Unit of competency details

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DEF12V2

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DEF12V1

Primary release.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Locate and extract water 

1.1 Water is discovered through recognising and investigating the indicators  of and likely locations of water 

1.2 Water is acquired using collection methods  during periods of rain and high atmospheric water content

1.3 Water is extracted from the ground through evaporation 

1.4 Water is extracted from vegetation using transpiration

2. Prepare water for consumption 

2.1 Water is filtered using improvised filtration methods  to clarify content and remove debris and large contaminants

2.2 Unpotable water  is made potable using improvised desalinator system 

2.3 Water is confirmed as potable through testing procedures 

3. Manage water resources 

3.1 Water is stored using improvised storage receptacles 

3.2 Water loss reduction management techniques  are implemented to minimise loss of water

3.3 Water is rationed strictly in accordance with minimum daily requirements as per the survival situation

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• assemble basic improvised equipment
• extreme care in handling critical survival items (e.g. transpirator bags)

Required Knowledge 

• desalinator construction:

• drum
• condensing tube
• collecting device
• connections of the following to each other
• cooling options for the condensing device

• desalinator non-compliant liquids (e.g. radiator fluid)
• fire safety
• transpirator non-compliant vegetation (e.g. leadwood)

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to extract water through:

• evaporation - a minimum of 20 millilitres of water in 24 hours through the use of a desert still
• transpiration - a minimum of 200 millilitres of water in solar day using a plastic (transpirator) bag (0.6 m x 0.4 m)
• desalination - a minimum of five litres of potable water in 24 hours using the following:
• a 10 litre metal drum
• plastic (transpirator) bag (0.6 m x 0.4 m)
• pipe section (10-20 cm) (e.g. empty drinking can/bottle, clean radiator hose, hollowed tree limb)

The desalinator is to provide the only source of water for a minimum of two days unless safety/health reasons require additional supplementation.

Consistency in performance 

Competency must be demonstrated once in the evaporation and transpiration of water.

Competency must be demonstrated in the desalination and management of water, and minimisation of water loss, over a minimum of two days.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency must be assessed in a simulated workplace environment.

While a person can demonstrate the technical ability to locate and treat water, the aspect of longer-term survival i.e. management of water (including care of the desalinator), is crucial; consequently it is strongly recommended that holistic assessment be conducted with other associated survival units.

Assessment under simulated survival conditions should include:

• food restrictions (food should be restricted to half the recommended daily caloric intake)
• the absence of normal living conditions and amenities such as showers, beds and bedding (warmth to be provided by fire), kitchens etc. with the attendant levels of personal discomfort and fatigue
• a significant period of time - the recommendation is four days.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to a suitable assessment area and improvised desalinator kits.

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Indicators of water  may include:

• Animal indicators:

• animal pads
• birds
• insects

• Geographic indicators:

• creek lines
• lay of land

• Vegetable indicators:

• stands of melaleuca
• reeds and comparatively lusher areas

Likely locations of water  may include:

• Between 1-2 sand dune (adjacent to coast)
• Between the stems of some plants
• Deep areas and outside corners of a river bed
• Inside cracks in rocks and stone formations
• Unusually rich/lush vegetation in area

Water collection methods  may include:

• Digging a pit to the water table
• Laying out plastic sheeting to catch moisture/rain
• Lowering an improvised sponge into a crack
• Soaking dew off damp grass using clothing

Evaporation  may include:

• Using a desert still

Filtration methods  may include:

• Charcoal filtration
• Doubled trouser legs, sleeves or socks
• Sand filtration

Unpotable water  may include:

• Sea/estuarine water
• Stagnant/fouled water (e.g. dead animal, faeces)
• Urine

Improvised desalinator system  includes:

• Boiler (e.g. drum)
• Collector (e.g. bag)
• Condenser (e.g. tube/pipe)

Testing procedures  may include:

• Smell
• Effect on sensitive skin (e.g. lips)
• Effect upon 'rolling' in mouth
• Effect upon consumption of a sip
• Effect upon consumption of a draught

Improvised storage receptacles  may include:

• Condom
• Plastic bag
• Plastic sheet and hole in ground

Water loss reduction management techniques  may include:

• Keeping cool enough whether resting or working to avoid perspiration
• Loosening clothing and enabling air flow but avoiding sunburn
• Minimal talking
• Minimising physical effort during heat of the day and maximising physical effort during cool of night
• No smoking
• Optimising cooling effect of shelter (e.g. through opening to breezes)
• Rule of thumb: no eating if there is no water
• Slow and deliberate nasal breathing