This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for field staff and operators with specific responsibility for commissioning wastewater collection systems, post-installation or repair, ensuring that the functioning of the system complies with relevant specifications and organisational requirements.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Plan and prepare for testing and commissioning.

1.1 Identify and interpret the system operation requirements correctly.

1.2 Confirm testing and commissioning tasks from relevant documentation and scheduled appropriately.

1.3 Identify and assess potential hazards and take required preventative measures.

1.4 Select and use tools and equipment correctly.

1.5 Check testing equipment for accuracy and correct malfunctions.

2Conduct pipeline and access structure testing procedures.

2.1 Select and install tensioning and measuring equipment correctly.

2.2 Select and fit gauges of the correct range to test equipment.

2.3 Carry out testing procedures according to organisational and statutory requirements.

2.4 Locate failed pipes, joints and fittings accurately and reschedule reporting and testing.

2.5 Accurately locate and report failed maintenance holes, inspection shafts, maintenance shafts or other access structures and rescheduled testing.

3Commission the wastewater collection system.

3.1 Ensure the system is operational according to specifications and organisational procedures.

3.2 Restore the work site to meet environmental and organisational requirements.

3.3 Check, maintain and store equipment tools and materials according to manufacturer guidelines and organisational procedures.

4Review, record and report results.

4.1 Maintain workplace records according to organisational and statutory requirements.

4.2 Maintain calibration records and certificates in accordance with organisational and statutory requirements

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

Required Skills

communicates effectively and appropriately with colleagues and contractors

communicates the implementation of OHS policies and procedures

interprets and applies a range of technical documents including relevant:

regulatory, legislative, licensing and organisational requirements

codes and standards

specifications

organisational policies

conducts test procedures

identifies system faults

uses test equipment

monitors work processes and ensures safe work practices

identifies reports and records hazards and risks

uses personal protective equipment

participates in ensuring compliance with standards, regulations and policies

maintains and checks records and documents.

Required knowledge:

general occupational health and safety on work sites

the risk factors and potential hazards of test procedures

characteristics of pipes, materials and fittings

an overview of wastewater system and water industry operations

layout and construction of wastewater collection systems

testing procedures for wastewater systems

relevant definitions, terminology, symbols and language.

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 plan and implement the testing and commissioning of wastewater collection systems including:

interpreting the testing requirements of the system from relevant plans and documentation

preparing and checking testing equipment

assessing risks and hazards and taking appropriate preventive measures

using testing equipment correctly

applying testing procedures accurately

identifying and reporting faulty system components

making the system operational and conducting post-commissioning checks

restoring the worksite

completing relevant 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/or 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 only taken at the point 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, any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and reflecting 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 if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

System operation requirements may include:

calibration certificates

NATA certifications.

Relevant documentation may include:

manufacturer's specifications

organisational procedures.

Potential hazards may include:

work in confined spaces

work involving lifting and moving materials

working in a trench

health hazards associated with working in wastewater collections systems.

Tools and equipment may include:

hand and power tools

lifting and winching equipment

testing equipment

communication equipment

line plugs

gauges

personal protective equipment.

Testing procedures may include:

hydrostatic test

vacuum test

low pressure air test.

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

by-laws

organisational policies

standard operating procedures

environmental protection

occupational health and safety guidelines for:

lifts and cranes

mines

road signage code

electrical

dangerous goods.

Collection and distribution

This unit of competency contains employability skills.