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 Confirm performance measures in the wastewater collection system management plan .

1.1 Confirm data gathering requirements specified in the wastewater collection system  management plan.

1.2 Identify, analyse and address issues that impact on the collection and transport of wastewater.

1.3 Identify, analyse and address environmental and community factors that impact on the wastewater collection system.

1.4 Identify, analyse and address stakeholder  requirements that impact on the wastewater collection system.

1.5 Access historic system information  and apply as required.

2 Monitor and coordinate processes and resource targets .

2.1 Correctly select, fit and use equipment, including personal protective equipment.

2.2 Conduct system performance monitoring and testing  according to the wastewater system management plan.

2.3 Analyse test results and report according to organisational and statutory requirements .

2.4 Identify current and potential problems, conduct investigations and report results and recommendations according to organisational requirements.

2.5 Identify breaches of the wastewater management plan, conduct investigations and report results and recommendations according to organisational requirements.

2.6 Evaluate maintenance budgets, activity programs and output target measures and identify, investigate and report any deviations from targets.

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

3 Report outcomes of coordination and monitoring .

3.1 Analyse, record and report coordination and monitoring data according to organisational requirements.

3.2 Identify and report current and/or potential problems according to organisational procedures.

3.3 Make recommendations to improve system performance and customer service standards.

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

Required skills :

• interpret and apply legislation, standards and policies
• coordinate measuring and testing activities
• conduct investigations
• assess environmental impact
• solve problems
• identify and rectify operational problems
• control system operations and processes
• produce reports
• use safety equipment and personal protective equipment
• interpret plans, service diagrams, charts and instructions
• communicate with employees and customers
• use communication equipment
• calculate water flows
• identify control system faults

Required knowledge :

• relevant legislation
• relevant enterprise policies
• range of appropriate measuring and testing procedures
• investigation procedures
• customer expectations and requirements
• environmental legislation
• occupational health and safety legislation
• environmental aspects of wastewater collection and/or transfer systems
• system hydraulics
• managing processes
• system layout
• system processes
• systems operation
• safety procedures
• lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations
• relevant utilities and service bodies
• communication systems
• environment, landscape and ground structure of work area
• risk factors and potential hazards involved with water pressures and flows
• equipment operation, capacity and limitations
• effects of weather and conditions on the operation of supply infrastructure
• pipes and fittings
• pumping and valving systems
• service reservoirs
• gravity 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 should demonstrate the ability to coordinate and monitor the operation of wastewater collection systems including:

• interpreting the wastewater collection system management plan and confirming data to be gathered
• identifying, analysing and addressing issues that impact on drainage systems, such as stakeholder requirements and environmental factors
• accessing historic system information
• conducting system performance monitoring and testing
• analysing and reporting test results
• investigating system faults and breaches of the wastewater collection system management plan and reporting results and recommendations
• monitoring budgets, programs and targets, evaluating data and investigating and reporting on deviations from the wastewater collection system management plan
• submitting recommendations to improve system performance and/or customer service standards

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. 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.

Wastewater collection system  may include:

• gravity pipe systems
• pressure pipe systems
• pump stations and pumping systems
• odour control systems
• gully traps, manholes and valve pits
• overflow storage and treatment systems
• stormwater infiltration control systems
• trade waste and domestic connections/drains

Stakeholder  may include:

• system users, including:

• wastewater generators
• wastewater processors

• conservation groups
• community action groups
• general community
• industry groups and companies
• catchment users
• all levels of government
• quasi government organisations
• treatment plant operator enterprise
• chemical suppliers
• consultants
• equipment suppliers

Historic system information  may include:

• previous studies
• impact of weather
• relevant hydrometrical information
• system models

Monitoring and testing  may include:

• physical analysis of water, for example:

• pH
• conductivity
• colour
• turbidity

• chemical analysis of water, for example:

• chlorine
• alkalinity
• chemical oxygen demand
• heavy metals
• sulphides

• microbiological analyses, for example:

• coliforms
• plate counts

• physical measures, for example:

• power
• chemicals
• water flows
• sludge volumes

• mechanical testing, for example:

• vibration
• noise
• temperature

• fauna and flora surveys
• gas detection and testing
• odour testing
• stakeholder surveys

Organisational and statutory requirements  may include:

• relevant federal legislation
• relevant state or territory legislation
• relevant local government by-laws
• trade waste policies
• relevant government and quasi government authorities' rules, for example:

• Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
• Environment Protection Authority