Unit of competency details

Elements and Performance Criteria 

Element 

Performance Criteria 

1

Monitor pool water quality 

1.1

Carry out routine regular water testing according to organisation procedures and regulatory requirements

1.2

Test water for pH level, total alkalinity and chlorine levels

1.3

Visually check water quality regularly and initiate corrective action

1.4

Accurately read levels and compare with prescribed levels

1.5

Identify special problems and report to the appropriate person(s)

2

Observe state and local government health requirements 

2.1

Conduct pool monitoring according to state and local health requirements

2.2

Complete and maintain records according to state and local health requirements and organisation reporting procedures

3

Action water problems

3.1

Accurately diagnose special water quality problems and determine treatment

3.2

Identify problem requiring specialist assistance and notify the appropriate person(s)

4

Ensure safe use of chemicals

4.1

Identify chemical to-up requirements and carefully measure

4.2

Distribute chemicals to pools at correct time and in correct quantities according to organisation procedures

4.3

Lift and carry chemicals using correct lifting techniques and appropriate equipment

4.4

Identify and handle hazardous chemicals according to OHS guidelines

4.5

Wear appropriate protective clothing when handling chemicals

5

Test discharge

5.1

Test the discharge to be drained off to ensure compliance with local government and environmental legislation

5.2

Record pool water treatments and corrective action according to organisation specifications and promptly report to the appropriate person(s)

6

Monitor water volumes

6.1

Regularly test water volumes to ensure that damage to the filtration systems is avoided and pump efficiency is maintained

7

Maintain equipment

7.1

Conduct testing of pumps and filtration equipment on a regular basis, according to organisation procedures

7.2

Diagnose faults with plant and equipment and implement action according to organisation procedures

7.3

Rectify faults and problems  requiring routine maintenance

7.4

Carry out preventative maintenance of plant and equipment for the long term protection of assets according to organisation procedures and supplier/manufacturer specifications

7.5

Identify problems requiring specialist assistance and notify the appropriate person(s)

8

Monitor w 

8.1

Conduct regular cleaning according to organisation procedures

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

Essential knowledge :

Relevant organisation policy and procedures and equipment safety requirements, including OHS

Types and purpose f pool chemicals and treatments

Hand tools and equipment

Materials relevant to pool maintenance

Safe materials handling procedures

Measurement and chemical calculation requirements

Essential skills :

Ability to:

Work safely to instructions

Use hand tools

Safely handle materials and chemicals

Address measurement and chemical calculation requirements

Use literacy, numeracy and oral communication skills required to fulfil the position in a safe manner as specified by the health care facility

Apply problem solving skills - the ability to use available resources and prioritise workload

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 this Training Package.

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

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations

Demonstration of the safe and effective preparation of chemicals and materials for the process used to maintain pool environments

Compliance with OHS regulations applicable to workplace operations

Compliance with organisation policies and procedures including quality assurance requirements

Tools, plant and equipment used safely and effectively

Context of and specific resources for assessment :

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Resources essential for assessment include:

General materials relevant to pool maintenance process

Hand tools and power tools appropriate to pool maintenance process

Plant and equipment appropriate to pool maintenance

Suitable work area appropriate to pool maintenance

Material safety data sheets on all chemicals used in the pool maintenance process

Workplace health and safety policies

Job description

Method of assessment 

Observation in the work place (if possible)

Written assignments/projects

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Questioning

Role play simulation

Access and equity considerations :

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

RANGE STATEMENT 

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. 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.

Pools include all types which may be found in rehabilitation , community health , hospital , obstetric facilities :

Swimming pools

Hydrotherapy pools

Spas

Decorative pools and fountains

Animal pools

State and local government requirements may include :

Environmental protection agency guidelines

Local council regulations

Testing may include :

Chemical testing

Probes

Electronic metres

Equipment may include :

Pumps

Filtration equipment

Plant equipment

Automatic pool cleaners

Pool water quality refers to :

Levels of water treatment and chemical balance governed by local health regulations for the treatment of public swimming pool water

Faults and problems requiring routine maintenance may include :

Minor plumbing

Removing and repairing underwater light

Dredging

Cleaning may be either manual and/or automatic

Cleaning may include :

Removing debris and leaves

Vacuuming