Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Develop a maintenance program  for a moving sprinkler irrigation system 

1.1 Maintenance requirements for irrigation components and structures are established

1.2 Maintenance requirements for the irrigation site are established

1.3 The frequency of maintenance activities required are determined and a schedule is developed

1.4 Maintenance activities are costed out in terms of required staff, materials and equipment

1.5 OHS risks associated with the maintenance program are assessed and suitable controls implemented

1.6 The environmental impacts of maintenance activities are minimised

1.7 A system for reporting maintenance activities is developed

2 Supervise maintenance of moving sprinkler irrigation components

2.1 Maintenance checklists are developed for irrigation components

2.2 Component operation is systematically monitored and operating faults are identified and appropriate action taken

2.3 Abnormal operation or frequent and recurring breakdowns are identified, investigated and maintenance organised as required

2.4 Situations requiring expert advice are identified and specialist assistance sought in accordance with site procedures

2.5 Equipment condition is routinely reviewed to ensure and maintain efficient operations

3 Supervise maintenance of moving sprinkler irrigation structures

3.1 Maintenance checklists are developed for irrigation components

3.2 Structures are inspected as necessary to locate and evaluate defects

3.3 Appropriate repair methods are identified to ensure defect is repaired effectively

3.4 Structures are repaired or replaced according to requirements

3.5 Materials required for job are identified and organised as required to enable appropriate maintenance of components

3.6 Testing equipment  is maintained

4 Complete records of irrigation system maintenance

4.1 Records are maintained of maintenance activities

4.2 Results of maintenance works are assessed against the maintenance program

Required skills include:

Ability to: 

• develop maintenance procedures and demonstrate the skills for regular and end of season maintenance tasks to:

• change the engine oil and filter
• replace the air and fuel filters
• grease drive shafts on pump, and motor
• check spark plugs on gas, propane or natural gas motors
• drain, flush and refill the cooling system
• refill the drip oil reservoir and allow oil to drain into the drip line based on pump column length
• ensure that the right-angle gear head is free moving and clean and lubricate non-reverse pins
• check for malfunctioning sprinklers
• check injection pump and safety equipment operation
• inspect lift base and arms for any stress marks or cracks
• check all bolts for correct torques

• develop enterprise procedures for pre-season, irrigation and post-season maintenance
• inspect irrigation system
• test irrigation equipment
• carry out visual checks for blockages or signs of wear in components
• pressure test as per procedures
• carry out control systems checks
• supervise minor repairs of equipment
• identify the need for, and schedule, major repairs or replacements
• record all test results clearly and concisely with attention to detail
• dispose of unused or waste materials from site
• identify adverse environmental impacts of irrigation activities and appropriate remedial action
• implement and follow relevant enterprise OHS and environmental policies and procedures.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of: 

• irrigation system components
• operational and maintenance requirements
• pre and post-season maintenance covering:

• system components
• sprinkler operating pressures
• sprinkler output
• sprinkler distribution uniformity
• pumping and distribution systems
• drainage systems

• environmental impacts of irrigation maintenance
• OHS hazards and safe work procedures.

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 workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• develop maintenance procedures
• supervise maintenance of irrigation components and testing equipment
• supervise maintenance of irrigation structures
• supervise maintenance of the irrigation area
• record and report maintenance activities.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

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.

Moving sprinkler systems  may include:

moving sprinkler irrigation systems describe specifically hard and soft reel self-travelling irrigators, lateral move systems and centre pivots.

Maintenance programs  may include:

preventative maintenance carried out at end of season or throughout the irrigation season, including the regular replacement of irrigation components.

Maintenance of testing equipment  may include:

replacing 'remove and replace' components; lubrication; working adjustments to tolerances; cleaning and storing; and completing usage records.