This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for operational staff with a specific responsibility for ensuring that treatment plants are maintained in good condition and that equipment performs to the optimum standards.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Inspect, record and analyse asset condition.

1.1 Schedule routine inspections of assets and monitor fault reporting according to organisational and statutory requirements.

1.2 Collect and analyse data on assets and infrastructure condition according to organisational procedures.

1.3 Determine and cost asset maintenance and repair methods.

2Plan and prepare for asset repair.

2.1 Schedule and plan work site investigations and repair activities according to organisational requirements.

2.2 Develop repair plans and procedures and communicate to all stakeholders.

2.3 Assess and record environmental and occupational health and safety and determine and apply preventative measures according to organisational requirements.

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

3Control and monitor work activities.

3.1 Inspect materials and equipment and monitor materials handling and repairs to ensure compliance with organisational requirements.

3.2 Locate and remove system chokes and blockages to achieve maximum system performance.

3.3 Repair or replace leakages and/or damaged pipes and fittings according to organisational requirements.

3.4 Clean the plant and surrounds to meet organisational and environmental requirements.

4Complete maintenance and repair records.

4.1 Monitor repair and maintenance progress.

4.2 Record and process repair and maintenance activities according to organisational procedures.

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

Required skills:

solve operational problems

conduct fault finding

undertake maintenance

produce reports and logs

use safety and personal protective equipment

use tools and machinery

interpret plans, charts and instructions

interpret policies, procedures and standards

communicate with employees and customers

use communication equipment

give and receive instructions

apply construction techniques

identify control system faults

adjust mechanical and electrical systems.

Required knowledge:

finding techniques

system layout

lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

relevant utilities and service bodies

preventative maintenance

breakdown maintenance

mechanical seals

corrosion protection

lubrication

communication systems

materials handling

environment, landscape and ground structure of work area

risk factors and potential hazards

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant

construction techniques and jointing systems

control systems

pipes and fittings.

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 optimise plant performance by:

scheduling inspection and monitoring fault reports

collecting and analysing data

selecting and costing maintenance and repair methods

planning repair activities

developing and applying repair procedures

assessing and managing risks

inspecting materials

monitoring and recording repairs.

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.

Routine inspections may include:

inspection of pipes, including:

polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

galvanised wrought iron

polyethylene

cast iron

mild steel cement lined

ductile iron

clay

asbestos cement

concrete

steel.

inspection of fittings, including:

jointing systems for pipe types, eg gibault

tension bands

solvent joints

mechanical seals

compression ring joints

valves.

inspection of mechanical equipment, including:

pumps

blowers

compressors

gearboxes

rakes

motors

pressure vessels

mixers

chemical feeders

actuators.

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

by-laws or 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

lifts and cranes

mines

electrical standards

dangerous goods

chemicals

World Health Organisation standards

Environment Protection Authority regulations.

Equipment may include:

hand and power tools

lifting and winching equipment

electric and gaseous welding equipment

closed circuit television

electronic and manual controlling equipment

pneumatic and motorised equipment:

compressors

pneumatic tools

motorised saws

grinders

pumps

communication equipment

personal protective equipment.

Asset management

This unit of competency contains employability skills.