Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:47 PM AWST

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Monitor, operate and report sedimentation processes

Monitor, operate and report sedimentation processes

Unit of competency
National Code
NWP271B
State Code
D1882
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
30/04/2012
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/01/2009
Field of Education
080317 - Quality Management
Original Release Date
14/01/2009
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to monitor and operate non-chemically assisted sedimentation processes within domestic and industrial wastewater treatment plants or stormwater systems. The required outcomes also include reporting on the sedimentation system performance and process quality control within these systems.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Plan and prepare for work.
  • 1.1 Determine work requirements according to legislative and organisational requirements.
  • 1.2 Select and check equipment required to meet safety requirements of task and site.
  • 1.3 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment.
2Monitor and operate sedimentation processes.
  • 2.1 Carry out sedimentation process inspections according to type of plant.
  • 2.2 Collect process samples and conduct standard tests.
  • 2.3 Collect and report process data according to organisational and plant requirements.
  • 2.4 Monitor processes to maintain parameters of operation.
  • 2.5 Identify and report process faults and operational condition of plant according to organisational requirements.
  • 2.6 Carry out basic system adjustments to enhance system performance according to organisational requirements.
3Report sedimentation processes.
  • 3.1 Compile records from plant and system data to meet organisational requirements.
  • 3.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.
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. Add any 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.
Legislative and organisational requirements may include:
relevant federal and state or territory legislation and regulations
codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material
documented organisational policies, manuals and induction programs
relevant community planning and development agreements, such as land care agreements
Equipment used may include:
electronic monitoring and metering systems
recording systems
basic hand and power tools
sampling and laboratory testing equipment
computerised equipment
communication equipment
personal protective equipment
Tests may include:
pH
dissolved oxygen
settleable solids concentration (cone test)
suspended solids
temperature
total solids concentration
Processes may include:
Imhoff tanks
conventional clarifiers and sedimentation tanks
lamellar thickeners
picket fence thickeners
gross pollution traps
primary treatments, such as primary sedimentation
oily water separators
riffle plate separators
System adjustments may include:
sludge withdrawal rates
scum removal
inflow control
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The candidate should demonstrate the ability to monitor, operate and report on sedimentation processes by:
planning and conducting routine plant inspections
monitoring system processes
reporting process and structural faults
performing system adjustments
completing system performance monitoring documentation.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Access to the workplace and resources including:
documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation
relevant codes, standards and government regulations.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:
competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice
a decision of competence should only be made when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts
all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
M1891 NWP271A Monitor, operate and report sedimentation processes Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AVX99 NWPTRT073 Operate and control wastewater sedimentation processes Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
D244 NWP20107 Certificate II in Water Operations Qualification