Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:13 AM AWST

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Operate a drain cleaning system

Operate a drain cleaning system

Unit of competency
National Code
MSMWJ305
State Code
ODO32
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
01/10/2021
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/12/2021
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
15/12/2021
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to autonomously operate a drain cleaning system for cleaning, unblocking or removing debris from wastewater or drainage infrastructure. It covers stormwater, wastewater and trade/industrial waste.This work is undertaken using equipment that meets the requirements of a Class B system as defined by AS 4233.1 High pressure water jetting systems - Part 1: Safe operation and maintenance, and in compliance with Safe Work Australia Guide for Managing Risks from High Pressure Water Jetting, its state/territory equivalent (where one exists) or the authorised replacement.The worksite may be a client’s site, a site belonging to the organisation or a public space. No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia, including requirements for refresher training, must be applied.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for work
  • 1.1 Interpret and follow job requirements
  • 1.2 Complete site access and work control requirements
  • 1.3 Identify known site hazards and required hazard controls
  • 1.4 Confirm work team members comply with site and job competency requirements
  • 1.5 Lead toolbox meeting or similar
  • 1.6 Select, check and load consumables, equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) required for job
  • 1.7 Complete pre-work documentation to job requirements
2. Use issued drawings
  • 2.1 Confirm all drawings and drawing versions and validate against job requirements
  • 2.2 Identify dimensions and check all drain cleaning equipment is appropriate for job
3. Complete on-site preparation
  • 3.1 Confirm job scope, location and requirements with job owner or contact person
  • 3.2 Communicate with site authorities and obtain correct work permits in accordance with site procedures
  • 3.3 Review and confirm job scope on-site with team
  • 3.4 Read, interpret and follow job-related documentation
  • 3.5 Check direction of flow and walk the route (upstream/downstream)
  • 3.6 Define work area and confirm required exclusion zones
  • 3.7 Confirm that required quantity and quality of water is available
  • 3.8 Confirm available waste disposal is adequate for all waste generated by job
  • 3.9 Recognise and control job and site-specific hazards
  • 3.10 Identify competency of other team members and degree and means of required supervision
  • 3.11 Communicate any additional job needs back to base
4. Set up drain cleaning job
  • 4.1 Prepare worksite to comply with job, safety and environmental requirements
  • 4.2 Inspect, assemble and check drain cleaning equipment in accordance with drain cleaning procedures
  • 4.3 Complete pre-start on system, test emergency shut-off and have equipment repaired prior to starting job if not functional
  • 4.4 Communicate with other work groups as appropriate to ensure safe and efficient operation of drain cleaning equipment
  • 4.5 Establish appropriate means of communication between operators and ensure correct positioning of personnel
  • 4.6 Ensure hazard controls and PPE are operational and adequate
5. Undertake drain cleaning job
  • 5.1 Start up drain cleaning equipment for safe operation
  • 5.2 Communicate with and supervise other operators as required by job
  • 5.3 Operate equipment to meet job requirements
  • 5.4 Monitor hazards and activate emergency stop as required
  • 5.5 Monitor job, conditions and equipment and maintain agreed real-time visual and verbal communication
  • 5.6 Recognise and diagnose problems and take appropriate action to resolve them
6. Complete drain cleaning job
  • 6.1 Shut down drain cleaning equipment
  • 6.2 Report job completion and details of any issues arising from the task in accordance with client or organisation requirements
  • 6.3 Reinstate assets in accordance with site requirements
  • 6.4 Disassemble equipment when safe to do so
  • 6.5 Clean job site and equipment and ensure appropriate disposal of all waste
  • 6.6 Disassemble exclusion zones when access to area is safe
  • 6.7 Complete routine equipment servicing and store items in appropriate location
  • 6.8 Identify and action restock requirements for spares and consumables
  • 6.9 Complete documentation to job requirements
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AWC08 MSMWJ302 Operate a drain cleaning system Unit of competency