Application
This unit describes the skills required to implement dam maintenance programs, including maintenance of dam safety mechanisms. The ability to interpret technical documentation, investigate and resolve maintenance problems and to collect and analyse technical information is essential to performance.
This unit applies to those working as field and operational staff with a specific responsibility for the maintenance of ungated dams.
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 manufacturer's specifications.
Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision while performing routine tasks in a limited 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 for dam maintenance | 1.1 Plan and prepare for dam maintenance according to management plans and relevant documentation. 1.2 Undertake inspection procedures. 1.3 Develop a maintenance plan. |
2. Implement dam maintenance plans | 2.1 Schedule dam maintenance works. 2.2 Maintain and repair civil and mechanical dam assets. 2.3 Operate and test equipment including winches, valves and gates. |
3. Compile maintenance and inspection reports | 3.1 Collect required data from inspections, measurement instruments and delegated personnel. 3.2 Collate, process, evaluate, validate, record and store data. 3.3 Record and report structural, material and/or equipment problems. 3.4 Recommend remedial action. |
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 in at least one type of dam 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.
identifying and correcting maintenance problems
identifying security and access maintenance issues
conducting inspections
coordinating maintenance activities
interpreting plans, drawings, instructions, standard operating procedures, policies and standards
using safety, rescue and personal protective equipment
using relevant tools and machinery
identifying safety hazards
carrying out maintenance of specified assets
proposing and justifying maintenance activities
analysing and processing data
inspecting and operating relevant equipment and instruments
monitoring and implementing dam maintenance
interpreting technical documentation
collecting and evaluating technical information
preparing required reports
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.
dam design principles
risks to dams
historic dam information
potential earthquake effects
properties of stored water
dam maintenance principles and practices
basic materials science
basic principles of hydraulics
system layout
environmental aspects of maintenance
lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations
control systems
equipment operation
relevant utilities and service bodies
hazardous materials handling
effects of weather and conditions on bulkwater assets
basic principles of soil mechanics
basic concrete structure, strengths and deterioration
basic dam construction procedures
dam failure mechanisms
risk management techniques
WHS
risk factors and potential hazards of maintenance of dam assets
maintenance standard operating procedures
organisational and statutory requirements
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
Dam types include: | concrete embankment |
Competency Field
Source