This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for operational staff with a specific responsibility for ensuring that reverse osmosis and/or nano-filtration processes in treatment plants conform to organisational standards and comply with statutory requirements.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Monitor RO and/or NF processes.

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.

2Operate and control RO and/or NF processes.

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

2.2 Conduct and analyse process tests and compare performance to plant operational requirements.

2.3 Make integrated process adjustments to optimise system performance according to organisational and statutory requirements.

2.4 Collect, interpret and record process according to organisational and plant requirements.

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

3Compile process reports.

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

3.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

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 and personal protective equipment

interpret plans, charts and instructions

interpret policies, procedures and standards

communicate with employees and customers

use communication equipment

give and receive instructions

determine chemical dosing requirements

perform system calculations

operate control equipment

identify control system faults

perform system calculations

collect samples and perform tests.

Required knowledge:

system layout

system processes

lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

policies, procedures and legislation

relevant utilities and service bodies

communication systems

hazardous materials handling

interpretation of material safety data sheets

principles that form the basis of reverse osmosis and nano-filtration processes

risk factors and potential hazards

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

pipes and fittings

pumping and valving systems

mechanical and electrical 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 reverse osmosis and nano-filtration processes, including:

monitoring test results and processes

identifying and reporting faults

conducting routine plant inspections

taking samples and performing basic tests

making basic process adjustments according to instructions

collecting data and 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.

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.

Processes may include:

pre-treatment, for example

screening

scaling chemicals

reverse osmosis, for example:

desalination

demineralisation

nano-filtration, for example:

desalination

demineralisation.

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

by-laws and organisational policies

standard operating procedures

environment protection

occupational health and safety, including use of personal protective equipment

chemicals

dangerous goods

electrical

lifts and cranes

World Health Organisation standards

Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

National Water Quality Management strategy

licensing agreements.

Routine plant inspection may include:

use of equipment, including:

electronic monitoring and metering systems

chart recording systems

basic hand tools

sampling and laboratory testing equipment

computerised equipment

personal protective equipment

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

visual observation

implementation of reporting procedures that may also include procedures for the implementation of by-laws, organisational policies and statutory requirements.

Tests may include:

electrical conductivity

total dissolved solids

pH

temperature

turbidity

pressure

silt density index

scaling potential.

Process adjustments may include:

pH control

chemical cleaning

pre-treatment optimisation

flow control

waste disposal.

Reports may include:

organisational reports

environmental reports

plant performance data.

Treatment

This unit of competency contains employability skills.