This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for operational staff with a specific responsibility for ensuring that water and/or wastewater dewatering and sludge thickening processes conform to organisational standards and comply with statutory requirements.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Monitor dewatering 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.

2Control chemical use.

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

2.2 Determine and carry out chemical dosing according to plant processes and organisational and statutory requirements.

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

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

3Operate and control dewatering processes.

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

3.2 Conduct and analyse process tests and determine performance against plant operational requirements.

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

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

4Compile dewatering process reports.

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

4.2 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

prepare and apply chemical dosing

produce logs and reports

interpret plans, charts and instructions

interpret policies, procedures and standards

give and receive instructions

operate control and communication systems

use safety and personal protective equipment

communicate with employees and customers

give and receive instructions

perform system calculations.

Required knowledge:

process layout

features and components of thickening and dewatering systems

theory of process operation

chemicals used for sludge conditioning

chemical dosing processes

risk factors and potential hazards related to thickening and dewatering 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

environmental aspects of water and/or wastewater treatment

procedures for storing and handling dangerous goods and chemicals

interpretation and use of material safety data sheets

chemical principles that form the basis of dewatering processes.

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 dewatering 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:

tables

drying beds

rotating drum filters

belt press

centrifuge

rotary press

plate frame press

DAF thickeners.

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

by-laws and organisational policies

standard operating procedures

environment protection

Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

National Water Quality Management strategy

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.

Chemicals may include:

synthetic and organic polymers.

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

communication 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

jar testing

sludge density

centrate clarity

dewatering process efficiency.

System adjustments may include:

loading rates

chemical dosing rates

dewatering polymers

centrifuge settings.

Reports may include:

environmental reports

chemical usage

plant performance data.

Treatment

This unit of competency contains employability skills.