Application
This unit of competency describes the skills required to monitor, operate and control coagulation and flocculation processes; and to measure and report on system performance and quality control. The ability to identify faults, determine and apply technical adjustments and conduct chemical dosing procedures.
This unit applies to those working as operational staff with a specific responsibility for coagulation and flocculation processes in water and wastewater plants.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory, statutory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those relating to safety, water testing, chemical dosing, handling and storage of hazardous substances and dangerous goods.
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. Monitor coagulation and flocculation processes | 1.1 Monitor test results and processes to ensure compliance with the parameters of the operation. 1.2 Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of plant. 1.3 Collect and test samples. 1.4 Conduct jar tests and determine dosages. |
2. Control chemical use | 2.1 Use, handle and store chemicals. 2.2 Determine and apply chemical dosing according to plant processes based on jar testing. 2.3 Maintain chemical supply and usage records. |
3. Operate and control coagulation and flocculation processes | 3.1 Carry out routine plant inspections. 3.2 Collect process samples and conduct standard tests such as jar testing. 3.3 Carry out system adjustments and process calculations to improve system performance whenever water quality changes or process performance deteriorates. |
4. Complete documentation | 4.1 Compile reports from plant and system data. 4.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further 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.
taking samples and performing tests including at least one of:
flocculation growth and size
flocculation time
mixing time
mixing energy
pH
colour
turbidity
routine jar tests and associated timings
residual aluminium or iron
alkalinity
drop tests
dosage feed rate review and checks
producing logs and reports
preparing testing solutions and solutions strengths
performing process calculations including at least one of:
preparation of dosing solutions
jar test dosages
dry and liquid chemical feed rates
mixing intensity
preparing and applying chemical dosing
applying optimised jar test results in the process
conducting routine plant inspections
identifying and reporting system faults
making basic system adjustments including at least one of:
pH correction
chemical dosing
completing required documentation including at least one of:
routine plant inspection and safety checks
water quality sampling and test results
routine maintenance reports
chemical dosing calculations
process set point changes
water quality and safety incident 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.
process layout
process flash mix
flocculation process
chemicals used i.e. polymers, coagulants, flocculants and pH correction
features and components of coagulation and flocculation systems
process operations including:
chemical addition
flash mixing
flocculation
chemicals used for coagulation and flocculation
chemical dosing processes
risk factors and potential hazards related to coagulation and flocculation systems including:
aluminium and iron based coagulants
synthetic organic polymers
pH adjusting chemicals such as lime, soda ash, caustic soda
risk control requirements including safety equipment and safety data sheets (SDS)
operation of pumping and valving systems
control and communications systems
water testing procedures
effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant
procedures for storing and handling dangerous goods and chemicals
understanding risk management principles of ADWG and AGWR
jar testing dosage and calculations
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.
Competency Field
Treatment