NWPNET022
Maintain and repair network assets for drinking water


Application

This unit describes the skills required to maintain a variety of water distribution assets including storages, pumping stations, dosing stations and pipelines.

This unit applies to those working as field staff with specific responsibility for ensuring the repair and maintenance of water assets.

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 under indirect supervision, while performing routine tasks, in a familiar context, ensuring minimum damage to the environment.

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 for work

1.1 Conduct risk assessment for environmental, safety and water quality factors.

1.2 Determine work requirements, materials and configuration from plans, specifications, instructions and/or organisational procedures.

1.3 Check coordination issues with relevant personnel, including isolations, licences and permits to work.

1.4 Identify networks system operation requirements.

1.5 Arrange appropriate site protection.

1.6 Identify and notify customers of supply interruption.

2. Conduct maintenance and repairs

2.1 Isolate the work area.

2.2 Determine appropriate repair method from job specifications and instructions.

2.3 Ensure materials, pipes and fittings are clear of any contaminants before installing.

2.4 Sterilise fittings and repair materials.

2.5 Check maintenance and repairs to assets to ensure specifications are met.

2.6 Restore work site to meet environmental and organisational requirements.

3. Review, report and record work

3.1 Check, tag and report faulty equipment and tools.

3.2 Store equipment, tools and materials.

3.3 Complete workplace records.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. The candidate must be assessed on at least two of the network assets listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

planning work site including personnel, equipment, materials

requesting permits, approvals, other utilities diagrams and maps

implementing appropriate controls

using tools and specific water equipment

selecting and applying appropriate PPE

performing work-related calculations

applying disinfection to tools and materials

using communication tools including phones and laptops

interpreting plans, instructions and procedures

ensuring system hygiene and water quality

determining location, size, utilities, services from plans, specifications and organisational procedures

applying excavation techniques

maintaining and repairing assets

maintaining and repairing tanks by monitoring and operating flow-regulating devices to isolate tanks

maintaining and repairing minor structures by laying concrete


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.

system hydraulics basics

environmental aspects of maintenance

relevant legislation, policies and procedures

material safety data sheets (SDS)

landscape and ground structure of work area

risk factors and potential hazards of maintenance processes

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

control systems

disinfection of systems and chemical usage

pipe systems and installation requirements

characteristics of pipe materials

testing and sampling systems

corrosion principles applicable to service pipes and fittings

operation of water meters

formwork preparation and positioning

methods of repairing concrete, brick and stone structures

concrete placement techniques, including compaction

relevant utilities and service bodies to identify allocation of road reserve

effects of weather and conditions on construction site or plan

requirements around excavation


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.


Range Statement

Network assets include:

network water mains and services

network storages

network pump stations

bore fields


Competency Field

Networks