Unit of competency details

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 Prepare for basic wastewater tests .

1.1 Receive instructions for conducting and recording basic wastewater tests  and confirm with appropriate personnel.

1.2 Confirm testing details  and plan testing work  according to legislative and organisational requirements .

1.3 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment specified for routine wastewater tests.

1.4 Prepare and check testing equipment  according to organisational requirements.

2 Conduct basic wastewater tests .

2.1 Locate and identify correct samples for testing and report abnormal sample characteristics .

2.2 Conduct basic wastewater tests according to organisational requirements.

2.3 Maintain integrity of samples  during testing.

2.4 Identify atypical data  and take appropriate action.

3 Finalise work .

3.1 Record relevant information  according to organisational requirements.

3.2 Dispose of samples and clean and store test equipment according to organisational procedures.

3.3 Clear and restore work area according to organisational requirements.

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

Required skills :

• conduct basic wastewater tests
• calibrate testing equipment
• operate testing equipment
• conduct sub-sampling
• dispose of samples and waste
• communicate effectively
• produce reports and logs
• perform relevant work-related calculations
• work effectively as part of a team
• use literacy skills in regard to verbal and written communication in the workplace
• interpret work requirements

Required knowledge :

• range and purpose of basic wastewater testing
• procedures for the use of instruments and other field-testing equipment
• test procedures
• relevant work-related calculations
• maintenance and storage of reagents
• sub-sampling and basic wastewater test methods
• documentation procedures for test results
• sample and waste disposal procedures
• relevant legislative and organisational requirements

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

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

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to perform basic wastewater tests by:

• interpreting testing requirements and procedures
• preparing, checking and using equipment correctly
• conducting at least three different tests safely while maintaining the integrity of samples
• recording all relevant information

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Access to the workplace and resources including:

• documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation
• relevant codes, standards and government regulations.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

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
• a decision of competence should only be made when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts
• all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
• where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
• assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

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. Add any 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.

Basic wastewater tests  include:

• range of tests required for competent performance of work tasks in the organisational context, which should comprise at least three of the following types of test:

• pH
• temperature
• electrical conductivity
• dissolved oxygen
• microscopy
• thirty minute settleability
• settleable solids concentration (cone test)
• turbidity

Testing details  may include:

• locations, including:

• on-site testing
• field-based testing
• laboratory

• range of testing procedures and techniques that apply to organisational, plant or field sites
• variety of samples to be tested
• testing equipment
• test reporting systems

Planning of testing work  may include:

• interpretation of instructions and directions
• timelines
• interaction and communication with team members and individuals
• interpretation of legislative and organisational requirements

Legislative and organisational requirements  may include:

• relevant federal and state or territory legislation and regulations
• codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material
• documented organisational policies, manuals and induction programs
• relevant community planning and development agreements, such as land care agreements

Testing equipment  may include:

• portable meters, such as:

• pH meters
• electrical conductivity meters
• thermistors
• comparators
• pocket colorimeters
• dissolved oxygen meters

• test kits
• microscopes
• thermometers
• Imhoff cones
• graduated cylinders and settling apparatus

Abnormal sample characteristics  may include:

• insufficient sample volume
• odour
• visible contaminants, such as:

• scum
• debris
• discolouration

Maintaining integrity of samples  may include application of correct:

• holding time
• storage procedures
• sub-sampling procedures

Atypical data  may include:

• results that fall outside organisational range requirements
• results that fall outside legislated range requirements

Information  may include:

• time and logging of sample receipt and testing
• visual observations
• equipment identification
• atypical results
• test results