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Evidence Guide: SFIAQUA219B - Operate and maintain high technology water treatment components

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

SFIAQUA219B - Operate and maintain high technology water treatment components

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Prepare to operate high technology water treatment components

  1. High technology water treatment components of a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and other aquaculture equipment and infrastructure are identified and confirmed against a work plan or schedule or other workplace instructions.
  2. Designated tasks at the work site are prioritised and instructions are confirmed with supervisor.
  3. Routine pre-operational checks and calibrations of components are carried out according to manufacturer specifications.
  4. Faulty components are identified, safety tagged, if they cannot be fixed or replaced, and reported to supervisor.
  5. Abnormal or non-standard conditions within the culture or holding structures or systems are reported following pre-operational checks.
  6. Changes in environmental parameters or water quality parameters associated with the operation and maintenance of components are identified, assessed and reported to supervisor.
High technology water treatment components of a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and other aquaculture equipment and infrastructure are identified and confirmed against a work plan or schedule or other workplace instructions.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designated tasks at the work site are prioritised and instructions are confirmed with supervisor.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Routine pre-operational checks and calibrations of components are carried out according to manufacturer specifications.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faulty components are identified, safety tagged, if they cannot be fixed or replaced, and reported to supervisor.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abnormal or non-standard conditions within the culture or holding structures or systems are reported following pre-operational checks.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in environmental parameters or water quality parameters associated with the operation and maintenance of components are identified, assessed and reported to supervisor.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operate and monitor high technology water treatment components

  1. Automatic or mechanised equipment is operated and maintained.
  2. Critical flow rates and other water quality parameters are measured and recorded for performance and efficiency.
  3. Adjustments to operating components are undertaken under supervision to optimise conditions for the culture or holding species.
  4. Backup components are checked and tested for operational capacity.
  5. Abnormal or non-standard conditions and other risks are reported.
Automatic or mechanised equipment is operated and maintained.

Completed
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Critical flow rates and other water quality parameters are measured and recorded for performance and efficiency.

Completed
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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to operating components are undertaken under supervision to optimise conditions for the culture or holding species.

Completed
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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Backup components are checked and tested for operational capacity.

Completed
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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abnormal or non-standard conditions and other risks are reported.

Completed
Date:

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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain and repair high technology water treatment components

  1. Work plan or schedule of required maintenance and repairs is confirmed with supervisor.
  2. Potential risks to stock are identified and contingency plans confirmed with supervisor.
  3. Basic tools and equipment and spare parts and repair materials are collected, assessed as serviceable, and taken to worksite.
  4. Components are serviced under supervision according to manufacturer guidelines.
  5. Worn or damaged parts or areas are replaced or repaired as instructed using repair techniques and spare parts and repair materials appropriate for the task.
  6. Components and water supply and disposal systems are returned to working order.
  7. System is checked for serviceability and performance, and problems are rectified or reported to supervisor.
Work plan or schedule of required maintenance and repairs is confirmed with supervisor.

Completed
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Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Potential risks to stock are identified and contingency plans confirmed with supervisor.

Completed
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Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic tools and equipment and spare parts and repair materials are collected, assessed as serviceable, and taken to worksite.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Components are serviced under supervision according to manufacturer guidelines.

Completed
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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worn or damaged parts or areas are replaced or repaired as instructed using repair techniques and spare parts and repair materials appropriate for the task.

Completed
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Components and water supply and disposal systems are returned to working order.

Completed
Date:

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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

System is checked for serviceability and performance, and problems are rectified or reported to supervisor.

