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 filtration plant performance .

1.1 Monitor test results and processes  to meet organisational and statutory requirements .

1.2 Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of plant according to organisational procedures.

2 Operate and control filtration processes .

2.1 Carry out routine plant inspections  according to organisational and plant requirements.

2.2 Collect process samples and conduct standard tests .

2.3 Perform process calculations associated with granular media filtration.

2.4 Carry out basic system adjustments  to enhance system performance according to organisational procedures.

2.5 Collect and report process data according to organisational and plant requirements.

3 Compile filtration process reports .

3.1 Compile reports  from plant and system data to meet organisational procedures and statutory requirements.

3.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

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

Required skills :

• solve operational problems
• produce reports and logs
• use safety and personal protective equipment
• interpret plans, charts and instructions
• interpret policies, procedures and standards
• communicate with employees and various customers
• use communication equipment
• give and receive instructions
• perform process calculations
• prepare and apply chemical dosing
• perform system calculations
• operate computerised equipment
• identify control system faults
• sample and test products

Required knowledge :

• pressure sand filter hydraulics, gravity sand filter hydraulics, backwash hydraulics
• system layout
• lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations
• policies, procedures and legislation
• relevant utilities and service bodies
• communication systems
• hazardous materials handling
• risk factors and potential hazards related to granular media filtration processes
• equipment operation, capacity and limitations
• pumping and valving systems
• control systems' policies and procedures for storing and handling dangerous goods and chemicals
• interpretation and use of material safety data sheets
• principles that form the basis of granular media filtration processes

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 should demonstrate the ability to monitor, operate and control granular media filtration processes, including:

• monitoring test results and processes
• identifying and reporting faults
• conducting routine plant inspections
• taking samples and performing basic tests
• making basic process adjustments according to instructions
• collecting data and completing required documentation

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.

Processes  may include:

• slow granular media filters
• conventional granular media filters
• pressure and gravity granular media filters
• backwash procedures
• air assist backwash
• chemical addition of filter aid polymers

Organisational and statutory requirements  may include:

• by-laws and organisational policies
• standard operating procedures
• Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) guidelines
• environment protection
• occupational health and safety
• chemicals
• dangerous goods
• lifts and cranes
• World Health Organisation standards
• Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
• National Water Quality Management strategy
• Environment Protection Authority regulations
• licensing agreements
• electrical standards

Routine plant inspections  may include:

• use of equipment, including:

• electronic monitoring and metering systems
• chart recording systems
• basic hand tools
• sampling and laboratory testing equipment
• computerised equipment
• communication equipment
• personal protective equipment

• interaction and communication with other employees, other authorities and the general public
• visual observation
• identification of corrosion damage
• implementation of reporting procedures that may also include procedures for the implementation of by-laws, organisational policies and statutory requirements

Tests  may include:

• pH
• turbidity
• colour
• particle counting
• headloss

System adjustments  may include:

• pH correction
• filtration rate
• backwash rate
• filtration aid addition

Reports  may include:

• chemical usage
• plant performance data