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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Routine plant inspections may include:
interaction and communication with other employees, other authorities and the general public
visual observation
identification of corrosion damage
implementation of reporting procedures that may also include procedures for the implementation of by-laws, organisational policies and statutory requirements
Organisational and statutory requirements may include:
by-laws and organisational policies
standard operating procedures
environment protection
occupational health and safety
chemicals
dangerous goods
lifts and cranes
Environment Protection Authority regulations
licensing agreements
electrical standards
Equipment used may include:
electronic monitoring and metering systems
manual chart recording systems
basic hand tools
sampling and laboratory testing equipment
computerised equipment
on- and off-road vehicles
communication equipment
personal protective equipment
Tests may include:
settling tests
microscopic observation
pH
temperature
dissolved oxygen
chlorine residuals
ammonia, nitrate, reactive phosphorus and alkalinity determinations
Chemicals may include:
chlorine gas
sodium hypochlorite
calcium hypochlorite
carbon dioxide
alum
powder activated carbon
polymers
lime
Processes may include:
pre-treatment, for example:
screening
shredding
grit removal
odour removal
primary treatment, for example:
primary sedimentation
secondary treatment, for example:
trickling filters
rotating biological contactors
activated sludge
lagoon system
chemical precipitation
solids handling, for example:
aerobic or anaerobic digesters
sludge disposal
disinfection, for example:
maturation ponds
chlorination
ultraviolet irradiation
ozonation
advanced treatment, for example:
chemical nitrogen removal
biological nitrogen removal
biological phosphorus removal
chemical phosphorous removal
micro filtration
System adjustments may include:
pH correction
dissolved oxygen levels
additional carbon source
variations of run times of equipment
Records may include:
plant performance data
chemical usage

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the 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 monitor, operate and control routine aspects of wastewater treatment processes, including:
conducting routine plant inspections
taking samples and performing basic tests
preparing and applying chemical dosing according to instructions
identifying and reporting system faults
making allowed system adjustments according to instructions
completing required documentation
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.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. 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.