NWPGEN013
Apply principles of chemistry to water systems and processes


Application

This unit describes the skills required to identify and apply to water systems and processes the principles of chemistry, and to select the relevant and effective chemicals required for specific processes.

This unit applies to a range of operational roles within the water industry and is fundamental to all quality monitoring and treatment processes.

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 independently while performing complex tasks within 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. Apply chemistry to water processes

1.1 Apply relevant chemistry principles to improve performance of specific water processes.

1.2 Identify and describe chemical reactions specific to water processes.

2. Identify the use of chemicals in water industry processes

2.1 Assess the functions of the range of industry chemicals in relation to their use in water processes.

2.2 Identify and describe factors influencing the effectiveness of chemical use.

2.3 Store, handle and prepare chemicals.

3. Select chemicals for specific water industry processes

3.1 Identify the range of chemicals available for specific water industry processes.

3.2 Evaluate the factors affecting the selection of chemicals for particular water industry applications.

3.3 Select suitable chemicals and calculate correct usage for a range of specific water industry processes.

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

analysing and evaluating reports and reference materials

performing various calculations to provide data for the analysis and development of options and solutions

identifying risks and hazards


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.

standards and workplace policies and procedures determining the use and management of chemical processes

chemical concepts relevant to water industry processes

chemical reactions

range and characteristics of chemicals used in various water industry processes

functions of various chemicals in water industry processes

factors influencing the effectiveness of chemicals

factors affecting the selection of chemicals


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