Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:13 AM AWST
22/07/2026 4:13 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Operate gravity fed irrigation systems
Operate gravity fed irrigation systems
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCIRG304A
AHCIRG304A
State Code
D6875
D6875
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/07/2012
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
26/07/2012
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers the process of operating gravity fed (flood) irrigation systems and defines the standard required to: read and follow operations manual and irrigation schedules; use pre-start checks; operate and inspect the system; check pressure at the headworks and control valves; carry out running repairs on irrigation delivery and drainage systems; shut down in response to irrigation indicators.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Perform pre-start checks for gravity fed irrigation system
- 1.1. Checks of water, power, fuel and lubricants ensure that all are available and the control system is operational.
- 1.2. Pumps are primed, if necessary, and gates and controls are open or closed in accordance with enterprise procedures.
- 1.3. Pipes, system equipment and outlets are positioned and set up in accordance with enterprise standards and OHS requirements.
2. Start up and inspect system
- 2.1. Syphons and other delivery mechanisms are primed and started in accordance with enterprise procedures.
- 2.2. Start up sequence is implemented in accordance with operations manual and water levels, and pressure built up slowly as directed.
- 2.3. Pressure at the headworks and control valves is within design specifications indicating efficient filter operation, and water is distributed evenly to the targeted areas with minimal wastage and run-off.
- 2.4. All malfunctions, leaks, damage to water courses and blockages are corrected or repaired immediately and reported in accordance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and enterprise procedures.
- 2.5. Head water levels are monitored and maintained.
- 2.6. If used, pumps are monitored during operation, rubbish is cleared from outlets, and pump is backflushed in accordance with enterprise procedures.
- 2.7. Irrigation changes are implemented in accordance with enterprise procedures.
- 2.8. Water reuse systems are checked for clearance and freedom from weeds.
3. Shut down system based upon irrigation indicators
- 3.1. Area is irrigated in accordance with enterprise procedures, and time lag between shut down and end of watering is observed to minimise run-off and deep percolation.
- 3.2. System components are shut down in sequence in accordance with manufacturer's and enterprise procedures.
- 3.3. Drainage and treatment systems are checked in accordance with enterprise procedures.
- 3.4. Tailwater control systems are implemented in accordance with statutory requirements and enterprise standards.
- 3.5. Irrigation activities are reported and recorded in accordance with regulatory requirements and enterprise procedures.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Systems may require:
gravity fed irrigation systems such as border check, contour irrigation, furrow irrigation, hillside flooding, and basin irrigation. Gravity fed systems may range from manual operation and monitoring to fully automated with computer control and monitoring.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Systems may require:
gravity fed irrigation systems such as border check, contour irrigation, furrow irrigation, hillside flooding, and basin irrigation. Gravity fed systems may range from manual operation and monitoring to fully automated with computer control and monitoring.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence is required in the process of operating gravity fed irrigation systems. The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
read and follow operations manual and irrigation schedules
use pre-start checks
operate and inspect the system
check pressure at the headworks and control valves
carry out running repairs on irrigation delivery and drainage systems
shut down in response to irrigation indicators.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
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.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence is required in the process of operating gravity fed irrigation systems. The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
read and follow operations manual and irrigation schedules
use pre-start checks
operate and inspect the system
check pressure at the headworks and control valves
carry out running repairs on irrigation delivery and drainage systems
shut down in response to irrigation indicators.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3587 | RTE3610A | Operate gravity fed irrigation systems | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D467 | AHC30110 | Certificate III in Agriculture | Qualification |
| D468 | AHC30210 | Certificate III in Agriculture (Dairy Production) | Qualification |