Completed
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Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finalise operation, monitoring and maintenance activities

  1. Clean up of work area, including repairs and storage of equipment, is supervised and condition report prepared.
  2. Relevant monitoring and maintenance data, observations or information are recorded legibly and accurately, and any out of range or unusual records checked.
  3. Compliance and other required reports are prepared and conveyed to senior personnel advising of the effectiveness of monitoring and maintenance, and recommendations made for improvements.
  4. Feedback on own work performance is sought from supervisor and opportunities to improve identified.
Clean up of work area, including repairs and storage of equipment, is supervised and condition report prepared.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relevant monitoring and maintenance data, observations or information are recorded legibly and accurately, and any out of range or unusual records checked.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compliance and other required reports are prepared and conveyed to senior personnel advising of the effectiveness of monitoring and maintenance, and recommendations made for improvements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Feedback on own work performance is sought from supervisor and opportunities to improve identified.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:
Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

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 evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit

Assessment must confirm ability to

carry out maintenance and repairs according to work plan or schedule

carry out routine monitoring and checks of equipment, flow rates and water quality and report non-standard conditions to supervisor

operate and monitor automated water treatment components

report problems and potential risks to supervisor.

Assessment must confirm knowledge of:

biological and environmental requirements of the culture or holding species

OHS risks associated with operation and maintenance

operation and maintenance of high technology waste treatment components

water quality, optimal and critical limits for various parameters and non-standard conditions.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment is to be conducted at the workplace or in a simulated work environment. It should cover the operation of a RAS typically used in aquaculture, holding or ornamental facilities in the region.

Resources may include:

basic tools and equipment to complete repairs and maintenance

other equipment as needed to operate the system and maintain water quality

RAS with high technology waste treatment components

spare parts and repair materials

templates for recording data

water monitoring equipment

work plan or work instructions for the RAS operation and maintenance.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

demonstration

data records

written or oral questions.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit may be assessed holistically with other units within a qualification.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Required skills

assisting with biofilter start-up, shock-loading and maintenance

carrying out routine cleaning and hygiene maintenance programs

cleaning premises to meet hygiene and product quality and food safety maintenance requirements

collecting and recording appropriate data, such as growth, mortalities and food fed, and carrying out basic analysis of data on paper or electronically

communicating with supervisor about the operation and maintenance of components, supplier and/or manufacturer instructions or advice

communicating ideas on possible improvements

maintain basic inventory list

performing repair or maintenance using wood, plastics, PVC, fibreglass, glass, concrete, steel or aluminium

providing oral reports to supervisor on effectiveness of monitoring and maintenance

receiving, storing, using and stocktaking culture stock, feeds, chemicals, spare parts and other inputs and equipment

undertaking basic plumbing and working with pipes and pumps (licences will be required for gas plumbing, town water supply plumbing, and electrical and welding work)

using, storing and disposing of chemicals and biological agents.

Literacy skills used for:

interpreting documentation relating to the environmental and biological requirements of the culture or holding species

interpreting material safety data sheet (MSDS) labels

interpreting operating manuals and manufacturer instructions

recording operational information.

Numeracy skills used for:

analysing basic data, including basic calculations, estimations and graphing

estimating or calculating volumes and quantities of inputs and outputs of liquids, gases and solids.

Required knowledge

basic relationship of inputs (stock, feed, energy, water and labour) to outputs (wastes, product and water quality)

biological and environmental requirements of cultured or held stock

complexity of system and interrelationship of components

fouling and other conditions likely to impact on water flow

how to interpret manufacturer recommendations and instructions

normal and abnormal or non-standard stock behaviour, and the role of stress on the health and performance of stock

OHS risks associated with water and electricity, closed spaces, high pressure pumps and moving parts of equipment, such as rotating drums

OHS risks associated with working with compressed oxygen, carbon dioxide, ozone, ultraviolet (UV) lights, oils and greases, and chemicals, including chlorine, acids and alkaloids

operation and maintenance of automatic or mechanised equipment

operation of pumps, cleaning equipment, water quality monitoring and other basic equipment and tools

reasons for wear and tear of components and the subsequent need for availability of spares and backups, and for routine repairs

variations in biofiltration and other filtration processes over a 24 hour day and 7 day week

water quality, optimal and critical limits for various parameters and non-standard conditions.

Range Statement

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.

