Application
This unit describes the skills required to understand and implement quality systems in the water industry and to identify opportunities for improvement in quality outcomes for the organisation.
This unit applies to those working as water industry technicians or supervisors with a responsibility for the implementation of quality systems.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work autonomously, usually with supervisory responsibilities, while performing complex tasks in a range of contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Interpret and communicate quality system requirements | 1.1 Interpret the accreditation requirements for relevant water quality systems. 1.2 Identify implications of non-conformance with quality accreditation requirements. 1.3 Communicate requirements and implications to work colleagues. 1.4 Review standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with current quality accreditation and legislative requirements. |
2. Implement quality systems | 2.1 Define individual roles and responsibilities in quality system implementation. 2.2 Implement standard operating procedures to ensure compliance with quality systems. 2.3 Record relevant data for quality system monitoring. 2.4 Record and report observations of non-conformance with quality accreditation requirements. |
3. Identify and correct quality system implementation problems | 3.1 Analyse system monitoring data to identify variances that indicate abnormal or sub-optimal performance. 3.2 Review non-conformance reports to identify contributing factors. 3.3 Identify corrective action to remove or control the risk of sub-optimal performance. |
4. Contribute to improvement of quality system implementation | 4.1 Develop recommendations for continuous improvement of work practices, methods, equipment and procedures. 4.2 Consult all relevant work colleagues to refine recommendations. 4.3 Document recommendations for quality system implementation improvements and record the required modifications in standard operating procedures. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
interpreting a range of complex and technical documents, including relevant:
regulatory, legislative, licensing and organisational requirements
codes and standards
specifications
organisational policies
communicating effectively with a range of relevant parties to articulate complex ideas
analysing and evaluating reports
interpreting, maintaining and checking records and documents
identifying opportunities for improved water management
implementing operational plans collaboratively and effectively
monitoring assets to ensure performance meets specifications in management plans
analysing problems and applying appropriate remedial solutions
performing various calculations to provide data for the analysis and development of options and solutions
identifying hazards and developing appropriate responses to control and mitigate risks
interpreting and communicating the accreditation requirements for, and implications of non-conformance
monitoring quality systems and reporting non-conformance
analysing data and proposing improvements
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
relevant legislation, standards and workplace policies and procedures
relevant quality standards and systems, including:
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
HACCP
ISO 9000 series quality management and quality assurance standards
ISO 14001 environmental management systems
quality improvement tools and techniques including statistical process control
communication channels and consultative arrangements
procedures for addressing non-compliance
risk assessments
control charts and control limits
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
General