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 Monitor designated areas .

1.1 Use water allocation management plan to check allowances in designated areas .

1.2 Select, check and prepare equipment  to monitor water extraction.

1.3 Monitor  designated areas according to agreed schedule and organisational procedures.

2 Measure and monitor flow rates and usage .

2.1 Monitor flow meters and record data according to organisational and legislative requirements .

2.2 Monitor water extraction for compliance with licensing and record data according to organisational requirements.

2.3 Monitor and record water levels.

3 Identify and report risks , breaches and complaints .

3.1 Identify and report risks  to public, users and environment according to organisational procedures.

3.2 Identify and report breaches  of relevant legislation.

3.3 Investigate and report complaints from the public and users regarding water allocation and quality.

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

Required skills :

• identify and respond to operational problems
• produce reports and logs
• use safety and personal protective equipment
• work effectively as part of a team
• operate communications equipment
• isolate waterways
• follow plans, charts and instructions
• follow policies, procedures and standards
• calculate inflow and outflow rates
• give and receive instructions
• use literacy skills in regard to verbal and written communication in the workplace
• communicate with customers and other employees

Required knowledge :

• effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant
• system layout
• relevant utilities and service bodies
• materials handling
• environmental, landscape and ground structure of river system and flood plains
• communication systems
• water flow measurement and calculations
• control systems
• equipment operation, capacity and limitations
• risk factors and potential hazards of surface water systems

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 monitor the extraction of water from waterways and water bodies and to report risks, compliance and complaints including:

• monitoring water extraction with reference to water usage legislation using relevant equipment
• reading meters, recording data and performing calculations
• identifying and reporting risks and breaches, and investigate complaints

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.

Designated areas  may include:

• urban locations, including:

• rivers
• weirs
• dams

• rural locations, including:

• rivers
• weirs
• bores
• springs

Equipment  may include:

• electronic digital monitoring and metering systems
• recording systems
• communication equipment, including:

• two-way radio
• telephone
• fax

• small marine craft
• basic hand and power tools
• lifting and winching equipment
• computerised equipment
• on- and off-road vehicles

Monitoring  may require:

• interaction and communication with other employees, other authorities and general public
• visual observation
• implementation of reporting procedures that may also include procedures for implementation of by-laws, organisational policies and statutory requirements

Organisational and legislative 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

Risks  may include:

• contamination
• bacterial growth
• algal blooms

Breaches  may include:

• excessive use
• siphoning
• illegal connection
• uncontrolled run-off