Application
This unit of competency describes the skills required to monitor, identify and resolve water quality problems in water distribution systems. The ability to identify and investigate operational problems, collect samples and analyse technical information, communicate effectively with stakeholders and to interpret and apply incident management procedures is essential to performance.
This unit applies to those working as field and operational staff with a specific responsibility for monitoring water quality and responding to issues affecting water quality in distribution systems.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to WHS.
Those undertaking this unit would work under indirect supervision, while performing routine tasks, in a familiar context, ensuring minimum damage to the environment.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Identify and locate water quality problems | 1.1 Conduct monitoring of water quality. 1.2 Investigate water quality problems and their cause. 1.3 Collect, analyse and report system data. 1.4 Collect, label and record samples. 1.5 Select, fit and use required safety equipment |
2. Respond to water quality problems | 2.1 Analyse incidents and apply incident management procedures to resolve water quality problems. 2.2 Notify stakeholders of policies, procedures and plans. 2.3 Monitor the recovery of the system and measure recovery. 2.4 Investigate and review results and take action. |
3. Complete documentation | 3.1 Report process faults. 3.2 Compile reports from system data. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
identifying and investigating water quality problems
accessing, interpreting and applying relevant organisational and legislative requirements
undertaking sampling and testing procedures
producing reports and logs
using safety equipment and personal protective equipment
investigating types of contamination
interpreting plans, service diagrams, topographic plans, charts and specifications
monitoring inflows
identifying control system faults
monitoring characteristics of water quality
collecting samples
collecting and recording water quality data
completing incident reports and other relevant documentation
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
relevant legislative requirements and responsibilities
relevant procedures
established environmental management procedures
environmental impact assessment
primary agencies involved in drinking water quality management
water quality standards and issues
causes of water quality deterioration
system hydraulics
incident management processes
system processes, operation, layout
water quality specifications
environmental aspects of water systems and infrastructure
relevant utilities and service bodies
communication systems
risk management principles
risk factors and potential hazards involved in water systems
equipment operation, capacity and limitations
pipes and fittings
pumping and valving systems control systems
forces including gravitational, valve operation, hydraulic and pumps
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Networks