Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the NWP National Water Training Package.

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to respond to blue-green algae outbreaks.

It includes identifying problems, conducting sampling, determining and applying technical adjustments and producing technical reports.

This unit applies to those working as field staff members with specific responsibilities for responding to blue-green algae outbreaks.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Not applicable.

Catchment and Dams

Not applicable.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1  

Confirm blue-green algae outbreak 

1.1 

Receive and confirm reports of blue-green algae outbreak

1.2 

Identify and verify extent and location of blue-green algae outbreak

1.3 

Select and check equipment and tools to meet task and safety requirements

1.4 

Select, fit and use personal protective equipment

2 

Prepare samples for testing 

2.1 

Confirm workplace procedures for conducting sampling and selecting sampling locations

2.2 

Prepare sampling equipment according to workplace procedures

2.3 

Collect samples according to workplace procedures

2.4 

Prepare and send samples for testing according to workplace procedures

3 

Respond to blue-green algae outbreak 

3.1 

Evaluate potential blue-green algae control methods and select and implement appropriate measures including emergency planning

3.2 

Advise affected people according to workplace procedures

3.3 

Monitor, inspect and isolate area according to workplace procedures

4 

Report on blue-green algae outbreak 

4.1 

Collect and interpret data and report to relevant stakeholders

4.2 

Identify and report observations outside defined parameters to relevant personnel for further action

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

This unit replaces and is equivalent to NWPSOU001 Respond to blue-green algae outbreaks

Release 1. This is the first release of this unit of competency in the NWP National Water Training Package.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and includes:

• advising affected persons
• collecting, preparing and sending samples for testing
• implementing response plans
• maintaining integrity of samples by following workplace collection procedures
• recording and reporting required information and data
• reporting to relevant personnel when extent of outbreak is outside parameters
• responding to an outbreak using one of the following control methods:

• barricades
• public notices
• signage

• selecting appropriate method of notification
• selecting control methods including isolation of effected the area

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and includes knowledge of:

• all blue-green algae outbreak areas
• blue-green algae outbreaks including:

• collection hazards of sampling
• control methods
• impact on water and wastewater treatment processes
• outbreak locations
• sampling procedures and techniques
• types and purposes of samples

• control methods including:

• barricades
• public notices
• signage

• effects of weather and conditions on algae blooms
• emergency planning
• hazardous materials handling for algaecides
• problems caused by blue-green algal blooms
• relevant legislation, regulations and workplace procedures
• safety data sheets
• sample collections including:

• labelling information
• location of samples
• sample types
• time of collection

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

• relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry
• applicable documentation including legislation, regulations, codes of practice, workplace procedures and operation manuals.