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 Plan and prepare for work .

1.1 Determine work requirements according to legislative and organisational requirements .

1.2 Select and check equipment  required to meet safety requirements of task and site.

1.3 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment.

2 Monitor performance .

2.1 Carry out routine inspections according to particular lagoon system and organisational requirements.

2.2 Collect process samples and conduct standard tests .

2.3 Collect and report process data according to organisational and lagoon system requirements.

3 Operate and control lagoon processes .

3.1 Monitor processes  to maintain parameters of operation.

3.2 Identify and report process faults and operational condition of plant according to organisational requirements.

3.3 Carry out basic system adjustments  within defined parameters to enhance system performance according to organisational requirements.

3.4 Handle, use and store chemicals according to organisational requirements.

4 Complete documentation .

4.1 Maintain records  of plant and system data according to organisational requirements.

4.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

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 equipment and personal protective equipment
• follow plans, charts and instructions
• perform system calculations
• apply procedures and standards
• communicate with colleagues, other employees and customers
• work effectively as part of a team
• use communication equipment
• give and receive instructions
• identify control system faults
• use literacy skills in regard to verbal and written communication in the workplace
• sample and test products

Required knowledge :

• biological principles of lagoon wastewater treatment processes
• system hydraulics basics
• system layout
• lock-out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations
• policies, procedures and legislation relating to wastewater management
• communication systems
• hazardous materials handling
• environment, landscape and ground structure of work area
• risk factors and potential hazards related to lagoon wastewater treatment
• system calculations
• chemical dosing processes
• equipment operation, capacity and limitations
• effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant
• pumping and valving 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, operate and report on wastewater lagoon processes, including:

• planning and conducting routine inspections
• monitoring system processes
• reporting process and structural faults
• performing system adjustments
• preparing and applying chemical dosing
• completing system performance-monitoring documentation

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.

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

Equipment  used may include:

• electronic monitoring and metering systems
• recording systems
• basic hand and power tools
• sampling and laboratory testing equipment
• computerised equipment
• on- and off-road vehicles
• communication equipment
• personal protective equipment

Tests  may include:

• settling
• microscopic observation
• pH
• dissolved oxygen
• electrical conductivity
• temperature
• odour
• visual observation of:

• colour
• scum
• insects
• birdlife
• weed growth
• redox potential

Processes  may include:

• primary, secondary and maturation lagoons
• aerated lagoons
• winter storages

System adjustments  may include:

• pH correction
• mixing
• flow control
• water level
• dissolved oxygen levels
• recirculation rates
• chemical additives

Records  and data compiled may include:

• plant performance data
• chemical usage