NWP348B
Monitor, operate and control sedimentation and clarification processes

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to monitor, operate and control sedimentation and clarification plant; and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control. The ability to identify faults, determine and apply technical adjustments, conduct chemical dosing procedures and produce technical reports are essential to performance.

Application

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for operational staff with a specific responsibility for ensuring that sediment and clarification processes in water treatment plants conform to organisational standards and comply with statutory requirements.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Monitor sedimentation and clarification plant performance.

1.1 Monitor test results and processes to maintain the parameters of operation.

1.2 Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of plant according to organisational and statutory requirements.

2Control chemical use.

2.1 Use, handle and store chemicals according to organisational procedures and statutory requirements.

2.2 Prepare and apply chemical dosing according to plant processes and organisational procedures and statutory requirements.

2.3 Maintain chemical supply and usage records according to statutory requirements.

3Operate and control sedimentation and clarification processes.

3.1 Carry out routine plant inspections according to organisational and plant requirements.

3.2 Collect process samples and conduct standard tests.

3.3 Perform process calculations associated with sedimentation and clarification processes.

3.4 Carry out system adjustments to enhance system performance according to organisational procedures and statutory requirements.

4Compile sedimentation and clarification process records.

4.1 Compile reports from plant and system data to meet organisational and statutory requirements.

4.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

Required Skills

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

Required skills:

identify and correct operational problems

produce reports and logs

use safety and personal protective equipment

interpret plans, charts and instructions

interpret policies, procedures and standards

communicate with employees and various customers

perform process calculations

use communication equipment

give and receive instructions

prepare and apply chemical dosing

operate computerised equipment

identify control system faults

sample and test products.

Required knowledge:

system layout

lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

policies, procedures and legislation

relevant utilities and service bodies

communication systems

settling aids

hazardous materials handling

environment, landscape and ground structure of work area

risk factors and potential hazards related to water and/or wastewater treatment

chemical dosing processes

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant

pumping and valving systems

control systems' policies and procedures for storing and handling dangerous goods and chemicals

interpretation of material safety data sheets

chemical and/or biological principles that form the basis of sedimentation and clarification processes.

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 monitor, operate and control sedimentation and clarification processes, including:

conducting routine plant inspections

taking samples and performing basic tests

preparing and applying chemical dosing according to instructions

identifying and reporting system faults

making basic system adjustments according to instructions

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.


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.

Processes may include:

sludge blanket clarifiers

conventional clarifiers

tube settlers

high rate plate settlers

recirculating contact clarifiers

pulsator clarifiers

ballasted sedimentation.

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

by-laws and organisational policies

standard operating procedures

Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

National Water Quality Management strategy

environment protection

occupational health and safety, including use of personal protective equipment

chemicals

dangerous goods

lifts and cranes

World Health Organisation standards

Environment Protection Authority regulations

licensing agreements

electrical standards.

Routine plant inspections may include:

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

visual observation

identification of corrosion damage

the use of equipment, including:

electronic monitoring and metering systems

recording systems

basic hand tools

sampling and laboratory testing equipment

control equipment

communication equipment

personal protective equipment.

Tests may include:

settling velocity tests

pH

jar tests

turbidity and solids concentration (% v/v).

Process calculations may include:

tank volumes

weir overflow rates

detention times

rise rates

surface loading rates

settling velocity

calculations associated with sludge settling tests.

System adjustments may include:

pH correction

chemical addition

sludge withdrawal rates

recirculation rates

flow rates.

Reports may include:

plant performance data

chemical usage.


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Treatment


Employability Skills

This unit of competency contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.