Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

1

DEF12 V2

First release. Replaces and is equivalent to DEFCA313B. Prepare and operate a field water point. Pre-requisites removed. Unit Descriptor updated. Application added. Minor Range Statement change. Evidence Guide updated.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

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.

1. Prepare and plan for water ac quisition 

1.1 Requirement is received, understood and confirmed with higher authority as necessary.

1.2 Resource availability and serviceability is identified and constraints are determined.

1.3 An analysis of the area is conducted from available data to identify potential water sources.

1.4 Site surveys , risk and environmental assessments are conducted.

1.5 Field water-point  plan is developed in accordance with survey, water quality and quantity, resources, risks and environmental considerations.

1.6 Problems that cannot be resolved locally are referred to higher authority for resolution.

1.7 Competence of team members is confirmed and monitored.

1.8 Team is briefed in accordance with standard procedures .

1.9 Liaison with outside agencies is undertaken as required.

1.10 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements and recognised safety precautions are applied throughout the operation in accordance with standard procedures.

2. Construct a field water-point 

2.1 Team is directed and supervised in accordance with plan.

2.2 Support from outside agencies is organised and directed.

2.3 Local utility assets  are located and marked to prevent damage.

2.4 Routes in and out of water-points are established.

2.5 Structures  are designed and constructed/established.

2.6 Technical advice is provided to the chain of command and/or support agencies.

2.7 All unexpected situations that require a quick and decisive response are recognised and responded to in accordance with operational requirements and standard procedures.

3. Operate and maintain a field water-point 

3.1 Potable water  is produced, stored and distributed in accordance with standard procedures.

3.2 Water-point team is supervised .

3.3 All unexpected situations that require a response are recognised and responded to in accordance with operational requirements and standard procedures.

3.4 Reports and data are provided to higher authority in accordance with standard procedures.

4 Refurbish site and finalise activity 

4.1 Site is refurbished in accordance with environmental requirements.

4.2 Chemicals and waste are disposed of in accordance with environmental requirements and standard procedures.

4.3 Equipment, tools and materials are recovered, cleaned and maintained.

4.4 Equipment, tools and materials are either stored or redeployed to another site in accordance with standard procedures.

4.5 Documentation  is completed in accordance with standard procedures.

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

Required Skills 

• analyse instructions
• command and control skills
• conduct and quality assure water analysis
• conduct risk assessment
• conduct tactical and technical reconnaissance – water-point
• design and prepare chemical storage
• liaison skills
• manage fuel/chemical spill containment
• manage the storage of water
• prepare and issue instructions and orders
• provide advice
• select and maintain routes
• supervise the construction of improvised water towers
• use MSDS

Required Knowledge 

• design and construction requirements of improvised water towers
• environmental compliance certificate
• environmental considerations:

• chemical storage/MSDS
• fuel/chemical spill containment

• legal responsibilities
• pathology report of water samples
• relevant legislation and procedures in relation to environmental requirements
• relevant WHS regulations/requirements, equipment, material and personal safety requirements
• requirements of a technical reconnaissance of a water-point
• water analysis and storage requirements

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to construct at least three types of field structures included in the Range Statement using a variety of materials and expedient construction methods. At least one above and one below ground structure should be constructed.

Assessment must also confirm the ability to:

• interpret job instructions and plans, and layout a site
• prepare materials and equipment for construction
• apply appropriate expedient construction methods and procedures to the construction including accurate measuring and levelling
• use standard processes to handle and place materials
• complete the construction of field structures to the specified standard
• work in a team and interactively communicate with others

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated under field conditions over a time frame that allows for constructing and maintaining a number of field structures utilising expedient construction methods and a variety of materials.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.Competency should be assessed in a field environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access to:

• construction materials relevant to the task
• hand tools, power tools, plant and other equipment appropriate to the construction process
• suitable training areas for construction.

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Site survey  may include:

• access
• access to local resources
• availability of storage
• collecting and testing water samples
• ease of distribution
• security of site
• site diagram
• site reference points
• water flow rates
• water quality
• volume of water (yield)

Field water-point  may include:

• access roads
• accommodation
• chemicals
• communications equipment
• drainage
• filling points
• fuel
• generator and lighting
• hardstanding
• pumps and pipes
• signage
• storage facilities
• testing facilities – field and laboratory (pathology)
• water desalination equipment
• water purification equipment

Standard procedures  may include:

• Australian Standards
• job guides, pamphlets and other publications
• manufacturers’ handbooks, industry specifications and technical instructions
• material safety data sheets (MSDS)
• WHS regulations
• organisational policies and procedures
• relevant local government by-laws
• relevant state/territory or federal legislation or regulations
• water quality requirements
• written and verbal orders and job instructions

Local utility assets  may include:

• electricity
• gas pipelines
• water

Structures  may include:

• storage tanks
• water towers

Potable water  is clear of:

• bacterial levels that are within medical standards
• colour
• odour
• poisons
• plant algae
• PH in accordance with WHS standards
• salinity
• turbidity

Supervising a water-point team  may include:

• accurately recording relevant information
• calibrating, servicing, operating and maintaining water treatment and testing equipment
• collecting and testing water samples
• completing maintenance activities in accordance with standard procedures
• storing, handling and applying chemicals in accordance with WHS requirements and standard procedures

Documentation  may include:

• construction documentation
• distribution records
• environmental compliance
• equipment documentation
• maintenance records
• water testing records