Application
This unit describes the skills required to monitor, operate and report on wastewater pre-treatment processes, including separation processes such as screens and grit removal, used in industrial or domestic wastewater treatment plants prior to biological treatments.
This unit applies to those working as operational staff with specific responsibility for pre-treatment 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 environment, safety, and manufacturers' guidelines.
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 as outlined in standard operating procedures. 1.2 Identify and report potential risks to self, other employees, public and environment. 1.3 Select and check work site equipment, tools and safety materials as appropriate to meet task and safety specifications. 1.4 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment. |
2. Monitor pre | 2.1 Carry out routine plant inspections. 2.2 Monitor processes to maintain parameters of operation. 2.3 Collect process samples and conduct standard tests. 2.4 Collect, record and report process data. 2.5 Identify and report process faults and operational condition of plant. |
3. Operate pre | 3.1 Operate pre-treatment processes. 3.2 Carry out basic adjustments to enhance system performance. 3.3 Determine chemical dosing requirements |
4. Complete documentation | 4.1 Collect and record process 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.
performing calculations including ratios
reading and applying procedures and standards
giving and receiving instructions
identifying control system faults and operational problems
using verbal and written communication in the workplace
monitoring, operating and reporting on wastewater pre
screening
gravity and aerated grit chambers
gross pollution traps
removal and disposal of screenings
shredding
odour removal
oily water separators
riffle plate separators
planning and preparing for work
collecting and labelling samples and performing tests including, at least one of:
settling tests
pH
dissolved oxygen
suspended solids
chemical oxygen demand
inspecting plant and monitoring processes
collecting and recording data
operating and adjusting processes, including at least one of:
pH correction
dissolved oxygen levels
flow control
screen rotation frequency
solids removal
chemical additions
plant performance data
chemical usage
recording all required information
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.
principles of and need for effective pre-treatment
system layout
policies, procedures and legislation applied to wastewater pre-treatment processes
relevant utilities and service bodies
communication systems
work-related calculations
risk factors and potential hazards relating to wastewater treatment
equipment operation, capacity and limitations
pumping and valving systems
control systems
impacts of hydraulic loads on processes
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.
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