Application
This unit describes the skills required to monitor and operate fluoridation processes and to report on water quality control.
This unit applies to those working as water operators responsible for fluoridation processes in water treatment. It may be a requirement for compliance with state and territory legislation and government water quality guidelines.
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 relating to WHS.
Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision, while performing routine tasks, 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 for work | 1.1 Determine work requirements. 1.2 Select and check equipment and tools required to meet safety requirements of task and site. 1.3 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment. |
2. Monitor process performance | 2.1 Monitor fluoridation processes. 2.2 Collect process samples and conduct standard tests. 2.3 Maintain and monitor relevant WHS requirements. 2.4 Collect and record process data and perform calculations. |
3. Prepare and apply fluoride dosing | 3.1 Handle, use and store fluoridation chemicals. 3.2 Apply fluoride dosing and perform calculations. 3.3 Monitor fluoride levels. |
4. Complete documentation | 4.1 Maintain information relating to fluoride supply and usage. 4.2 Produce information relating to maintenance and operation. 4.3 Record information and submit for continuous improvement and incident management. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. To be deemed competent the candidate must be assessed in at least one of the fluoridation processes 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.
applying policies, regulatory standards and standard operating procedures relevant to fluoridation
receiving, clarifying and confirming work instructions
performing chemical dosing calculations
identifying and reporting control system faults and operational problems
identifying and reporting hazards
using literacy skills to produce reports and logs and interpreting a range of workplace documents
interpreting and following safety data sheets (SDS)
preparing for work
selecting and using appropriate tools and equipment, including personal protective equipment
calculating average fluoride concentrations
collecting process samples and determining fluoride residuals
collecting and reporting process data
preparing and applying fluoride dosing safely
completing log sheets
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.
properties of fluoridation chemicals
fluoridation and its relationship to public health
fluoride sampling and record keeping
fluoride addition points
fluoride system layout and security
policies and standard operating procedures for fluoride processes
safe handling using SDS and disposal of fluoride compounds
risk factors and potential hazards associated with fluoridation
work-related fluoride calculations
fluoride dosing processes
automatic feed rate control systems
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.
Some components of this unit require assessment in a workplace environment therefore the unit is not suitable for fully external or electronic based assessment.
Consideration must be given to holistic assessment for this unit. Refer to advice in the companion volumes.
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
Types of fluoridation processes: | sodium fluoride fluorosilicic acid sodium fluorosilicate |
Competency Field
Treatment