Application
This unit of competency describes the skills required to operate and control a water treatment plant, to report on water treatment plant system performance and process quality control. The ability to operate water treatment processes in urban and/or rural areas, in compliance with relevant water legislation and regulations and Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, is vital to performance.
This unit applies to those working as operational staff in water treatment plants with responsibility for the practical and safe operation of plant, equipment and processes.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, statutory, 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 supervision, while performing routine tasks, within 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. Plan and prepare for work | 1.1 Determine work requirements from job specifications and plans. 1.2 Select and check equipment to meet safety requirements of task and site. 1.3 Select, fit and use safety equipment including personal protective equipment. |
2. Operate and control process | 2.1 Carry out routine plant inspections according to the type of plant. 2.2 Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of the plant. 2.3 Collect samples and conduct standard tests. 2.4 Carry out basic adjustments to improve process performance. |
3. Complete documentation | 3.1 Collect, interpret, record and complete process data. 3.2 Identify data that falls outside normal parameters and report for further 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 operating at least two of the processes listed in the Range of Conditions, of which one must be from separation and one from disinfection. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
conducting routine plant inspections
interpreting safety data sheets (SDS)
applying basic mathematical formulae
completing logs
preparing and applying chemical dosing including at least one of:
pH adjustment
coagulants
polymers
flocculants
disinfectants
fluoride
interpreting plans, charts and instructions
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.
water cycle
sources of water
demands and uses of water, both domestic and industrial
physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of water within the water treatment process
reasons for water treatment
types of treatment plants and processes
major chemicals and equipment used
water treatment plant hazards
risk factors and potential hazards associated with the operation of water treatment processes
physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of water within the water treatment process
chemical and biological principles that form the basis of water treatment
types of components
relevant technologies
water quality principles
relevant guidelines and standards
risk management principles of water treatment (HACCP)
basic knowledge of types of chemicals and water chemistry
Candidate should demonstrate basic knowledge of all processes listed in Range of Conditions.
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
Current processes include: | pre-treatment chemical dosing coagulation pH adjustment iron manganese pre-screening separation clarification filtration DAF disinfection post-treatment fluoride ozone BAC stabilisation |
Competency Field
Treatment