This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for field staff and operators with specific responsibility for commissioning water distribution 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 Check plans for the section to be tested and locate features on site.

1.2 Correctly identify and interpret the system operation requirements.

1.3 Check vacuum testing and commissioning tasks from relevant documentation and schedule appropriately.

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

1.5 Select and use tools and equipment correctly.

1.6 Check testing equipment for accuracy and identify and correct malfunctions.

2Maintain water system hygiene.

2.1 Arrange disinfection according to organisational and statutory requirements.

2.2 Flush and/or slug clean or swab the relevant section of the distribution system according to the required standard using approved techniques.

2.3 Dispose of flushing according to organisational requirements.

3Test the pipeline system.

3.1 Fill the distribution system slowly and flush systematically to expel air and debris.

3.2 Determine the correct test pressure for the pipeline and fit gauges of the correct range to test equipment.

3.3 Carry out testing procedures according to specifications and organisational requirements.

3.4 Accurately locate and report failed pipes, joints and fittings and reschedule testing.

3.5 Vacuum test concrete access chambers using standard techniques.

4Commission the distribution system.

4.1 Ensure the distribution system is made operational according to specifications and organisational procedures.

4.2 Check, maintain and store equipment, tools and materials according to manufacturer's guidelines and organisational procedures.

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

5Review record and report results.

5.1 Maintain workplace records according to organisational and statutory requirements.

5.2 Maintain calibration records and certificates according to organisational and statutory requirements.

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

Required skills:

communicate effectively and appropriately with colleagues and contractors

communicate the implementation of OHS policies and procedures

interpret and apply a range of technical documents including relevant:

regulatory, legislative, licensing and organisational requirements

codes and standards

specifications

plans

instructions

standard operating procedures

organisational policies

conduct test procedures

use test equipment

monitor work processes and ensure safe work practices

identify reports and record hazards and risks

give and receive instructions

test pipes

identify system faults

use personal protective equipment.

Required knowledge:

general occupational health and safety on work sites

the risk factors and potential hazards of test procedures

water hygiene and system disinfection requirements

equipment operation

environmental aspects of test procedures

characteristics of pipes, materials and fittings

an overview of the water distribution system and water industry operations

relevant definitions, terminology, symbols and language

testing methods used for water distribution systems.

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 test and commission water distribution systems including:

planning the testing of water distribution systems

identifying and analysing system requirements

identifying and addressing hazards

using suitable equipment

maintaining the quality of water in the system

commissioning the distribution system

restoring worksite and equipment

completing required reports and records.

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 certification.

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.

Tools and equipment may include:

hand and power tools

lifting and winching equipment

testing equipment

communication equipment

line plugs

gauges

personal protective equipment.

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

by-laws and organisational policies

standard operating procedures

environment standards

occupational health and safety

lifts and cranes

mines

road signage code

electrical

dangerous goods.

Collection and distribution

This unit of competency contains employability skills.