance.

Application

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for operational staff with responsibility for checking that lagoon 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 performance.

2.1 Carry out routine inspections according to particular lagoon system and organisational requirements.

2.2 Collect process samples and conduct standard tests.

2.3 Collect and report process data according to organisational and lagoon system requirements.

3Operate and control lagoon processes.

3.1 Monitor processes to maintain parameters of operation.

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

3.3 Carry out basic system adjustments within defined parameters to enhance system performance according to organisational requirements.

3.4 Handle, use and store chemicals according to organisational requirements.

4Complete documentation.

4.1 Maintain records of plant and system data according to organisational requirements.

4.2 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 respond to 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 colleagues, other employees and customers

work effectively as part of a team

use communication equipment

give and receive instructions

identify control system faults

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

sample and test products

Required knowledge:

biological principles of lagoon wastewater treatment processes

system hydraulics basics

system layout

lock-out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

policies, procedures and legislation relating to wastewater management

communication systems

hazardous materials handling

environment, landscape and ground structure of work area

risk factors and potential hazards related to lagoon wastewater treatment

system calculations

chemical dosing processes

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant

pumping and valving systems

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 wastewater lagoon processes, including:

planning and conducting routine inspections

monitoring system processes

reporting process and structural faults

performing system adjustments

preparing and applying chemical dosing

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 used 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

Tests may include:

settling

microscopic observation

pH

dissolved oxygen

electrical conductivity

temperature

odour

visual observation of:

colour

scum

insects

birdlife

weed growth

redox potential

Processes may include:

primary, secondary and maturation lagoons

aerated lagoons

winter storages

System adjustments may include:

pH correction

mixing

flow control

water level

dissolved oxygen levels

recirculation rates

chemical additives

Records and data compiled may include:

plant performance data

chemical usage


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Treatment.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.