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 establish connections of water and wastewater systems.

It includes planning for establishing connections, evaluating connection applications and assessing network capacity. It also includes hydraulic assessments, infrastructure capacity and maintaining connection records.

This unit applies to those with responsibility for managing applications and approvals for connection requests. Those undertaking this unit would work autonomously, usually with supervisory responsibilities, while performing complex tasks in a range of contexts.

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

Not applicable.

Networks

Not applicable.

ELEMENTS 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1  

Prepare for establishing connections 

1.1 

Respond to customer enquiries regarding applications for new connections

1.2 

Advise customer of the procedures involved in processing and approving and monitoring applications

1.3 

Identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures according to workplace procedures

2 

Evaluate connection application 

2.1 

Identify and confirm the location and nature of the work to be assessed from the job specifications

2.2 

Review the asset connection conditions and assess the issues that affect the conditions

2.3 

Liaise with stakeholders affected by the work according to workplace procedures

3 

Assess the infrastructure capacity 

3.1 

Identify network infrastructure with the use of relevant database systems

3.2 

Assess utility assets to determine suitability for connection

3.3 

Determine impacts on the infrastructure

3.4 

Select connection and application methods to suit network requirements

4 

Conduct hydraulic assessment 

4.1 

Apply delegations and obtain approval from relevant organisational authority

4.2 

Conduct community and stakeholder notifications

4.3 

Apply the connection conditions according to workplace procedures

4.4 

Make connection to existing network according to organisational requirements

5 

Maintain connection records 

5.1 

Compile assessment findings according to organisational requirements

5.2 

Prepare and store stakeholder documentation in information systems for access and review

5.3 

Complete customer requests and generate compliance data

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 NWPTRD024 Establish connections of water and wastewater systems.

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:

• applying delegations and obtaining appropriate authorisation for connections
• assessing utility assets for connection suitability and determining the impacts on infrastructure
• identifying and confirming work requirements and connection conditions
• identifying and evaluating network connection processes
• identifying and responding to risks and hazards
• interpreting and evaluating data for establishing connections to infrastructure
• interpreting and reviewing hydraulic, architectural and site plans
• managing change in customer requirements and responding to enquiries
• managing, liaising and notifying stakeholders in relation to establishing connections
• preparing, compiling and storing relevant data and documentation

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

• asset creation reporting processes
• asset spatial information
• basic hydraulics
• communication and liaison techniques
• customer expectations and requirements
• investigation procedures
• methods to collect and record data and other workplace documentation
• network systems
• relevant organisational policies and procedures for:

• connection management
• customer connections
• metering guides
• supplier instructions

• risk and hazard management principles
• relevant legislation, workplace policies and procedures
• water quality parameters

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.