This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for field staff and operators with a specific responsibility for inspecting and measuring the performance of wastewater collection and/or wastewater transfer systems and for ensuring that flows are regulated according to organisational specifications and system demands.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Monitor system performance and usage.

1.1 Select and check equipment required for monitoring system performance.

1.2 Schedule and conduct routine inspections and report faults according to organisational procedures and statutory requirements

1.3 Collect, analyse and report system performance and usage data according to organisational requirements.

1.4 Monitor and coordinate sample collection and records according to organisational procedures.

2Regulate flows.

2.1 Inspect and adjust flow regulating systems according to organisational procedures.

2.2 Monitor volumes and make adjustments to meet system requirements.

2.3 Monitor flows and diversions required for repair or emergency activities.

3Operate and control processes.

3.1 Control and improve processes to maintain operating parameters.

3.2 Carry out wastewater flow measurements according to organisational procedures.

3.3 Identify, address and report process faults according to organisational and statutory requirements.

3.4 Optimise process performance according to organisational and statutory requirements.

4Compile process records.

4.1 Compile reports from system data to meet organisational and statutory requirements.

4.2 Record the condition of equipment and report faults or anticipated problems 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

respond to and correct operational problems

produce reports and logs

use safety equipment and personal protective equipment

identify and investigate operational problems

collect and analyse data

interpret plans, charts, service search diagrams and instructions and specifications

interpret policies, standard operating procedures and standards

communicate with employees and customers

use communication systems

give and receive instructions

control system operations

identify control system faults.

Required knowledge:

system hydraulics

coordination and control of processes

system layout

system processes

environmental aspects of wastewater collection and transfer systems

infiltration and inflow sources

illegal inflows

discharges

disinfection and chemical use

safety procedures

lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

policies, standard operating procedures and legislation

relevant utilities and service bodies

communication systems

risk factors and potential hazards involved with wastewater pressures and flows

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of collection and transfer systems

pipes and fittings

gravity systems

pumping and valving systems

control 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 monitor and coordinate the operation of wastewater collection and/or wastewater transfer systems including:

preparing equipment for monitoring and inspections

monitoring the system and collecting, analysing and reporting data according to organisational procedures

reviewing samples and records

adjusting flow regulating systems

monitoring volumes and flows

controlling, integrating and optimising processes

identifying and reporting process faults

measuring wastewater flows

completing relevant workplace 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.

Equipment used may include:

electronic monitoring, telemetry and metering systems

manual chart recording systems

on- and off-road vehicles

disinfection equipment

testing and sampling equipment

communication equipment

personal protective equipment

atmosphere monitoring equipment

breathing apparatus

rescue equipment

pumping systems

valving systems

gravity systems

computerised equipment.

Faults may involve:

illegal inflows

discharges

odours

surcharges.

Organisational procedures and statutory requirements may include:

by-laws and organisational policies

standard operating procedures

environment protection

hazardous substances

occupational health and safety, including the use of personal protective equipment

relevant Australian Standards

manufacturer's standards and specifications

World Health Organisation guidelines.

Monitor and coordinate may require:

interaction and communication with other employees, other authorities and the general public

visual observation

implementation of reporting procedures that may also include lock out for electrical and mechanical installations and procedures for the implementation of by-laws, organisational policies, standard operating procedures and statutory requirements.

Adjustment of flow regulating systems may require:

the adjustment of pumping systems

valving systems

gravity flow systems

service reservoirs

electronic and manual control systems.

Processes may include:

monitoring infiltration and exfiltration of wastewater collections systems

monitoring volume of transfer systems

attending to and recording problems such as odour or discharge.

Process faults may include:

grit drop out in pipe work

exfiltration tracking/ CCTV survey records

infiltration tracking/ smoke testing/ CCTV survey records

emergency release.

Collection and distribution

This unit of competency contains employability skills.