Unit of competency details

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 

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

Employability Skills 

This unit contains Employability Skills

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.

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 and cleanliness

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

6.2 Conduct regular cleaning according to organisation procedures to maintain water cleanliness 

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)

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Essential knowledge :

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

• Hand tools and equipment
• Materials relevant to pool maintenance
• Measurement and chemical calculation requirements
• Relevant organisation policy and procedures and equipment safety requirements, including OHS
• Safe materials handling procedures
• Types and purpose f pool chemicals and treatments

Essential skills :

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

• Demonstrate safe and effective preparation of chemicals and materials for the process used to maintain pool environments
• Comply with OHS regulations applicable to workplace operations
• Comply with organisation policies and procedures including quality assurance requirements
• Use tools, plant and equipment safely and effectively

In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

• Address measurement and chemical calculation requirements
• Apply problem solving skills - the ability to use available resources and prioritise workload
• Safely handle materials and chemicals
• Use hand tools
• Use appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of resources
• Use literacy, numeracy and oral communication skills required to fulfil the position in a safe manner as specified by the health care facility
• Work safely to instructions

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.

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

• The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
• Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
• Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations

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