Elements and Performance Criteria

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. 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) may also be included.
Organisational or legislative requirements may be determined by:
federal, state and local environmental and water quality legislation and guidelines
organisational policies
standard operating procedures
communication and reporting protocols
quality assurance standards and processes
Distribution system may include:
pipes
hydrants
valves
backflow prevention devices
service reservoirs
chlorinators
Sampling may include:
frequency of sampling
bacteriological samples
grab samples from:
mains
customer taps
service reservoirs
high-risk user facilities
Testing may include:
microbiological testing
levels of manganese and iron
turbidity
colour
taste and odour
copper
pH
chlorine residuals
hardness
presence of disinfection by-products
Manufacturers' and designers' specifications may include:
valve installation and operation
hydrant installation and operation
pipe pressure specifications
calibration and operation of inline equipment
Potential deficiencies may include:
low pressure areas
dead ends
low flow areas
backflow
cross connections
uncovered or unsecured service reservoirs
leaks
loss of disinfectant residual
Potential hazards may include:
microbiological contamination of water
waterborne disease outbreaks
metal poisoning
pressure for fire fighting appliances
Preventive measures may include:
maintenance of disinfection residuals
maintenance of adequate system pressure
minimise hydraulic detention time
flushing, scouring and swabbing

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, 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 optimise system performance and maintenance planning in potable water distribution systems including:
assessing distribution system performance and impacts on water quality
investigating system faults and deficiencies and assessing the status of system components
conducting hazard assessment and proposing prevention strategies
producing and monitoring a potable water distribution system optimisation plan
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/or 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
Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator, any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and reflecting the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.