This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for field staff with a responsibility for inspecting and reporting faults in drainage systems and for operating, integrating and regulating drainage system processes.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Inspect drainage systems.

1.1 Schedule and conduct routine inspections of drainage systems and monitor fault reports according to organisational and statutory requirements.

1.2 Collect, analyse and report data on drainage system performance and usage according to organisational and statutory requirements.

1.3 Control water sample collecting and recording according to organisational procedures.

1.4 Monitor and maintain water according to organisational requirements.

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

2Regulate flows.

2.1 Inspect flow regulating systems and apply adjustments necessary to achieve discharge requirements.

2.2 Monitor discharge flows and apply diversions required to facilitate repair or emergency.

3Control and operate processes.

3.1 Control processes to maintain parameters of operation.

3.2 Identify, address and report problems and operational conditions of the drainage network according to organisational requirements.

3.3 Integrate processes to improve drainage network performance according to organisational requirements.

4. Compile process records.

4.1 Maintain workplace records according to organisational and statutory requirements.

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

Required skills:

solve operational problems

produce reports and logs

use safety equipment and personal protective equipment

interpret plans, topographic drawings, charts, service diagrams, service search diagrams and instructions

interpret policies, standard operating procedures and standards

communicate with employees and customers

use communication equipment

give and receive instructions

identify control system faults.

Required knowledge:

inspection of drainage systems

coordination processes

system layout

system processes

environmental aspects of drainage systems

safety procedures

lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

policies and standard operating procedures

procedures and legislation

relevant utilities and service bodies

communication systems

risk factors and potential hazards involved in drainage systems

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of drainage systems

pipes and fittings

pumping and valving systems

gravity 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, operate and control drainage systems including:

monitoring fault reports

scheduling and conducting inspections

collecting performance and usage data

collecting samples

monitoring water quality

inspecting and adjusting flow regulating systems

monitoring discharge flows

applying diversions as required

controlling and integrating processes

identifying and addressing problems

completing required 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.

Drainage systems may include:

urban and rural locations

pumping stations

discharge outlets

drainage inlets

open channel and canal systems.

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

by-laws and organisational policies

standard operating procedures

environment protection

equal employment opportunity

occupational health and safety, including use of personal protective equipment

electrical and mechanical procedures

dangerous goods

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

Flow regulating systems may include:

pumping systems

valving systems

gravity systems

emergency overflow and diversion systems

metered pits

flow chambers

control systems.

Collection and distribution

This unit of competency contains employability skills.