ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Prepare to collect hydrometric stream gauging data.

1.1 Identify, analyse and confirm the data collection regime required by the organisation.

1.2 Select appropriate testing equipment and confirm its calibration and maintenance status in accordance with organisational procedures.

1.3 Evaluate site conditions and prepare for the taking of measurements in accordance with organisational procedures and relevant industry standards.

1.4 Select the cross-section for discharge measurement.

2 Collect depth and velocity data.

2.1 Accurately measure the width of the section.

2.2 Select appropriate sounding points (verticals) to subdivide the cross-section.

2.3 Accurately measure the depth of vertical.

2.4 Select the appropriate measurement equipment to suit the ambient conditions.

2.5 Collect velocity data at appropriate depth(s) for each vertical.

3 Calculate discharge.

3.1 Calculate the point velocity.

3.2 Calculate the mean velocity for each vertical.

3.3 Calculate the area of sub-section corresponding to each vertical.

3.4 Calculate the discharge corresponding to each sub-section.

3.5 Calculate the area and discharge at the section by summation of the sub-section data.

3.6 Apply corrections for oblique flow as required.

4 Complete recording and reporting requirements for discharge measurement.

4.1 Gather relevant supporting information from the site and accurately complete documentation in accordance with organisational procedures.

4.2 Calculate and record the mean stage height and rate of change using relevant mathematical techniques.

4.3 Grade and record the gauging quality.

4.4 Check records in accordance with organisational procedures.

4.5 Enter gauging into ratings database in accordance with organisational procedures.

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

Required skills:

assesses risks and takes appropriate precautions/actions

maintains testing equipment in good order and calibration

interpret and apply technical documentation

use surveying equipment to identify site location

perform basic mathematical calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, rounding)

use safety equipment and personal protective equipment appropriately

identify potential or actual operational problems

communicate with employees and customers

use computer systems

use communication systems

give and receive instructions

Required knowledge:

performance and limitations of the monitoring systems and sites employed in monitoring the network/catchment

principle of area-velocity measurement of discharge

turbulent and laminar flow

testing procedures

occupational health and safety procedures

policies and standard operating procedures

communication 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 collect hydrometric stream discharge data using wading gaugings including:

gathering, interpreting and applying complex documentation related to the specification of hydrographic data collection and reporting procedures

collecting sample accurately

analysing and verifying data using standard procedures, software and databases

preparing clear and accurate reports

storing and archiving data

identifying, reporting and (within scope of job function) solving potential or actual problems

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.

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.

Data collection regime may include:

performance agreements

quality assurance

catchment gauging sites

work schedules

work priorities

procedures, codes and standards

Testing equipment may include:

surveying equipment (staffs, levels, GPS, EDM, measuring tapes)

stage measurement devices (gauge boards, submersible pressure transducer, gas-purge systems, shaft encoder, radar)

mechanical current meters

meter rods

electronic counters

Acoustic Doppler Velocity meters

Site conditions may include:

gauge height

debris

conditions affecting safety

turbulence

angled flow

wind

aquatic growth

Organisational procedures and relevant industry standards may include:

Standards relevant to the monitoring network including AS 3778 for water measurement installations, WMO/Bureau of Meteorology guidelines for siting of meteorological sensors and systems and best practice methodology where standards are not available or applicable

water data base management software for triggering alarms, notifications, advice to relevant authorities and management for actions

instrument calibration

procedures for discharge measurement in open channels using mechanical current meters (waded gaugings, flood gaugings by cableways/travellers/boats)

procedures for data logging (programming, interrogation, data downloading, data security)

procedures for the measurement of surface slopes and flood slopes

procedures for the development, maintenance and extension of rating curves

Relevant supporting information may include:

location of section

personnel details

details of any clearing of the section undertaken

details of testing equipment used

date and time

floating debris

gauge heights

the quality of the gauging

photographic record

sketch

Mathematical techniques that may be used include:

conversion of units

graphical analysis

calculation of point velocity using ratings for mechanical current meters