Application
This unit describes the skills required to operate and control digestion processes and report on system performance within domestic and industrial wastewater treatment plants.
This unit applies to those working as operational staff with specific responsibility for operating anaerobic processes in treatment plants and checking that the processes comply with organisational requirements
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.
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 job specifications and plans. 1.2 Select and check equipment to meet safety requirements of task and site. 1.3 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment. |
2. Operate and control process | 2.1 Carry out routine inspection on assets. 2.2 Collect process samples. 2.3 Carry out routine tests. 2.4 Prepare samples for laboratory testing. 2.5 Identify and report process faults and operational condition of assets. 2.6 Carry out basic process adjustments to enhance process performance. 2.7 Monitor processes to maintain parameters of operation. |
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 operating at least one of the processes listed in Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on least one occasion.
planning and conducting routine inspections
completing logs
taking samples and performing basic tests, including at least one of:
pH
DO
Redox
total solids
volatile solids (aerobic)
gas composition
total solids
volatile solids
volatile acids
alkalinity (anaerobic)
collecting samples for laboratory testing
applying basic process formulae, including at least one of:
solids loading
volatile acids to alkalinity ratio
solids retention time
making basic process adjustments according to instructions, including at least one of:
feed rate
air and oxygen feed rate
mixing
pH (aerobic)
feed rate
sludge withdrawal
mixing
sludge feed rate
pH (anaerobic)
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.
digestion process principles
types of hazards related to explosives, hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide
differences between aerobic and anaerobic biological processes
chemical dosing processes
chemicals used for pH control, odour control, nutrient addition
flow measurement
risk factors and potential hazards relating to anaerobic bioreactor systems
chemical and biological principles that form the basis of digestion
hydraulic detention times
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 digestion processes include: | anaerobic mesophilic aerobic thermophilic mesophilic |
Competency Field
Treatment