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

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment providing that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate plumbing and services workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

It may be assessed on its own or as part of an integrated assessment activity involving effective performance and application of drainage principles and detailing of system components used in the drainage industry.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:

design, size and document the layout details, including a specification for a high rise mixed development building to a minimum of 29 floors, inclusive of a basement, to include fixtures on each floor level (fixtures are included in the basement) to include:

using two methods of providing a cold water supply

a non-drinking supply system

a flush valve system

evaluate and document design parameters, including client, regulatory, manufacturer and Australian standard and code requirements for a range of complex water supply systems

evaluate health risks associated with the drinking and non-drinking water supplies

apply regulatory, manufacturer and relevant Australian standard and code requirements for a range of complex cold water distribution systems

plan and detail system components, including:

authority’s connection

backflow prevention requirements

fixtures and fitments

flush valves

meter assemblies

storage tanks

piping systems

pumps

comply with WHS regulations applicable to workplace operations

apply organisational quality procedures and processes

design and size cold water distribution and delivery systems

design and size flush valve systems

prepare a specification for the cold and non-drinking water distribution system

prepare a testing and commissioning schedule

prepare an operation and maintenance manual

apply correct design principles and techniques

apply sustainability principles and concepts throughout to achieve a star rating under the Green Building Council of Australia rating scheme

communicate with others to ensure safe and effective workplace operations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

an induction procedure and requirement

realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the minimum task requirements

relevant specifications and work instructions

tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices

support materials appropriate to activity

workplace instructions relating to safe work practices and addressing hazards and emergencies

material safety data sheets

research resources, including industry-related systems information.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

Required skills

communication skills to:

confirm job specifications and client requirements

communicate with others to ensure safe and effective work practices

enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret non-verbal communication, such as hand signals

initiative and enterprise skills to:

develop creative and responsive approaches

identify and accurately report to appropriate personnel any faults in tools, equipment or materials

literacy skills to:

read and interpret:

plans, specifications, drawings and design briefs

standards and manufacturer requirements and manuals

statutory and regulatory requirements

produce written documents, including:

plans, specifications and schedules

operation and maintenance manual

planning and organising skills to:

research, collect, organise and understand information relating to the design of complex cold water systems

take initiative and make decisions

problem-solving skills to analyse requirements, consider options and design an appropriate system

teamwork skills to work with others to action tasks and relate to people from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities

technology skills to:

access and understand site-specific instructions in a variety of media

use mobile communication technology

Required knowledge

AS/NZS3500 National plumbing and drainage

AS2200 Design charts for water supply and sewerage

common terminology and definitions used in design of cold water reticulation systems

National Construction Code

nature of materials used and effects of performance under various conditions

other relevant Australian standards, codes or standard operating procedures

principles of technology used in design of cold water reticulation and hydrant and hose reel systems for all classes of building

requirements of state regulatory authorities, Australian standards and manufacturer specifications, including hazards identified in relation to devices and systems used

water quality requirements

work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including relevant statutory regulations, codes and standards

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.

Scope of work:

must include interpretation of plans and specifications

must include sizing and documenting layout of complex cold water systems for applications, including residential, commercial, industrial and health

may be for new projects or an existing structure being renovated, extended, restored or maintained.

Design requirements may include:

architectural plans

building specifications

effect of water quality on pipework, plant and equipment

owner requirements

pipework and valve identification

soil quality

specialist water use applications

unstable or water-charged ground.

Cost-benefit analysis:

compares the range of suitable materials and system choices available to enable cost-effective choices to be made without compromising the integrity of the project

may include:

expected design life

labour costs

material costs

safety factors

speed of installation

suitability of materials

system choices.

Statutory and regulatory requirements may include:

local and state government requirements

preparation of documentation for authorities’ approval

requirements of Acts and regulations.

Australian standards and codes may include:

AS/NZS3500 National plumbing and drainage

AS2200 Design charts for water supply and sewerage

National Construction Code

state or territory requirements

other relevant Australian standards or codes.

Manufacturer requirements may include:

flow and pressure requirements for fixtures and appliances

material specifications

pump tables

sizing tables

recommended specific fixings for pipework

technical and trade manuals.

