NWPSOU029
Conduct and report dam safety instrumentation monitoring


Application

This unit describes the skills required to plan, conduct and report dam safety instrumentation monitoring. This requires implementing and reporting on the monitoring of basic instrumentation installed in dams to provide assurance of their ongoing safety.

This unit applies to those working as field and operational staff with responsibility for monitoring the safety of a dam and reporting faults or trends.

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 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 safety monitoring

1.1 Identify organisational procedures and guidelines for dam safety monitoring.

1.2 Identify and apply operational procedures determining the techniques, methods and equipment used for dam safety monitoring.

1.3 Organise work activities according to workplace requirements and data collection equipment and methods.

2. Conduct dam safety monitoring

2.1 Implement dam safety monitoring procedures and practices including unusual events.

2.2 Ensure equipment is functioning and fit for purpose.

2.3 Record dam instrumentation readings.

2.4 Recognise and report any monitoring data that may indicate faults or changes outside the expected range.

3. Report on dam safety monitoring

3.1 Add newly recorded information on dam behaviour to historical monitoring information.

3.2 Prepare and submit monitoring instrumentation data.

3.3 Report deviations outside approved limits including potential causes and make recommendations for follow up action.

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.

following instructions, operating procedures, policies and standards for dam safety monitoring and instrumentation

collecting and processing data

reading and interpreting plans, drawings and charts

recording and reporting monitoring and safety information

interpreting a range of workplace documents

using mathematical calculations to collect and process data on dam safety

producing dam instrumentation monitoring reports

inspecting and operating monitoring equipment and instruments

reporting deviations and faults in equipment and data

preparing monitoring activity

setting up relevant instrumentation

identifying faults, changes and failure indicators

reporting on dam safety monitoring outcomes


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 and/or the AQF level of the qualification being undertaken.

principles of dam design and construction

causes of dam failures and incidents

impact of unusual events on dam safety

types of instrumentation and their application

requirements for installation of instruments and instrument failure

purpose of monitoring and instrumentation used

instructions for the operation of monitoring equipment

dam safety performance indicators

WHS procedures related to dam monitoring and working in confined spaces

dam faults and changes indicated by monitoring and instrumentation

organisational and statutory requirements related to monitoring and reporting dam safety


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

Source