Application
This unit of competency describes the skills required to operate and control a wastewater treatment plant and report on system performance and process quality control. The ability to operate wastewater treatment processes to ensure that wastewater disposal or re use meets state or territory licensing requirements is essential to performance.
This unit applies to those working as operational staff in wastewater 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, 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, 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 work specifications and plans. 1.2 Select and check equipment required to meet safety requirements of task and site. 1.3 Select, fit and use safety equipment including personal protective equipment. |
2. Operate and control processes | 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, 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 in at least one of the 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.
conducting routine plant inspections
interpreting safety data sheets (SDS)
applying basic mathematical formulae
completing logs
determining chemical dosing requirements
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.
sources of wastewater
water cycle
basic hydraulics and organic loading in wastewater plants
basic chemistry and microbiology
types of components
relevant technologies
weather influence on wastewater plants
odour control
physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics and operating principles relating to wastewater treatment
reasons for wastewater treatment
types of wastewater treatment plant processes
major chemicals and equipment used
risk factors and potential hazards relating to wastewater treatment
chemical and biological principles that form the basis of wastewater treatment
chemical dosing processes
relevant guidelines and standards
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: | primary processes: screening grit removal primary sedimentation odour control secondary processes: activated sludge nutrient removal trickling filters lagoons tertiary processes: lagoons clarification membrane filters granular filters disinfection solids management: aerobic/anaerobic dewatering gas management thickening |
Competency Field
Treatment