NWP366A
Monitor, operate and control chloramination disinfection processes

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to monitor, operate and control chloramination processes; and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control. The ability to identify faults, determine and apply technical adjustments 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 chloramination processes conform to organisational standards and comply with statutory requirements.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Monitor chloramination process performance.

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

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

2Operate and control chloramination processes.

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

2.2 Make process adjustments to optimise system performance according to organisational requirements.

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

3Prepare and apply chloramination chemical dosing.

3.1 Use, handle and store chemicals according to organisational requirements.

3.2 Prepare chemical dosing according to system specifications and organisational requirements.

3.3 Maintain information related to chlorine and ammonia supply and usage according to organisational requirements.

4Compile chloramination process reports.

4.1 Compile reports from plant and system data to meet organisational 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/or customers

use communication equipment

give and receive instructions

determine process requirements

operate control and chemical dosing equipment

perform chloramination process calculations

collect samples and conduct tests.

Required knowledge:

microbiological aspects of water quality

chloramination process theory

chlorine and ammonia dosing equipment

operational problems such as nitrification

lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

policies, procedures and legislation

communication systems

hazardous materials handling

material safety data sheets

risk factors and potential hazards associated with chloramination processes

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

mechanical and electrical control systems.

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 chloramination systems, including:

analysing tests

identifying and reporting process and operational faults

monitoring chloramination systems

making appropriate system adjustments

collecting and reporting process data

preparing and applying chloramination chemical dosing.

producing reports.

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 should only be made 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.

Tests may include:

chlorine residual analysis, including:

total residual chlorine

monochloramine

dichloramine

ammonia and hypochlorite strength

pH.

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

Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

National Water Quality Management Strategy

hazardous substances

lifts and cranes

World Health Organisation standards

licensing agreements

Environment Protection Authority regulations.

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.

Process adjustments may include:

flow rate

chlorine feed rate

ammonia feed rate

chlorine to ammonia ratio

calibration of chemical dosing equipment.

Chemicals may include:

liquefied chlorine gas

sodium hypochlorite

anhydrous ammonia

aqua ammonia

pH correcting chemicals such as lime soda ash, sodium hydroxide.

Reports may include:

organisational reports

environmental reports

chemical usage

plant performance data.


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Treatment


Employability Skills

This unit of competency contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.