Application
This unit describes the skills required to maintain and repair irrigation or stock and domestic supply channels and drains.
This unit applies to those working as field and operational staff with responsibility for carrying out planned and emergency maintenance and repair work on raw water delivery 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, particularly those related to environmental requirements and WHS.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently or in a team under direct supervision using own familiar resources as required. They will perform routine tasks, ensuring minimum damage to the environment, in a range of familiar 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. Plan and prepare work site | 1.1 Determine work requirements from plans, drawings, specifications or instructions. 1.2 Notify relevant stakeholders and customers of maintenance work. 1.3 Make appropriate drainage, de-watering and inflow diversion arrangements. 1.4 Select and check equipment and work methods to meet safety requirements of task and site. |
2. Maintain irrigation channels, drains and associated fittings | 2.1 Conduct routine inspections of designated work areas according to maintenance schedules. 2.2 Identify system faults and apply corrective action according to structure type, location, specification. 2.3 Identify, select, place and join components and associated fittings. 2.4 Construct components on-site. 2.5 Repair earthworks and embankments. |
3. Check work and restore work site | 3.1 Check repaired or replaced components to ensure that specifications have been met. 3.2 Backfill, compact, restore work site and refill the system. |
4. Finalise work | 4.1 Check, maintain and store equipment, tools and materials. 4.2 Complete and process workplace records. |
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.
identifying and responding to operational problems
laying concrete
inserting water stop or seal
producing reports and logs
using tools and machinery
interpreting plans, charts and instructions
performing work related calculations
planning and preparing work site
inspecting irrigation drains and channels and identifying faults
performing maintenance and repair tasks according to manufacturer specifications and organisational requirements
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.
environmental aspects of maintenance
construction processes
concrete placement techniques, including compaction
water to cement ratio of concrete
work related calculations
hazardous materials handling
landscape and ground structure of work area
backfilling and compaction requirements
risk factors and potential hazards of maintenance processes
effects of weather and conditions on construction site or plant
control systems
recording and reporting systems
pre-cast components
pipes and fittings
chemical usage
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