Application
This unit describes the skills required to monitor, operate and control water and wastewater dewatering and sludge thickening plant and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control. The ability to identify faults, determine and apply technical adjustments andconduct chemical dosing procedures is essential to performance.
This unit applies to those working as operational staff with a specific responsibility for water and/or wastewater dewatering and sludge thickening processes in a treatment plant.
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 storing and handling dangerous goods and chemicals and WHS.
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 dewatering process performance | 1.1 Monitor test results and processes to maintain the parameters of operation. 1.2 Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of plant. |
2. Control chemical use | 2.1 Use, handle and store chemicals. 2.2 Determine and carry out chemical dosing. 2.3 Maintain chemical supply and usage records. 2.4 Select, fit and use required safety equipment, including personal protective equipment. |
3. Operate and control dewatering processes | 3.1 Carry out routine plant inspections. 3.2 Conduct and analyse process tests and determine performance against plant operational requirements. 3.3 Make integrated process adjustments to optimise system performance. 3.4 Collect, interpret and record process data. |
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.
performing system calculations
monitoring test results and processes
identifying and reporting faults
conducting routine plant inspections
taking samples and performing basic tests including at least one of:
solids analysis
jar testing
sludge density
centrate clarity
dewatering process efficiency
preparing and applying chemical dosing
making basic process adjustments according to instructions, including at least one of:
loading rates
chemical dosing rates
dewatering polymers
centrifuge settings
collecting data and completing required documentation
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
features and components of thickening and dewatering systems
theory of process operation
chemicals used for sludge conditioning including synthetic and organic polymers
chemical dosing processes
risk factors and potential hazards relating to thickening and dewatering systems
risk control requirements including safety equipment and safety data sheets
equipment operation, capacity and limitations
hazardous materials handling
environmental aspects of water and/or wastewater treatment
interpretation and use of safety data sheets
principles that form the basis of dewatering 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