Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 1:43 PM AWST

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Design siphonic stormwater drainage systems

Design siphonic stormwater drainage systems

Unit of competency
National Code
CPCPPS5032A
State Code
WF945
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
07/02/2013
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
20/06/2014
Field of Education
040327 - Plumbing
Original Release Date
20/06/2014
Nominal Hours
10
Description
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to design siphonic stormwater drainage systems, determine installation details, and prepare specifications for a range of residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Evaluate design parameters.
  • 1.1 Scope of work is established for siphonic stormwater drainage systems.
  • 1.2 Design requirementsare determined from relevant Australian standards, codes, plans, specifications and client brief.
  • 1.3 Siphonic system attributesare evaluated and cost-benefit analysis is conducted, comparing a range of pipe materials and system designs.
  • 1.4 Statutory and regulatory requirements and relevant Australian standards and codesfor the design of siphonic stormwater drainage systems are analysed and applied.
  • 1.5 Stormwater design manuals, manufacturer requirements and trade and technical manuals are interpreted.
  • 1.6 Additional research, including a desktop study, is conducted to outline design parameters.
  • 1.7 Factors that contribute to quality, safety and time efficiency are determined.
  • 1.8 Performance requirements are established, considering safety of system users or building occupants.
2 Plan and detail system components.
  • 2.1 Siphonic stormwater drainage systems are integrated with the building structure.
  • 2.2 Volume of roof water and stormwater is calculated using a range of approved methods.
  • 2.3 Layout of pipework systems, and type and location of fittings are planned.
  • 2.4 Pipe size and flow requirements are calculated for a range of applications according to stormwater collection requirements.
  • 2.5 Pipe supportsare designed for a range of applications.
  • 2.6 Approved materials and components, jointing methods and installation requirements for siphonic stormwater drainage systems are specified.
3 Design and size systems.
  • 3.1 Siphonic stormwater drainage systems are designed for a range of applications.
  • 3.2 Catchment areas are calculated, collection points determined, and siphonic systems sized.
  • 3.3 Siphonic stormwater drainage systems are designed and sized using calculations and computer software packages.
  • 3.4 Sustainability principles and concepts are applied throughout the design process.
4 Prepare documentation.
  • 4.1 Client brief of the desired design is prepared.
  • 4.2 Plansand specification are prepared for a range of siphonic stormwater drainage systems.
  • 4.3 Testing and commissioning schedule is prepared.
  • 4.4 Operation and maintenance manual is produced, including information on how to properly and safely maintain the system.
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.
Scope of work must include:
calculation of rainfall intensities in given catchment areas, including:
average rainfall intervals
meteorological information
rainfall intensities
stormwater collection area calculations
time and concentration
interpretation of plans and specifications
sizing and documenting layout of siphonic stormwater drainage systems for residential, commercial and industrial applications and for either new projects or an existing structure being renovated, extended, restored or maintained.

Design requirements must include:
owner requirements
architectural plans
building specifications
pipework identification
catchment area
approved point of discharge
acoustic performance.

Siphonic system attributes must include:
availability
cost
installation requirements
risks
site conditions.

Cost-benefit analysis:
compares range of suitable materials and system choices available to enable cost-effective choices to be made without compromising integrity of project
must include:
design styles
expected design life
labour costs
material costs
safety factors
speed of installation.

Statutory and regulatory requirements and relevant Australian standards and codes may include:
AS/NZS3500 National plumbing and drainage
AS2200 Design charts for water supply and sewerage
commonwealth, state or territory requirements and local governments requirements
National Construction Code
other relevant Australian standards and codes.

Manufacturer requirements may include:
material specifications
sizing tables
technical and trade manuals
special siphonic drainage collection inlets.

Desktop study may include collection and interpretation of existing data for design purposes in:
architectural and building plans
manufacturer data
developer plans
other documents, including:
applications
brochures
forms
policies
other reports as available.