Cultured or held stock may include:

adults, broodstock (ready to breed), seedstock or stockers, eggs and sperm, fertilised eggs, larvae, post-larvae, seed, spat, hatchlings, yearlings, juveniles, fry, fingerlings, yearlings, smolt, sporophytes, seedlings and tissue cultures

finfish, crustaceans, molluscs, aquatic reptiles, amphibians, polychaete and oligochaete worms, plankton, micro-algae, seaweed, aquatic plants, live rock, sponges and other aquatic invertebrates

for human consumption (seafood), stockers for other farms, stockers for conservation or recreational fishing, display or companion animals (ornamentals), and other products, including pearls, skins, shells, eggs, chemicals and pigments

wild caught, hatchery or nursery reared.

Relevant government regulations, licensing and other compliance requirements may include:

biodiversity and genetically modified organisms

biosecurity, translocation and quarantine

business or workplace operations, policies and practices

environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control

food safety/Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), hygiene and temperature control along chain of custody, and Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) Export Control (Fish) orders

health and welfare of aquatic animals

OHS hazard identification, risk assessment and control.

OHS guidelines may include:

appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers

clean, uncluttered, hygienic workplace

codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction or industry sector

enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards

hazard and risk assessment of workplace and maintenance activities and control measures

induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner

OHS training register

safe lifting, carrying and handling techniques, including manual handling, and the handling and storage of hazardous substances

safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace

systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and exposed moving parts

the appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE.

Food safety and hygiene regulations and procedures may include:

Australian Shellfish Sanitation program

equipment design, use, cleaning and maintenance

exporting requirements, including AQIS Export Control (Fish) orders

HACCP, food safety program, and other risk minimisation and quality assurance systems

location, construction and servicing of seafood premises

people, product and place hygiene and sanitation requirements

Primary Products Standard and the Australian Seafood Standard (voluntary)

product labelling, tracing and recall

receipt, storage and transportation of food, including seafood and aquatic products

requirements set out in Australian and New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) Food Standards Code and state and territory food regulations

temperature and contamination control along chain of custody.

ESD principles may include:

applying animal welfare ethics and procedures

control of effluents, chemical residues, contaminants, wastes and pollution

control of weeds, pests, predators and diseases, and stock health maintenance

improving energy efficiency

increasing use of renewable, recyclable and recoverable resources

minimising noise, dust, light or odour emissions

preventing live cultured or held organisms from escaping into environment

reducing emissions of greenhouse gases

reducing energy use

reducing use of non-renewable resources

undertaking environmental hazard identification, risk assessment and control

undertaking facility quarantine, biosecurity and translocation of livestock and genetic material

using and recycling water, and maintaining water quality.

PPE may include:

hard hat or protective head covering

hearing protection (e.g. ear plugs and ear muffs)

non-slip and waterproof boots (gumboots) or other safety footwear

protective eyewear, glasses and face mask

protective hair, beard and boot covers

uniforms, overalls or protective clothing (e.g. mesh and waterproof aprons).

High technology water treatment components may include:

aeration or oxygenation equipment, such as aerators, aspirators, airlifts and fans

components that regulate environmental and climate control factors, such as temperature, photoperiod and light intensity

degassing systems for removing carbon dioxide and ozone, including the use of specialised air filters

facilities and processes designed for health management, such as quarantine area, sterilising using ultraviolet (UV) light and ozone, and pasteurising using heat or steam

mechanical/physical/solid, chemical and biological filtration devices (or a combination of two or more different types):

chemical filter:

examples include activated carbon, zeolites and other ion-exchange mediums

is where a variety of chemical substances are used to treat water passing through them

ozone and chemical, such as pH and alkalinity, adjustments are also made, sometimes in a separate area to the chemical filter

biological filter:

is part of an RAS where dissolved metabolic by-products are converted to less toxic forms by microbial action from a range of different bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms

the most important function is the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite, and nitrite to nitrate (often called nitrification)

mechanical/physical/solid filter:

includes swirl separators, hydrocones, protein skimmers or foam fractionators, drum filters, belt filters, bead and other suspended media filters and screen filters

is important to ensure organic loads going into biofilters are as low as possible to prevent the more competitive heterotrophic bacteria from taking over and reducing nitrification capacity

is part of an RAS that removes solid organic matter and other wastes

reduces the biological oxygen demand (BOD) for the system

some degassing or carbon dioxide stripping can also take place

ventilation systems, fans, blowers and humidifiers/ dehumidifiers

water treatment devices, such as those that maintain pH (acid/alkaline) balance.

A recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) is:

a system in which at least some of the water is recycled one or more times back into the system after some form of treatment

also called a closed system (which is the opposite to a flow through or open system where there is little residence time for the culture water)

where generally some form of water treatment with equipment or structures, particularly aeration or oxygenation and processing of nitrogenous wastes, is undertaken

where a water exchange (replacement) rate of
5-10% per day is used to assist in maintaining water quality (particularly nitrate control).

Other aquaculture equipment and infrastructure may include:

alarm and monitoring systems, including loss of pressure, burglar, loss of electricity and critical parameters

counters and microscopes, pipettes and syringes, measuring cylinders and dissecting kits

effluent and waste disposal, such as sewage, septic and compost pits

heating or cooling systems, such as heat exchange equipment, geothermal, gas, hydro, electric and solar (can also include insulated buildings and greenhouses)

husbandry equipment, such as graders, feeders, fish pumps, nets, fish bins and transporters

lighting, such as skylights, fluorescent, incandescent, metal halide and mercury vapour

pipes and reticulation systems, including siphons, both for supply and disposal

pumps:

airlift

axial

centrifugal

hydraulic ram or helical drive

magnetic drive

mechanical

peristaltic or dosing

piston

pressure

powered by:

battery

cable

diesel or petrol

electricity (single or 3-phase)

hydraulics

pneumatic or air driven

solar

wind

regenerative turbine

screw pump

self-priming or non-priming

sludge or surge

submersible

venturi

washing, disinfecting and sterilising equipment, such as autoclaves

water quality test equipment, including pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature and salinity.

Work plan or schedule may include information on:

contingencies for responding to partial or full system shutdown, stock stress or mortalities

contingency plan to address staffing and equipment supply problems

costs and budget details

date and time tasks are to be undertaken

designated jobs tasks, directions or designs

environmental impact control measures

expected time required to complete activities

hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control measures

local, state, territory and federal government regulations

location

maintenance schedule for particular items of equipment

manufacturer guidelines or instructions

materials, supplies, tools, equipment or other resources required

monitoring and reporting requirements and procedures, including logs or checklists

non-conformance or incident/fault reporting procedures

OHS procedures, including PPE requirements

order of activities

other members of work team and their roles, responsibilities and skills

person in charge

pre- and post-operational and safety checks

preferred supplier list and resources required by external workers and tradespeople

routine maintenance procedures

specific structures or components

standard for completed activities.

Worksite may include:

depots

hatchery, nursery, grow out and holding facilities

laboratories

post-harvest or processing facilities

staff amenities

stock and quarantine treatment facilities

storage areas

workshops.

Routine pre-operational checks and calibrations may include:

appropriate use of PPE

checking and confirming equipment calibration settings and operating methods for turbo-charged engines

checking for design problems or equipment modifications

checking for wear, corrosion and incorrect use

checking fuel, oils and lubricants, electrolyte levels, wheels, tyre pressure, fan belts, leads, lines, connections, air filters, brakes, clutch, gearbox, steering, lighting and transmission

identifying and segregating unsafe or faulty equipment for repair or replacement

inspecting safety guards, power take-off (PTO) stubs and shafts, and hitch and towing points

observing and monitoring noise levels for correct operation

preparing independently powered tools, which may include cleaning, priming, tightening, and basic repairs and adjustments

pre-start and safety checks, including the service and maintenance of cooling system.

Abnormal or non-standard conditions may include:

critical flow rates down due to obstructions or damage to lines or pipes

critical water quality parameters outside safe operating conditions

moving parts making unusual noises or movement being hampered

plant or equipment failure resulting in leaks or non-operation of system

power not on, water not flowing or aeration off

smoke, fumes or other emissions

sparks or obvious signs of electrical shorts

stock showing signs of stress, such as:

aggression or cannibalism

colour changes

gasping at surface

lesions or other signs of damage to skin

no reproduction or courtship

not feeding

piping, darting, flashing or whirling movement

schooling activity

swimming or moving erratically

water levels too high or low in culture system.

