Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the 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 Evaluate potable water distribution system performance .

1.1 Review existing distribution system performance data against relevant organisational and legislative requirements .

1.2 Identify the impact of the distribution system  on water quality.

1.3 Identify and coordinate any additional sampling  and testing  required for valid evaluation of current process performance.

2 Investigate water distribution system issues .

2.1 Review existing system fault reports and relevant water quality information.

2.2 Identify and record links between operational problems and maintenance activities.

2.3 Investigate the operational status of system components with reference to manufacturers' and suppliers' specifications .

2.4 Carry out distribution system configuration investigations to identify potential deficiencies .

3 Plan optimisation of potable water distribution system .

3.1 Identify potential hazards  to the distribution system.

3.2 Select appropriate preventive measures 

3.3 Develop and validate a system optimisation plan.

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills :

• investigate and report on operational and control system problems
• coordinate sampling and testing
• performs various calculations to provide data for the analysis and development of options and solutions
• interpret plans, charts and instructions
• operate control and communication systems
• use safety and personal protective equipment
• communicate with colleagues, consultants and suppliers
• produce optimisation reports
• interprets a range of complex and technical documents, including relevant:

• regulatory, legislative, licensing and organisational requirements
• industry codes and standards
• specifications
• organisational policies

• articulate complex ideas clearly
• analyse and evaluate reports and reference materials
• work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders
• analyse problems and recommend appropriate remedial solutions
• identify risks and hazards
• identify opportunities for improved distribution system management
• participate in the provision of appropriate information to inform workplace processes
• manage work priorities

Required knowledge :

• Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
• water quality parameters
• relevant legislation
• relevant enterprise policies
• range of appropriate measuring and testing procedures
• investigation procedures
• customer expectations and requirements
• operations and maintenance policies and procedures
• occupational health and safety and environmental legislation, Acts and procedures
• environmental management procedures
• control procedures for environmental risks and incidents
• system hydraulics
• incident management processes
• system layout
• system processes
• system operation
• water main isolation procedures
• sampling and testing procedures
• 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 in water systems
• equipment operation, capacity and limitations of control systems

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, 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 optimise system performance and maintenance planning in potable water distribution systems including:

• assessing distribution system performance and impacts on water quality
• investigating system faults and deficiencies and assessing the status of system components
• conducting hazard assessment and proposing prevention strategies
• producing and monitoring a potable water distribution system optimisation plan

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 should only be made 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

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. 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) may also be included.

Organisational or legislative requirements  may be determined by:

• federal, state and local environmental and water quality legislation and guidelines
• organisational policies
• standard operating procedures
• communication and reporting protocols
• quality assurance standards and processes

Distribution system  may include:

• pipes
• hydrants
• valves
• backflow prevention devices
• service reservoirs
• chlorinators

Sampling  may include:

• frequency of sampling
• bacteriological samples
• grab samples from:

• mains
• customer taps
• service reservoirs
• high-risk user facilities

Testing  may include:

• microbiological testing
• levels of manganese and iron
• turbidity
• colour
• taste and odour
• copper
• pH
• chlorine residuals
• hardness
• presence of disinfection by-products

Manufacturers' and designers' specifications  may include:

• valve installation and operation
• hydrant installation and operation
• pipe pressure specifications
• calibration and operation of inline equipment

Potential deficiencies  may include:

• low pressure areas
• dead ends
• low flow areas
• backflow
• cross connections
• uncovered or unsecured service reservoirs
• leaks
• loss of disinfectant residual

Potential hazards  may include:

• microbiological contamination of water
• waterborne disease outbreaks
• metal poisoning
• pressure for fire fighting appliances

Preventive measures  may include:

• maintenance of disinfection residuals
• maintenance of adequate system pressure
• minimise hydraulic detention time
• flushing, scouring and swabbing