NWP273A
Monitor, operate and report ultraviolet irradiation disinfection systems

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to monitor and operate ultraviolet (UV) irradiation disinfection systems and to report on microbiological quality control.

Application

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for operational staff with specific responsibility for ensuring that UV irradiation disinfection systems 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 and tools required to meet safety requirements of task and site.

1.3 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment.

2Monitor system performance.

2.1 Monitor UV irradiation disinfection systems according to agreed schedule and procedures.

2.2 Collect process samples and conduct standard microbiological tests as required.

2.3 Maintain and monitor relevant OHS requirements.

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

3Maintain and operate UV irradiation disinfection system.

3.1 Carry out routine inspections of system components according to organisational requirements.

3.2 Clean and replace system components as required.

3.3 Operate UV lamp sequencing according to organisational requirements.

4Complete documentation.

4.1 Produce information relating to UV irradiation disinfection system maintenance and operation, according to organisational requirements.

4.2 Review information and contribute to enterprise processes for continuous improvement and incident management.

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

use UV-absorbent personal protective equipment

safe use of cleaning chemicals

follow plans, charts and instructions

apply policies, standard operating procedures and regulatory standards

communicate effectively

work effectively as part of a team

use communication equipment

give and receive instructions

perform work-related calculations

operate computerised equipment

identify control system faults

identify hazards

perform microbiological sampling

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

interpret material safety data sheets (MSDS).

Required knowledge:

properties of UV irradiation

microbiological water quality guidelines

UV irradiation disinfection system layout, including components

lock-out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

policies, standard operating procedures and legislation

communication systems

safe use of cleaning chemicals and prevention of associated hazards

risk factors and potential hazards associated with UV irradiation systems

UV irradiation generation equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant

MSDS.

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 UV irradiation disinfection systems by:

scheduling work

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

monitoring UV irradiation disinfection systems

collecting process samples and performing standard tests

maintaining and operating UV irradiation disinfection systems

collecting and reporting process data

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.


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 and tools may include:

electronic monitoring and metering systems

recording systems

basic hand and power tools

sampling and laboratory testing equipment

computerised equipment

personal protective equipment, such as:

UV-absorbent face shields

UV-absorbent safety goggles

UV-absorbent protective clothing.

UV irradiation disinfection systems may include:

low pressure mercury lamps

medium pressure mercury lamps.

Tests may include:

UV absorbance

turbidity

suspended solids

iron

lamp intensity

hardness.

UV irradiation system components may include:

power supply

ballast

lamps

sleeves

racks.


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Treatment


Employability Skills

This unit of competency contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.