This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for field and operational staff with a specific responsibility for inspecting and checking groundwater sources.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Inspect and report on source performance and usage.

1.1 Carry out routine inspections of groundwater bores in accordance with organisational and statutory requirements.

1.2 Collect and record data on groundwater usage and/or bore levels according to organisational requirements

1.3 Collect and record water samples according to organisational requirements.

1.4 Correctly select, fit and use required safety equipment, including personal protective equipment.

2Check pumps and meters.

2.1 Test bore pumps and check flow meters to determine accuracy.

2.2 Adjust pumps and flow meters to conform to the allocation permit.

3Operate and coordinate processes.

3.1 Measure and record extraction volumes.

3.2 Check extraction volumes for compliance with entitlement.

4Complete documentation.

4.1 Record inspection results according to organisational requirements.

4.2 Report source data to meet organisational requirements.

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

Required skills:

solve operational problems

produce reports

calculate flows

undertake source inspections

follow standard operating procedures

communicate with employees and customers

use communication equipment

give and receive instructions

identify control system faults

use safety equipment and personal protective equipment

identify potential sources of contamination.

Required knowledge:

properties of stored water

communication systems

principles of hydraulics

system layout

control systems

equipment operation

relevant utilities and service bodies

hazardous materials handling

effects of weather and conditions on bulkwater assets

principles of soil mechanics

concrete structure, strengths and deterioration

construction procedures

risk management techniques

occupational health and safety

personal work site safety

organisational and statutory requirements.

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 perform inspection, regulation, operation, measurement and reporting of groundwater systems including:

inspecting groundwater bores

collecting and recording data

collecting samples

testing and adjusting pumps and flow meters to produce required flows

recording extraction volumes and checking for compliance

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.

Inspection may require:

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

visual observation

implementation of reporting procedures that may also include procedures for the implementation of by-laws, organisational policies and statutory requirements.

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

by-laws and organisational policies

standard operating procedures

environment protection

occupational health and safety

hazardous substances

mines and subsidence

road signage

electrical

dangerous goods

World Health Organisation and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) guidelines.

Collection and distribution

This unit of competency contains employability skills.