Desktop study may include collection and interpretation of existing data for design purposes, such as:

architectural and building plans

manufacturers’ data

developer plans

documents, which may include:

applications

brochures

forms

policies

other reports as available.

Flow and pressure tests must include:

on-site measurement of flow (l/s), velocity (m/s) and pressure (kPa)

interpretation of flow and pressure tests conducted by a contractor.

Performance requirements may include:

flow, velocity, pressure and discharge requirements, established using relevant Australian standards, codes, and state, territory and local government authorities’ plans.

Layout of pipework systems may include:

principles of economy, serviceability, durability and fit for use

dual feed

gravity feed

main pressure

pumped system

ring main.

Fittings and valves may include:

fittings:

bends

elbows

tees

unions

valves:

backflow prevention

excess pressure

isolating

pressure limiting

pressure reduction

strainers.

Backflow prevention devices may include:

registered break tank (RBT)

registered air gap (RAG)

double-check valve assembly (DCV)

dual-check valve with intermediate vent (DuCV)

reduced pressure detector assembly (RPDA)

reduced pressure zone device (RPZD)

other approved devices.

Flush valve system types may include:

backflow prevention requirements

gravity

mains pressure

pipe sizing requirements

storage requirements.

Cold water system components may involve:

meter assemblies that may be:

direct and indirect

electronic

inferential

magnetic

thrust blocks and their design elements, including:

design details for tees, elbows and valves

keying and anchorage points

sizes

soil characteristics

velocity and flow forces to be resisted

pipe supports, including:

anchors

bedding

bracket spacing

corrosion protection

cover

hanging brackets

manufacturer-recommended specific fixings

material requirements

provision for expansion

saddles

wall and ceiling brackets

water storage systems, including:

air gap

automatic controls

drain down provision

inlet valve design and sizing

outlet sizing

overflow requirements

provision to maintain service while cleaning

provision to maintain service while servicing

safe tray requirements

tank access

tank maintenance

tank sizes

water treatment, including:

filtration

reverse osmosis (RO)

softening.

Pump, pump controls and pumproom requirements must include:

acoustic performance

automatic changeover

automatic controls

drain down provision

dual pump provision

impeller sizing

inlet and outlet design requirements

installation and mounting requirements

pressure gauges

pump selection

pump sizing

space requirements

valve requirements

variable speed control.

Materials may include:

acrilonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)

composite pipework

copper (Cu)

cross-linked polyethylene (PE-X)

polypropylene (PP)

polybutylene (PB)

ductile iron cement lined (DICL)

other approved materials

fittings and fixtures

protective coatings.

Jointing methods may include:

brazing

compression

electrofusion welding

flaring

mechanical joints

rubber ring joints

screwing

soldering

solvent cement welding

other approved jointing methods.

Installation requirements must include:

bedding

fire rating of penetrations

clipping

installation details

jointing requirements

level of workmanship

manufacturer-recommended specific fixings

pipe support.

Delivery systems may include:

constant flow variable speed pumps

gravity feed

hydropneumatic

mains pressure system.

Sustainability principles and concepts:

cover the current and future social, economic and environmental use of resources

may include:

selecting appropriate material to ensure minimal environmental impact

efficient use of material

efficient energy usage/capital outlay comparison

effect on the environment due to overflow or leakage

water efficiency

consideration of the Green Building Council of Australia rating scheme.

Plans:

may include:

axonometrics

cross-sections

details

elevations

isometrics

schematics

sections

may be produced using:

computer generation

drawing equipment.

Specification may include:

bedding

flow requirements

jointing

manufacturer requirements

materials

residual pressures

safety (WHS)

specialised components

support

testing

valve selection

water treatment

workmanship.

Testing may include:

air pressure

defect inspection

hydrostatic

mains pressure

performance

quality assurance (QA) audit.

Commissioning schedule may include:

disinfection

flow test

leak check

pressure test

system certification

system defects

system functions as per design

system purge

valve operation.

Operation and maintenance manual may include:

as installed drawings

certification documentation

maintenance schedules

manufacturer brochures and technical information

results of commissioning test

valve function.