Application
The application of this unit in the workplace includes monitoring local water distribution practices, providing advice on cleaning and sanitation of water distribution equipment and generally promoting safe water handling practice. This unit of competency is applicable to preventive medicine personnel. This function is limited to the performance of tasks in accordance with organisational policies and procedures. | |
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Monitor water distribution point | 1.1 Routine monitoring of water storage and distribution points is performed to assess standard of safe water handling practices 1.2 Field water testing is performed to ascertain the quality of water 1.3 Samples of water are obtained and processed for testing in a laboratory, in accordance with organisational policies and procedures 1.4 Information gathered during monitoring is collected and interpreted against national standards for drinking water quality 1.5 General assessment is made of local water handling practices and reported to relevant personnel, including recommendations for improving water safety 1.6 Water contamination is reported to relevant personnel and immediate action is taken to restrict the use of contaminated water |
2. Monitor water storage and distribution equipment | 2.1 Local system for cleaning and sanitising water storage and distribution equipment is reviewed to ensure it conforms with organisational policies and procedures 2.2 Advice on cleaning and sanitising water storage and distribution equipment is provided 2.3 System for regular water storage and distribution equipment survey is established to ensure continued compliance with organisational policies and procedures 2.4 Equipment suspected to be contaminated or not approved for water storage and distribution is reported to relevant personnel and immediate action is taken to restrict further use |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
communicate appropriately about, consult on and impart knowledge of: causes of disease transmission causes of manpower wastage control measures of disease transmission safe water handling practices water quality assurance measures interpret data gathered in the field against quality standards in national water quality guidelines and organisational policy liaise and communicate with persons in positions of authority make technical judgements based on own level of knowledge and experience prioritise tasking work safely |
Required Knowledge |
aetiology of water-borne diseases Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2004 (National Health and Medical Research Council) best use of available resources causes of disease transmission causes of manpower wastage control measures of disease transmission documentation processes relevant to own workplace health surveillance system organisational policies and procedures process of disease risk management principles safe water handling practices time management strategies to set priorities water quality assurance measures |
Evidence Required
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessment must confirm the ability to: liaise and communicate with personnel in authority recognise unsafe water or water storage containers and take action to prevent illness impart knowledge of safe water handling practices. Consistency in performance Competency should be demonstrated over a minimum of two assessment occasions. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Context of assessment Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace situation. This may be in an urban or a field setting. Specific resources for assessment Access is required to: appropriate equipment and stores relevant organisational policies and procedures. |
Range Statement
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. | |
Standard of safe water handling practices may include | Controlling water distribution from a central point of supply Organising regular water-point survey by health personnel Performing correct individual clarification Performing individual disinfection Protecting from vectors of disease (house flies) Storing in a location protected from contamination Using approved storage containers |
Field water testing may include | Faecal coliform bacteria Free chlorine (after addition) Physical characteristics (taste, colour, odour and temperature) pH Radioactivity (as ordered) Selected poisons (if presence is suspected, normally arsenic and cyanide, and may include mustard and nerve agents) Total coliform bacteria Total dissolved solids (TDS) Turbidity |
Organisational policies and procedures may include | Clinical standards (state/territory and national) Codes of ethics Codes of practice Environmental health policy Health and hygiene guidelines Health surveillance policy documents Industry professional body standards Industry standards (state/territory and national) Organisational health policy directives Pesticides manual Relevant Australian Standards Relevant Commonwealth Acts Workplace safety guidelines |
Immediate action may include | Classifying water not fit for consumption Classifying water storage containers not fit for continued use Liaising with persons in authority to inform them of the situation Making arrangements to correct the problem |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. | |
Pre-requisite Unit/s | Nil |
Licensing Information
Not applicable.