Performance requirements may include:
pipe flow velocities, flow conditions and discharge requirements, established using relevant Australian standards, codes and local authorities’ requirements.

Layout of pipework systems:
must include:
acoustic performance
amenity of the building
clipping and pipe support
fireproofing
function of the building
impingement on floor heights
location of pipework (fire rating of enclosure)
materials to be used
size of penetrations
type of building structure
should not unduly affect building integrity and aesthetic appeal
should have principles of economy, serviceability, durability and fit for use applied.

Fittings may include:
bends
junctions.

Pipe size and flow requirement calculations may include:
discharge
flow
manufacturers’ tables
sizing, according to relevant Australian standards and codes
velocity
volumes.

Pipe supports may include:
anchors
bracket spacing
corrosion protection
cover
hanging brackets
material requirements
saddles
wall and ceiling brackets.

Materials and components may include:
appropriate materials specified, based on fit for purpose, durability, compatibility and cost-effectiveness, including:
copper (Cu)
polyethylene (PE)
polypropylene (PP)
stainless steel
other approved material
components, may include:
clips
fasteners
fittings
pipework
siphonic collection inlets.

Jointing methods may include:
brazing
electrofusion welding
mechanical joints
rubber ring
other approved jointing methods.

Installation requirements must include:
pipe protection, which may include:
corrosion
impact
fire rating
level of workmanship
manufacturer-recommended specific fixings
pipe support
provision for expansion
serviceability and access.

Computer software packages may include:
manufacturer software
proprietary design software.

Sustainability principles and concepts:
cover the current and future social, economic and environmental use of resources
may include:
selecting appropriate material to ensure minimal environmental impact
efficient use of material
efficient energy usage/capital outlay comparison
effect on the environment due to overflow or leakage
consideration of the Green Building Council of Australia rating scheme.

Plans:
may include:
axonometrics
elevations
details
cross-sections
isometrics
schematics
sections
may be produced using:
computer generation
drawing equipment.

Specification may include:
commissioning
bedding
support
jointing
manufacturer requirements
materials
testing
workmanship
work health and safety (WHS).

Testing may include:
hydrostatic test
inspection
performance
quality assurance (QA) audit.

Commissioning schedule may include:
system certification
checking for foreign material
checking leaks
cleaning grates
system defects
system functions as per design.

Operation and maintenance manual may include:
as installed drawings
certification documentation
results of commissioning test
maintenance schedules
manufacturer brochures and technical information
check for blockages
leak detection
regular inspection
regular maintenance requirements.
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
This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment providing that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate plumbing and services workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to as a minimum provide evidence of the ability to:
design, size and document the layout details, including a specification of a siphonic system for a site incorporating a high-rise mixed development building and a wide span project (such as a school) to include:
applying sustainability principles and concepts throughout
evaluating and documenting design parameters to relevant Australian standards, codes and manufacturer requirements for a range of siphonic stormwater drainage systems
evaluating health risks associated with the siphonic system
designing and sizing siphonic stormwater drainage systems using appropriate calculations and computer software
selecting materials and components for compliance, fit for purpose, durability, compatibility and cost-effectiveness
preparing testing and commissioning schedules
producing operation and maintenance manuals
communicating with others to ensure safe and effective workplace operations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment
This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.
Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.
Resource implications for assessment include:
an induction procedure and requirement
realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the minimum task requirements
relevant specifications and work instructions, including design brief drawings, specifications, codes, design concepts and construction schedules
tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices, including computers, software and calculators
workplace instructions relating to safe working practices and addressing hazards and emergencies
material safety data sheets
research resources, including industry-related systems information.
Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment
Assessment methods must:
satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package
include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.
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, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge
all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.
Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.
Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OCN14 CPCPPS5032 Design siphonic stormwater drainage systems Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
J499 CPC50612 Diploma of Hydraulic Services Design Qualification
J498 CPC50412 Diploma of Plumbing and Services Qualification