ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Monitor nutrient removal process 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.

2Operate and control nutrient removal 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 system adjustments and process calculations to optimise system performance according to organisational and statutory requirements.

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

2.5 Use chemicals as required and record handling, storage, dosage and use according to organisational requirements.

3Compile nutrient removal 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:

identify and correct operational and control system problems

take samples and perform tests

produce logs and reports

perform process calculations

interpret plans, charts and instructions

interpret policies, procedures and standards

give and receive instructions

determine chemical dosing requirements

operate control and communication systems

use safety and personal protective equipment

communicate with employees and customers

Required knowledge:

process layout

features and components of nutrient removal systems

theory of process operation and monitoring

biological and/or chemical treatment principles that form the basis of nutrient removal processes

chemicals used for pH control, odour control, nutrient removal

chemical dosing processes

risk factors and potential hazards related to nutrient removal systems

risk control requirements including safety equipment and material safety data sheets

lockout procedures for mechanical and electrical installations and hydraulic isolation

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

operation of pumping and valving systems

control and communications systems

policies, procedures and relevant legislation

relevant utilities and service bodies

hazardous materials handling

interpretation and use of material safety data sheets

environmental aspects of wastewater treatment

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 nutrient removal processes, including:

monitoring test results and processes

identifying and reporting faults

conducting routine plant inspections

taking samples and performing basic tests

preparing and applying chemical dosing

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

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.

Processes may include:

chemical and adsorption techniques

chemical nitrogen removal

biological nitrogen removal

enhanced ammonia removal

chemical phosphorus removal

biological phosphorus removal

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

by-laws and organisational policies

standard operating procedures

National Water Quality Management strategy

environment protection

occupational health and safety, including use of personal protective equipment

chemicals

dangerous goods

lifts and cranes

Environment Protection Authority regulations

World Health Organisation standards

licensing agreements

electrical standards

Routine inspection of plant 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:

solids analysis

nitrogen and phosphorus analysis

microscopy and routine jar testing

oxygen demand

pH

System adjustments may include:

recirculation rates

wasting rates

organic and hydraulic loadings

surface loading rates

pH adjustment

chemical dosing

Process calculations may include:

chemical feed rates

Chemicals may include:

aluminium and iron based coagulants

synthetic organic polymers

carbon sources

Reports may include:

environmental reports

chemical usage

plant performance data