NWP418B
Coordinate and monitor bulkwater system operations

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to monitor and coordinate the operation of bulkwater systems and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control.

Application

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for staff with a specific responsibility for ensuring that bulkwater system operations are coordinated and monitored to ensure compliance with organisational and statutory requirements.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Confirm performance measures in bulkwater management plan.

1.1 Identify water flow, quality and quantity requirements.

1.2 Identify surveillance requirements.

1.3 Identify stakeholder requirements that impact on system operation.

1.4 Identify performance measures for the resource and operation.

1.5 Identify environmental flows that impact on water flows and quality.

2Monitor performance of assets.

2.1 Correctly select, fit and use equipment, including personal protective equipment.

2.2 Apply monitoring and testing programs according to organisational and statutory requirements.

2.3 Monitor assets to ensure performance meets specifications in management plan.

2.4 Schedule maintenance programs to meet current and/or potential problems.

3Coordinate processes.

3.1 Monitor water flows and quality according to plan.

3.2 Coordinate processes to meet plan requirements and targets.

3.3 Take action to optimise system performance.

4Report outcomes of coordination and monitoring.

4.1 Analyse, record and report coordination and monitoring data according to organisational procedures and statutory requirements.

4.2 Identify and report current and/or potential problems.

Required Skills

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

Required skills:

solve operational problems

produce reports and logs

interpret plans, charts and instructions

interpret policies, procedures and standards

communicate with employees and customers

use communication equipment

give and receive instructions

operate computerised equipment

identify control system faults

use safety equipment and personal protective equipment

identify and investigate operational problems

collect and analyse data

use communication systems

control system operations.

Required knowledge:

system hydraulics

coordination processes

system layout

system processes

environmental aspects of bulkwater systems

chemical use

safety procedures

lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

policies, procedures and legislation

relevant utilities and service bodies

communication systems

risk factors and potential hazards involved with water pressures and flows

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effects of weather and conditions on operation of supply networks

pipes and fittings

pumping and valving systems

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 and coordinate the operation of bulkwater systems, including:

identifying system performance measures, stakeholder requirements and environmental factors that may influence performance

implementing monitoring and testing programs

scheduling maintenance

coordinating and optimising system performance

collecting and recording data

producing required 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.

Surveillance may apply to:

earthen walls

concrete walls

hydraulic structures

electrical equipment

spillways

outlets

pipes

conduits

foundations

mechanical equipment (eg gates, valves)

reservoir perimeter

weirs

tunnels

galleries.

Stakeholders may include:

dam owners

water authorities

government

water consumers

downstream land owners

meteorological bureau

local government

emergency organisations

police

land care and water watch groups

industry.

Equipment used may include:

electronic monitoring and metering systems

manual chart recording systems

on- and off-road vehicles

communication equipment

personal protective equipment.

Monitoring may require:

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.

Organisational and statutory requirements may include:

environmental laws and policies

by-laws and organisational policies

Water Acts

Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

construction and occupational health and safety regulations

public safety and disaster plans

International Commission on Large Dams and Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD) guidelines

state government or state committees

asset management plan.


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Collection and distribution


Employability Skills

This unit of competency contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.