Application
This unit describes the skills required to operate and control activated carbon processes. The ability to identify faults and determine and apply technical adjustments is essential to performance.
This unit applies to those working as operational staff in treatment.
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.
Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision, while performing routine tasks, within a familiar context.
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. Plan and prepare for work | 1.1 Determine work requirements. 1.2 Select and check equipment to meet safety requirements of task and site. 1.3 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment. |
2. Operate and control process | 2.1 Carry out routine inspection on assets. 2.2 Collect process samples. 2.3 Carry out routine tests. 2.4 Prepare samples for laboratory testing. 2.5 Identify and report process faults and operational condition of assets. 2.6 Carry out basic process adjustments to enhance process performance. 2.7 Monitor processes to maintain parameters of operation. |
3. Complete documentation | 3.1 Collect and record and complete process data. 3.2 Identify data that falls outside normal parameters and report for further action. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. The candidate must be assessed in at least one of the processes listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on least one occasion.
identifying and reporting faults
conducting routine plant inspections on asset conditions
taking samples and performing basic tests, including at least one of:
jar testing
odour analysis
UV274
applying basic process formulae including at least one of:
dosage (PAC)
empty bed contact time
bed expansion
backwash flow rates (BAC, GAC)
making basic process adjustments according to instructions including at least one of:
dosage
flow rate
detention time (PAC)
backwash flow rate
backwash frequency
process flow rate (BAC, GAC)
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.
risk factors and potential hazards associated with activated carbon
adsorption principles
principles that form the basis of activated carbon processes
water quality characteristics
TOC, DOC, AOC, BDOC
features and components of activated carbon including feeders
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.
Range Statement
Processes include: | powdered activated carbon (PAC) granular activated carbon (GAC) biologically activated carbon (BAC) |
Competency Field
Treatment