ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Interpret an irrigation maintenance program

1.1 Scope of maintenance works is determined according to the irrigation maintenance program

1.2 Frequency of maintenance works is determined and implemented according to the irrigation maintenance program

1.3 Irrigation maintenance procedures are followed in line with the irrigation maintenance program

1.4 Maintenance works are planned and prepared

1.5 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements are identified, associated hazards and risks assessed, and suitable controls implemented

1.6 Environmental considerations of irrigation maintenance activities are identified

2 Inspect a surface irrigation system

2.1 An inspection checklist is established according to the irrigation maintenance program

2.2 System is regularly inspected according to the checklist

2.3 Remedial action and repairs are identified and undertaken to restore system to full effectiveness

2.4 Servicing of mechanical equipment is undertaken according to the irrigation maintenance program

2.5 Results of maintenance works are assessed and recorded to ensure repairs or maintenance standards have been achieved according to the irrigation maintenance program

2.6 Surroundings are tidied and materials and equipment cleared from the site on completion of maintenance works

3 Carry out system maintenance

3.1 Damage and blockage caused by pests and animals are recorded by damage type, location and the section of the system affected

3.2 Damage or faulty pumps, valves, electrical components and computer systems are recorded and reported, and action taken to effect repairs

3.3 Vegetation control is carried out to keep all system components clear

3.4Water measuring, diversionandconveyancing, and distribution structures are serviced as directed

3.5 End of season maintenance procedures are implemented in accordance with enterprise standards

3.6 Routine and preventative maintenance procedures are implemented in accordance with enterprise standards

4 Record and report maintenance activities

4.1 Herbicide records are maintained to meet legislative and quality assurance requirements

4.2 Maintenance and servicing records are completed

4.3 Parts removed and/or replaced are recorded

4.4 Faults and breakages are recorded or reported

Required skills include:

Ability to:

interpret and apply enterprise maintenance procedures

inspect irrigation system

test irrigation equipment

undertake minor repairs of equipment

carry out earthworks maintenance on irrigation channels and beds

remove and replace valves and filters

check serviceability of siphons

remove and replace gates/slides/doors

control weeds and unwanted vegetation

dispose of unused or waste materials from site in an environmentally safe and sensitive manner

record all test results clearly and concisely with attention to detail

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge includes:

surface irrigation system components

common operational problems

maintenance requirements – routine and end of season

weed control methods

common operational and maintenance problems

environmental impacts of irrigation maintenance

OHS legislation and safe work procedures.

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.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

inspect irrigation systems

control unwanted vegetation within the irrigation system

carry out regular and end of season maintenance

troubleshoot and undertake minor repairs of equipment

record and report maintenance activities

dispose of unused or waste materials from site.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

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.

Water measurement structures may include:

weirs

parshall flumes

cut-throat flumes.

Diversion and conveyancing structures may include:

intake structures

diversion weirs and gates.

Field distribution structures may include:

canals

pipelines

drop structures and chutes

division boxes and turnouts

checks

crossing structures

flumes

culverts

inverted siphons.

Surface irrigation systems may include:

any systems that apply water across the surface of a levelled or contoured area. These include furrow, border and basin irrigation.