ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Monitor treatment plant performance

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the monitoring and coordinating of waste and process water treatment

1.2. Carry out routine plant inspections

1.3. Collect samples and conduct and analyse process tests to determine performance against plant operational requirements

1.4. Collect, interpret, record and report process data

1.5. Conduct calculations to determine process performance

2. Control chemical use

2.1. Use, handle and store chemicals in accordance with organisational and statutory requirements

2.2. Determine, prepare and conduct chemical dosing in accordance with plant processes

2.3. Maintain information related to chemical supply and usage

3. Monitor and control processes

3.1. Monitor processes to maintain parameters of operation

3.2. Identify and report process faults and operational condition of plant

3.3. Adjust integrated processes to optimise system performance

4. Compile process records

4.1. Compile records and reports from plant and system data

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to monitor and coordinate waste and process water treatment:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

use electronic monitoring and metering systems

use manual chart recording systems

use laboratory testing and sampling equipment

use computerised equipment

apply techniques for operating on-road and off-road vehicles

operate communication equipment

interpret reports

apply procedures for identifying and managing hazards

apply hazardous goods handling techniques and management

apply lifting techniques (manual, cranes and loads)

apply records maintenance requirements

apply safe work practices

use hand and power tools

apply defects reporting requirements

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to monitor and coordinate waste and process water treatment:

water system hydraulics

system layout

lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations

policies and procedures and legislation

relevant utilities and service bodies

communication systems

materials handling

environmental, landscape, ground structure of work area

risk factors and potential hazards

equipment operation, capacity and limitations

effect of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant

mathematical calculations

pipes and fittings/pumping and valve systems

mechanical and electrical control systems

shutdown and recharging requirements

chemical usage

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for the monitoring and coordinating of waste and process water treatment

implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient monitoring and coordinating of waste and process water treatment

working with others to plan, prepare and conduct waste and process water treatment

provision of clear and timely instruction and supervision by the individual of those involved in waste and process water treatment

evidence of the consistent successful monitoring and coordinating of waste and process water treatment

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of the required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to plan, prepare and conduct waste and process water treatment

provision of clear and timely instruction and supervision by the individual of those involved in the conduct of the waste and process water treatment

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant compliance documentation

may include:

legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

code of practice

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Inspection may include:

interaction and communication with other employees, authorities, general public

visual observation

implementation of reporting procedures, which may also include procedures for implementation of by-laws, organisational policy, statutory requirements

Process tests may include:

gravimeteric analysis

spectrophotometric analysis

volumetric analysis

digestion techniques

ion selective electrodes

microscopy and routine jar testing

microbiology

settling tests

microscopic observation

single bugger pH

dissolved oxygen

chlorine residuals

Process data may include:

plant performance data

environmental reports

chemical usage

Process may include:

pre-treatment (e.g. screens, grit removal, shredding, odour control)

primary treatment (e.g. primary sedimentation)

secondary treatment (e.g. tickling filters, rotating biological contractors, activated sludge and lagoon systems)

solids handling (e.g. aerobic or anaerobic digesters and sludge disposal)

disinfection (e.g. maturation ponds, chlorination, ultraviolet irradiation, osonation)

tertiary treatment (e.g. chemical nitrogen removal, biological nitrogen removal, biological phosphorus removal)

Process records may include:

plant performance data

environmental reports

chemical usage