This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for field staff with a responsibility for monitoring and operating rural water distribution systems.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Monitor water delivery system.

1.1 Perform routine inspections of channel flow rates, regulations and delivery according to demand and organisational and statutory requirements.

1.2 Gather and record system performance data according to organisational requirements.

1.3 Identify and correct system faults according to plans and service standards.

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

2Control processes.

2.1 Determine and apply system adjustments required to meet demands.

2.2 Initiate and coordinate system adjustments required for delivery or channel flow rates according to organisational and demand requirements.

2.3 Integrate processes to improve the delivery network performance according to organisational requirements.

3Analyse data and compile reports.

3.1 Conduct analysis of actual against planned system performance using system data and records.

3.2 Compile reports from system performance data according to organisational requirements.

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

Required skills:

solve operational problems

produce reports and logs

interpret plans and instructions

communicate with employees and customers

control system operations and processes

use communication equipment

calculate water flows

identify control system faults

lay and join pipes

install associated fittings and components

identify and respond to operational problems

interpret plans, instructions and standard operating procedures

follow procedures and standards

use safety equipment and personal protective equipment

use tools and machinery

identify hazards

give and receive instructions.

Required knowledge:

inspection of rural distribution systems

coordination processes

system layout

system processes

environmental aspects of rural distribution 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

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of rural water distribution 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, control and coordinate rural water flow, scheduling and delivery including:

conducting system inspections

gathering and recording system performance data

identifying and correcting system faults

adjusting system to meet demand

integrating processes

analysing system performance

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.

Routine inspections may include:

distribution systems, including:

water mains

services

valves

meters

associated structures and fittings

pipes, including:

polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

polyethylene

mild steel cement lined

ductile iron cement lined

cast iron

copper

glass reinforced piping

structures, including:

meter pits

person access pits

regulators

erosion barriers

head walls

thrust blocks

fittings, including:

jointing systems for pipe types eg gibault

tapping band

tension bands

solvent joins

compression ring joints

bolted flanges

cathodic protection.

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

by-laws and organisational policies

standard operating procedures covering working with:

lifts and cranes

mines

road signage code

electrical sources

dangerous goods

environment protection

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

Collection and distribution

This unit of competency contains employability skills.