Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of implementing a maintenance program for an irrigation system and defines the standard required to: inspect irrigation systems; test irrigation equipment; undertake minor repairs of equipment; record and report maintenance activities; dispose of unused or waste materials from site.

Application of the unit 

This unit is likely to be carried out under routine supervision within enterprise guidelines.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Interpret an irrigation maintenance program

1.1. Scope of maintenance works is determined according to the irrigation maintenance program.

1.2. Frequency of maintenance works is determined and implemented according to the irrigation maintenance program.

1.3. Irrigation maintenance standards are established in line with the irrigation maintenance program.

1.4. Maintenance works are planned and prepared.

1.5. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements are identified, associated hazards and risks assessed, and suitable controls implemented.

1.6. Environmental considerations of irrigation maintenance activities are identified.

2. Inspect irrigation system

2.1. An inspection checklist is established according to the irrigation maintenance program.

2.2. System is regularly inspected according to the checklist.

2.3. Remedial action and repairs are identified and undertaken to restore system to full effectiveness.

2.4. Servicing of mechanical equipment is undertaken according to the irrigation maintenance program.

2.5. Results of maintenance works are assessed and recorded to ensure repairs or maintenance standards have been achieved according to the irrigation maintenance program.

2.6. Surroundings are tidied and materials and equipment cleared from the site on completion of maintenance works.

3. Record and report maintenance activities

3.1. Damage and blockage caused by pests and animals are recorded by damage type, location and the section of the system affected.

3.2. Damage or faulty pumps, valves, electrical components and computer systems are recorded and reported, and action taken to effect repairs.

3.3. Routine and preventative maintenance activities are recorded and reported in accordance with enterprise standards.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• identify hazards and implement safe work procedures
• inspect irrigation system
• test irrigation equipment
• record all test results clearly and concisely with attention to detail
• undertake minor repairs of equipment
• dispose of unused or waste materials from site in an environmentally safe and sensitive manner
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• soil/plant/water relationships
• environmental impacts of irrigation
• irrigation system components
• common operational and maintenance problems
• enterprise, OHS and environmental policies and procedures
• environmentally safe disposal procedures for chemical containers and residues, oils/grease and used parts.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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:

• inspect irrigation systems
• test irrigation equipment
• undertake minor repairs of equipment
• record and report maintenance activities
• dispose of unused or waste materials from site.

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.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

System may include:

• pressurised irrigation systems such as micro-irrigation and spray irrigation systems, or gravity-fed systems. They may range from manual operation and monitoring to fully automated with computer control and monitoring.

Unit sector 

Irrigation

Co-requisite units 

Competency field