NWPIRR014
Install meters for rural water supplies


Application

This unit describes the skills required to install water meters for rural water supplies.

This unit applies to those working as field or operational staff installing meters.

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 under direct 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. Confirm conditions of the site for meter installation

1.1 Identify the location of the site and establish client information from work plans and job specifications.

1.2 Identify access to the site and any conditions of access.

1.3 Assess the conditions of the site.

1.4 Set out the site.

1.5 Carry out a job safety analysis and identify and control hazards.

2. Install meter facilities

2.1 Ensure that excavations provide sufficient width for movements of installation.

2.2 Install meter as set out in design and specifications.

2.3 Check fittings, seals and operation.

2.4 Install ancillary equipment and check for operation and seal.

2.5 Check meter installation for compliance with manufacturer specifications.

3. Restore site

3.1 Backfill with suitable material, moisture content and compaction to maximise compaction efficiency.

3.2 Restore the site to original site conditions.

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.

planning meter installation and construction

undertaking calculation of head, flow and measurements of pipes and pressure

undertaking locational assessment and risk analysis for meter installation

sampling and testing soil for backfill and installation structures

analysing the impact of water infiltration on the stability of structures

measuring the head of water to judge sufficiency for meter’s accuracy

checking power supply and links

installing ancillary equipment

positioning solar panels to maximise power collection

undertaking a job safety analysis and checking hazards and safety requirements

using and storing equipment on site

determining excavation requirements

calculating sump and headwall elevation and orientation

calculating pipe and meter pit elevation, fall and presentation

installing transducers and cabling safely

interpreting manufacturer requirements for fitting meters in meter pits

using techniques to protect meters from disturbance

assessing the effectiveness of backfill

undertaking site restoration

identifying and analysing client requirements, site conditions and their impact on the types of meter required, and the design of the installation

identifying and analysing environmental conditions and limitations and the impact of work to be undertaken

identifying and analysing safety risks and hazards and responding to remove risks and hazards

preparing sites and equipment for installation

identifying faults, changes and failure indicators


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.

the purpose and standards for non-urban water metering

community expectations for water measurement and use

standards for the installation of non-urban meters in open and closed conduit systems

the social, environmental, economic and political responsibilities of water authorities in relation to meter installation

requirements for checking the pattern approval of meters and compliance with meter installation standards

meter manufacturers’ guidelines and installation manual for specific meters

the organisation’s policies and procedures for water meter installation

conditions for meter location and suitable installation assets and meters for the conditions

causes of flow disturbance

potential environmental causes of meter failure

the organisation’s environmental impact guidelines

maintenance requirements for meter facility within and open channel

relevant safety requirements including confined space


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