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 principles used to design complex (non-solar) heated water systems.

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 heated water system, one to be gas only and one to incorporate an alternative energy efficient heat source

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

evaluate health risks associated with heated water supplies

plan and detail system components, including:

heat source

flue arrangements

flow and return systems

insulation requirements

manifolding systems

provision for expansion

temperature control device

comply with WHS regulations applicable to workplace operations

apply organisational quality procedures and processes within context of designing complex heated water systems

design and size a range of heated water supply and distribution systems

design and size a range of circulating systems

prepare plans for a range of heated water supply and distribution systems

prepare specification for a heated water supply and distribution system

prepare a testing and commissioning schedule

prepare an operation and maintenance manual

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 work site 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:

prepare written documentation, including plans, specifications and schedules

produce an operation and maintenance manual

read and interpret:

plans, specifications, drawings and design briefs

standards and manufacturer requirements and manuals

statutory and regulatory requirements

planning and organising skills to:

research, collect, organise and understand information relating to the design of complex (non-solar) heated water systems

take initiative and make decisions

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

technical skills to apply design concepts and principles

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

application of National Construction Code, relevant Australian standards, codes and manufacturer specifications

common terminology and definitions used in design of complex (non-solar) heated water systems

installation methods and hazards identified in relation to devices and systems used according to relevant Australian standards, codes and standard operating procedures

nature of materials used and effects of performance under various conditions

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 heated water supply and distribution 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 must include:

architectural plans

builder specifications

fire rating of penetrations

flue requirements

owner requirements

pipework identification

specialist heated water use applications.

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:

design styles

energy costs

expected design life

labour costs

material costs

safety factors

speed of installation

suitable materials

system choices.

Statutory and regulatory requirements must include:

Acts and regulations

National Construction Code

relevant Australian standards and codes, including AS/NZS3500 National plumbing and drainage

local government and health department requirements.

Manufacturer requirements may include:

material specifications

heater maintenance and servicing

provision for heater pressure and temperature discharge

pump tables

sizing tables

recommended specific fixings for pipework

technical and trade manuals.

Desktop study may include collection and interpretation of data for design purposes from:

architectural and building plans

developer plans

other documents, including:

applications

brochures

forms

policies

other reports as available.

Performance requirements must include:

those established using relevant Australian standards, building codes and other relevant documents.

Layout of pipework systems may include:

dead leg

pressurised

thermo convection

circulating.

Fittings and valves may include:

fittings:

bends

tees

unions

valves:

backflow prevention

cold water expansion

isolating

non-return, including high pressure non-return

pressure limiting

pressure relief

strainers

temperature control.

Thermostatic mixing and tempering valves may include:

bimetallic types

wax capsule.

Circulating heated water supply system details may include:

circulating pump specification

dead leg minimisation

flow and return pipework

circulation

pipe insulation

thermal convection circulating.

Heat trace systems may include:

installation requirements

running costs

serviceability.

Calculations for sizing water heaters may include:

coefficient of expansion

daily flows

energy consumption

heat losses

mixed temperatures

peak demand

recovery times

size and quantity of heated water required

standby versus continual flow

tariffs

water expansion.

Methods for the control of expansion may include:

U-bends

coiled loop

lyre bend

offset bends

proprietary expansion control devices.

Pipe support may include:

anchors

bracket spacing

corrosion protection

hanging brackets

material requirements

provision for expansion

saddles

wall and ceiling brackets.

Manifolding heated water units must include:

balanced flow conditions and valves

pressure relief requirements.

Water heaters:

may include:

continuous flow

heat transfer

pressure storage systems

open vented storage systems

heated source may include:

electricity

gas

heat pump

solar

solid fuel

waste heat.

Safe trays and overflows must include:

design

discharge

materials

sizes.

Materials may include:

pipe materials as specified, including:

copper

composite

polymer

other approved materials

flue materials, including stainless steel

ancillary material, including:

air relief valve

heaters

fittings and fixtures

insulation

pumps

valves.

Jointing methods may include:

brazing

compression

electrofusion welding

flaring

mechanical joints

threading.

Insulation materials may include:

fibre glass

foam

metal sheathing

rock wool

other approved materials.

Installation requirements must include:

fire rating of penetrations

level of workmanship

manufacturer-recommended specific fixings

pipe support

provision for expansion

serviceability and access.

Circulating systems may include:

approved pressure pipes and fittings

balancing valves

circulating pump and controls

isolating valves

thermo cycle

temperature gauge

pump sizing to meet calculated flow conditions.

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

selection of energy efficient water heater

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:

support

jointing

flow requirements

manufacturer requirements

materials

residual pressures and temperature

safety (WHS)

specialised components

testing

valve selection

water treatment

workmanship.

Testing may include:

air pressure

defect inspection

flue operation

hydrostatic

mains pressure

performance

quality assurance (QA) audit.

Commissioning schedule may include:

balancing the system

checking and flushing the system

disinfection

flow test

flue operation

leak check

pressure test

system certification

system defects

system functions as per design

system purge

temperature setting

valve operation.

Operation and maintenance manual may include:

as installed drawings

results of commissioning test

certification documentation

heater details, settings and operations

maintenance schedules

manufacturer brochures and technical information

valve function.