Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:08 PM AWST
22/07/2026 8:08 PM 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.
Maintain gravity-fed irrigation systems
Maintain gravity-fed irrigation systems
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCIRG205A
AHCIRG205A
State Code
D6870
D6870
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
01/12/2011
Field of Education
030907 - Water And Sanitary Engineering
Original Release Date
01/12/2011
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the process of maintaining gravity fed irrigation systems under routine supervision and defines the standard required to: check for problems and return the system to smooth running; build or repair banks; control weeds and silt build-up; carry out maintenance activities.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Carry out pre and post season maintenance
- 1.1. Equipment is prepared pre-season for effective operation in accordance with design specifications and enterprise standards.
- 1.2. System is closed and made resistant to damage post-season in accordance with design specifications and enterprise standards.
- 1.3. Equipment is stored post-season according to enterprise standards.
2. Carry out routine maintenance activities on gravity fed irrigation delivery systems
- 2.1. All maintenance activities are carried out according to the maintenance program, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) requirements and the manufacturer's specifications.
- 2.2. Mechanical equipment is serviced in accordance with the operator's manual or as directed.
- 2.3. Supply and distribution system is flushed and cleaned as directed.
- 2.4. System inlets, outlets, structures and fittings are maintained as directed.
- 2.5. System is checked for smooth running and is free of damage, leaks and blockages in channels, drains and outlets, as necessary, in accordance with design specifications and enterprise procedures.
- 2.6. Silt is cleared from channels, drains, sumps and crossings with no disruption to gradients and levels, as necessary.
- 2.7. Adverse environmental impacts of the irrigation system are identified and reported.
- 2.8. Appropriate materials are used for backfilling and building/repairing banks in accordance with enterprise standards.
3. Clear system of weeds using mechanical or chemical methods
- 3.1. Weeds are removed/controlled in accordance with enterprise standards, OHS and environmental requirements.
- 3.2. Crops and plants are protected from damage in accordance with enterprise standards.
- 3.3. Water flow from outlets is checked, as necessary, to verify freedom from blockage.
4. Record and report maintenance activities
- 4.1. All damage and blockage caused by pests and vermin are recorded by damage type, location and the section of the system affected.
- 4.2. Damage or faulty pumps, valves, electrical components and computer systems are recorded and reported, and action taken to effect repairs.
- 4.3. All routine maintenance activities are recorded and reported in accordance with enterprise standards.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Gravity-fed irrigation systems may include:
border check systems
contour irrigation
furrow irrigation
hillside flooding
basin irrigation.
Border check systems may include:
permanent or temporary earth
plastic or concrete devices for insertion in a drain for reticulating water
contour banks used to collect and distribute water along the perimeter of an irrigation plot
contour banks within a plot to collect/distribute water
larger scale systems to stop water exiting one area to another
Gravity fed systems may include:
manual operation and monitoring to fully automated with computer control and monitoring.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Gravity-fed irrigation systems may include:
border check systems
contour irrigation
furrow irrigation
hillside flooding
basin irrigation.
Border check systems may include:
permanent or temporary earth
plastic or concrete devices for insertion in a drain for reticulating water
contour banks used to collect and distribute water along the perimeter of an irrigation plot
contour banks within a plot to collect/distribute water
larger scale systems to stop water exiting one area to another
Gravity fed systems may include:
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
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:
check for problems and return the system to smooth running
build or repair banks
control weeds and silt build-up
carry out maintenance activities.
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
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:
check for problems and return the system to smooth running
build or repair banks
control weeds and silt build-up
carry out maintenance activities.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3540 | RTE2605A | Maintain gravity-fed irrigation systems | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D451 | AHC20110 | Certificate II in Agriculture | Qualification |
| D461 | AHC21110 | Certificate II in Irrigation | Qualification |