NWP339B
Perform leak detection

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to plan leak detection activities and to locate, identify and report leaks in water distribution networks (pressure mains).

Application

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for field staff with a specific responsibility for planning and implementing leak detection activities according to organisational and statutory requirements.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Plan for leak detection.

1.1 Determine work site boundaries and leak detection requirements from plans, specifications and instructions.

1.2 Select and check equipment according to organisational and statutory requirements.

1.3 Use site inspection and service search diagrams according to work site requirements.

2Operate leak detection equipment.

2.1 Determine and mark work site boundaries from plans and service search diagrams.

2.2 Select, fit and correctly use personal protective equipment.

2.3 Operate leak detection equipment according to organisational and statutory requirements.

2.4 Mark the location of leaks according to organisational requirements.

2.5 Expose leaks and arrange repair according to testing outcomes and organisational and statutory requirements.

3Review, record and report work.

3.1 Review and record work according to organisational requirements.

3.2 Compile reports according to organisational requirements.

Required Skills

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

Required skills:

use leak detection equipment

identify and correct problems

regulate systems and flows

use basic mathematics for calculation and measurement

collect data

analyse data to take remedial action

produce reports and logs

use safety and personal protective equipment

use tools and machinery

interpret plans, specifications, policies and procedures

provide maintenance records for equipment

communicate with employees, other service providers and customers

use communication systems

give and receive instructions

identify safety risks and hazards.

Required knowledge:

identification and repair procedures

system hydraulics

system layout

environmental aspects

lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

relevant utilities and service bodies

communication systems

landscape and ground structure of work area

risk assessment and the identification of potential hazards

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on site or plant.

Evidence Required

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 plan leak detection activities and to locate, identify and report leaks in water distribution networks including:

planning leak detection activities

operating leak detection equipment safely

locating and marking leaks and arranging repair activities

completing 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 should only be made 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.


Range Statement

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.

Leak detection requirements may include:

location of leaks in pipes, including:

polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

reinforced concrete

polyethylene

cast iron cement lined

ductile iron cement lined

asbestos cement

mild steel cement lined

location of leaks in fittings, including:

jointing systems for pipe types eg gibault

tension bands

solvent cement joints

compression ring joints

bolted flanges

cathodic protection

electrofusion

butt-welding

location of leaks in structures, including:

meter pits

valve pits

drop structures

regulators

erosion barriers

head walls

thrust blocks,

inspection shafts

regulation of flow and pressure, including:

the adjustment of pumping systems

valving systems

gravity flow systems

service reservoirs

electronic and manual control systems.

Equipment used may include:

leak detection equipment

pipe and cable locating equipment

hand and power tools

lifting equipment

mechanical excavation equipment

pneumatic and motorised equipment (eg compressors, pneumatic spades and attachments)

motorised cutting equipment

on- and off-road vehicles

portable pumps

communication systems

gas detection equipment

rescue equipment

appropriate personal protective equipment.

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

by-laws or organisational policies

procedures

environment protection

occupational health and safety

mines and subsidence

road signage

electrical safety

dangerous goods

manufacturer's guidelines.


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Collection and distribution


Employability Skills

This unit of competency contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.