Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Develop and implement construction procedures

1.1 Employment procedures and contract management procedures are developed

1.2 Procedures for controlling and recording site deliveries are established

1.3 Procedures for recording the hire of plant and equipment are determined

1.4 OHS procedures are established, including risk assessment

1.5 Client, authorities and agencies are notified of the schedule of works

1.6 Procedures for dealing with environmental issues associated with construction work are determined

2 Interpret the sprinkler irrigation system  design for the site

2.1 The purpose, scale and required output of the irrigation system is determined

2.2 The landscape of the site is assessed

2.3 Construction requirements are determined and verified with the designer

2.4 Components are selected to meet design specifications and site requirements

3 Organise resource requirements

3.1 Tasks and timelines are nominated with resources required for each

3.2 Labour requirements are organised

3.3 Parts and equipment are delivered to the site and checked

3.4 Equipment and machinery is selected and maintained

3.5 Jobs and tasks are allocated to the work team

3.6 Safety induction is carried out for the task and site

4 Supervise installation and construction

4.1 Plan is interpreted and installers are supervised and work is monitored to conform to the plan.

4.2 Components are assembled and connected according to the plan, and joints are completed and tested according to manufacturer specifications.

4.3 Fittings and valves are fitted and adjusted to the requirements of the installation plan, and all joints are secured according to enterprise guidelines.

4.4 Pumping system is installed and tested

5 Complete installation work and test components

5.1 Water supply is connected

5.2 The system is started up and flushed

5.3 Sprinklers are checked for optimal coverage and efficiency

5.4 Measuring devices and controllers are attached to the system

6 Commission system

6.1 Operating faults are identified and corrective actions taken to meet design specifications

6.2 Testing/monitoring equipment is calibrated to manufacturer’s specifications

6.3 Pressure testing is carried out and compared to specifications

6.4 Adjustments are made as required

6.5 The system is handed over in compliance with design specifications

Required skills include:

Ability to: 

• interpret irrigation designs
• develop operational procedures
• implement employment procedures
• conduct OHS risk assessment
• supervise operational tasks

• earth moving and construction
• power and pumping plant installation
• supply and distribution pipeline laying and joining
• sprinkler lateral pipelines laying and joining
• setting up irrigation controllers
• pressure testing of the system

• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, develop sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legibly information collected and select and apply procedures to a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views
• use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of: 

• calculations for installing sprinkler irrigation systems
• behaviour of water on varying terrain and soil types
• soil water retention testing techniques
• organising equipment and materials for installation work
• water quality and water filtration techniques
• pump capacity
• types of pumps and water flow rates
• volume and pressure requirements
• operating specifications for pressures and flow rates
• distribution uniformity
• characteristics and operation of joints, valves and sprinkler components
• water quality and water filtration techniques
• labour requirements and management
• environmental impacts of sprinkler irrigation
• irrigation system components and operating specifications
• site preparation and construction procedures
• safe work practices for construction
• licensing requirements for electrical work.

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:

• establish the requirements of the system
• implement operational procedures for the project
• establish and organise resources
• supervise on-site construction
• commission the system.

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.

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. 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) may also be included.

Sprinkler irrigation systems  may include:

any systems that use spray or rotor type sprinklers to distribute irrigation water at higher volume including pop-up sprinklers, fixed, and movable sprinklers (e.g. K Line and Ezy Shift).