Culture or holding structures or systems may include:

display tanks, aquaria and aquascapes (ornamental industry)

grow out facilities, hatcheries and nurseries

harvested stock holding structures, tanks, bins and cages

live holding systems

pest, predator and disease control structures

purging or depurating systems

tanks, raceways and RAS

water supply and disposal systems for closed and semi-closed systems.

Environmental parameters may include:

activity of pests, competitors and predators

light levels

turbidity

water flow

water level or depth.

Water quality parameters may include:

alkalinity

chlorine or chloramines

dissolved carbon dioxide

dissolved oxygen

general water hardness

level of nitrogenous wastes, such as ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, and contaminants and pollutants

pH (acid/alkaline balance)

phosphates

salinity or conductivity

temperature

total dissolved solids.

Adjustments to operating components may include:

alkalinity addition

back flushing or changing of filters

biofilter start-up and maintenance

changes in light and dark regimes

degassing

digital or analog control systems

foam fractionator or protein skimmer

heating or cooling

managing shock-loading

manual or computer controlled

UV or ozone systems

water or air flow changes.

Other risks may include those associated with:

environment

food safety and product quality

infrastructure, plant and equipment

stock.

Contingency plans to address:

adverse weather conditions and acts of nature, such as flood or fire

breakdown of components

bypass of components

compromised water source

disease outbreaks

emergency procedures

non-standard water quality parameters

risks to culture stock during emergency shutdowns or breakdowns

risks to environment

risks to infrastructure and equipment

risks to product quality and food safety.

Basic tools and equipment may include:

cleaning rags, solvents and chlorine

concreting tools, including wheelbarrow, cement mixer and trowel

electric or battery operated tools, including heat gun, drill, angle grinder, drill press, circular saw and drop saw

glue, primer, sandpaper and wire brush

hand tools, including screwdrivers, spanners or socket set, stilson, hacksaws, clamps, chisels and hammers

measuring tape, string-line, level and square

oil or grease gun

plugs or repair patches

safety equipment (e.g. goggles, mask or breathing equipment)

silicon or similar sealant

spade, shovel, pick and crowbar

thread or plumber's tape and Teflon paste

tools for working with fibreglass.

Spare parts and repair materials may include:

earth, stones and fillings

fibreglass webbing, gels, flow coat and hardeners

fittings, such as joints, valves, mark boards, barrel unions and reducers

glass panes, off-cuts and sealants

nylon strips, netting and wire rope

pipe lengths

pipe saddles or clamps

protection strips

PVC, polyethylene and other plastics

sand, gravel, cement, concrete, bricks and pavers

stainless steel and treated metals

wood.

Worn or damaged parts or areas may include:

chemical and biological filters

depth gauges

electronic monitors

fittings, such as joints, valves and boards

flow control devices, such as taps, valves, float valves, monks, dykes, weirs and gates

mechanical components in treatment structures, such as sieves, filters and aerators

pipes

pumps and mechanical components

sides or bottoms of earthen, concrete, fibreglass or plastic-lined supply and disposal systems or structures

wood or metal structures.

Repair techniques may include:

applying plugs or patches

fibreglassing

laying and joining pipes (with or without glue or other fixatives)

metal welding

mixing, pouring and curing concrete

plastic welding

sealing or gluing glass

woodworking, screwing, nailing and gluing.

Records or reports may include:

associated equipment and infrastructure

checklists, data sheets, inventory and stocktakes

culture or holding stock species

dates, times and progress against timelines of activities or events

details related to culture or holding structures or systems

electronic or hard copy

Gantt chart

graphs, charts and tables

key performance indicators (KPIs)

operation and maintenance details and other outcomes achieved

personnel and subcontractor performance data

problems experienced and strategies to overcome them.