Modification History
Unit Descriptor
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor and maintain the water quality in pools and spas
This unit of competency applies to health facilities with pools and spas
Application of the Unit
Work performed requires a range of well developed skills where some discretion and judgement is required. Individuals will take responsibility for their own outputs and may participate in work teams
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Pre-Requisites
Employability Skills Information
The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills
The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.
The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements and Performance Criteria |
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Element |
Performance Criteria |
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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 |
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1.3 |
Visually check water quality regularly and initiate corrective action |
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1.4 |
Accurately read levels and compare with prescribed levels |
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1.5 |
Identify special problems and report to the appropriate person(s) |
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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 |
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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) |
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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 |
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4.3 |
Lift and carry chemicals using correct lifting techniques and appropriate equipment |
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4.4 |
Identify and handle hazardous chemicals according to OHS guidelines |
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4.5 |
Wear appropriate protective clothing when handling chemicals |
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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) |
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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 |
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7.3 |
Rectify faults and problems requiring routine maintenance |
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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 |
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7.5 |
Identify problems requiring specialist assistance and notify the appropriate person(s) |
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8 |
Monitor w |
8.1 |
Conduct regular cleaning according to organisation procedures |
Required Skills and Knowledge
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 |
Evidence Guide
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. |
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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
RANGE STATEMENT |
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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. |
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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 |