Unit of competency details

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Monitor system performance and usage .

1.1 Select and check equipment  required for monitoring system performance.

1.2 Schedule and conduct routine inspections and report any identified faults  according to organisational procedures and statutory requirements .

1.3 Collect, analyse and report system performance data according to organisational requirements.

1.4 Monitor sample collection and records according to organisational procedures.

2 Regulate flow , pressure and volume .

2.1 Inspect flow regulating systems  and determine and apply adjustments required to meet demand.

2.2 Monitor pressures and volumes and determine and apply the adjustments required to meet system demands.

2.3 Monitor flows and determine and apply the diversions required to facilitate repair or emergency activities.

3 Operate and control distribution processes .

3.1 Control distribution processes  to maintain the required parameters of operation.

3.2 Conduct flow measurements according to organisational procedures.

3.3 Identify and address process faults  and operational conditions and report according to organisational requirements.

3.4 Optimise process performance according to organisational requirements.

4 Compile process reports .

4.1 Compile reports from system data to meet organisational requirements.

4.2 Record the condition of equipment and report faults or anticipated problems according to organisational requirements.

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

Required skills :

• communicate effectively and appropriately with colleagues and contractors
• respond to and correct operational problems
• produce reports, logs etc
• use safety equipment and personal protective equipment
• identify and investigate operational problems
• collect and analyse data
• interpret plans, charts, service search diagrams, instructions and specifications
• interpret policies, standard operating procedures and standards
• communicate with employees and customers
• use communication systems
• give and receive instructions
• control system operations
• identify control system faults

Required knowledge :

• system hydraulics
• coordination and control of processes
• system layout
• system processes
• environmental aspects of bulkwater and water distribution systems
• chemical use
• safety procedures
• lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations
• policies, standard operating procedures and legislation
• relevant utilities and service bodies
• communication systems
• risk management principles
• risk factors and potential hazards involved with water pressures and flows
• equipment operation, capacity and limitations
• effects of weather and conditions on operation of bulkwater and water distribution systems
• types of pipes and fittings
• pumping and valving systems
• control systems

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 the Training Package.

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

The candidate will provide evidence of monitoring and coordinating the operation of bulkwater or water distribution systems:

• Interpreting a range of technical documentation,
• identifying and investigating operational problems
• collecting and analysing technical information
• conducting routine inspections
• analysing and reporting system performance data
• meeting organisation standards for optimising water distribution performance

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Access to the workplace and resources including:

• documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation
• relevant codes, standards, and government regulations

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

• competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
• where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice
• a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts
• all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
• where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
• assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator, any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and reflecting the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Equipment  used may include:

• electronic monitoring, telemetry and metering systems
• manual chart recording systems
• on- and off-road vehicles
• testing and sampling equipment
• communication equipment
• personal protective equipment
• atmosphere monitoring equipment
• breathing apparatus
• rescue equipment
• appropriate personal protective equipment
• pumping systems
• valving systems
• communication equipment
• computerised equipment

Faults  may include:

• illegal usage
• water quality
• low pressure
• flow

Organisational procedures and statutory requirements  may include:

• occupational health and safety procedures, including use of personal protective equipment
• by-laws and organisational policies
• standard operating procedures
• environment protection
• hazardous substances
• equal employment opportunity
• occupational health and safety
• relevant Australian Standards
• manufacturer's standards and specifications
• World Health Organisation standards
• Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

Flow regulation systems  may include:

• pumping systems
• valving systems
• gravity flow systems
• service reservoirs
• electronic and manual control systems

Monitoring and coordination  may require:

• interaction and communication with other employees, other authorities and the general public
• visual observation
• implementation of reporting procedures that may also include lock out for electrical and mechanical installations and procedures for the implementation of by-laws, organisational policies, standard operating procedures and statutory requirements

Distribution processes  may include:

• monitoring of system demands
• monitoring pressure
• attending to and recording water supply problems such as low pressure and water quality

Process faults  may include:

• pressure leakage
• main breaks
• contamination
• odour
• discolouration