NWPIRR003
Inspect and operate surface water systems


Application

This unit describes the skills required to inspect and coordinate the operation of surface water systems and to measure and report on surface water usage and system performance. The ability to collect data, monitor and adjust regulatory systems, coordinate system performance and produce technical reports are essential to performance.

This unit applies to those working as field operators with a specific responsibility for inspecting and operating surface water systems and for ensuring that flows are regulated according to organisational specifications and system demands.

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, particularly those related to WHS.

Those undertaking this unit would work under indirect supervision, while performing routine tasks ensuring minimum damage to the environment, in a familiar context.

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. Inspect and report on surface water system performance and usage

1.1 Schedule and complete routine inspections of surface supply areas.

1.2 Collect and record data on system capacity and flow.

1.3 Select, fit and use required safety equipment, including personal protective equipment.

2. Monitor inflows, outflows and releases

2.1 Inspect flow regulating systems and make adjustments to meet demand requirements.

2.2 Monitor flows and coordinate diversions or extractions to control usage.

2.3 Read meters and record volumes.

3. Operate and coordinate system performance

3.1 Address and record process faults and operational conditions.

3.2 Optimise process performance.

4. Complete documentation

4.1 Record inspections results.

4.2 Report data from inspection results.

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.

using safety equipment and personal protective equipment

calculating flow and capacity

coordinating surveillance

interpreting plans

identifying control system faults

inspecting and coordinating the operation of surface water systems

inspecting surface supply areas

collecting and recording data

collecting samples

inspecting and adjusting flow regulating systems

monitoring flows

coordinating diversions and extractions

reading meters

identifying and reporting faults

integrating processes

completing relevant documentation


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.

operations of surface water systems

impacts of the principles of hydraulics on the surface water system

methods of measuring and calculating flow

system capacity and system faults

adjusting flow regulating systems

methods of monitoring flows

customer requirements

data collection requirements

reporting systems


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

Irrigation