Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:12 AM AWST

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Operate and maintain irrigation pumping systems

Operate and maintain irrigation pumping systems

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCIRG341
State Code
OBJ90
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
21/10/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
28/01/2020
Field of Education
059999 - Agriculture, Environmental And Related Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
28/01/2020
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare, start up, operate, monitor and shut down an irrigation pumping system and maintain pumps and pumping equipment.The unit applies to individuals who operate and maintain irrigation pumping equipment under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to maintain pumps
  • 1.1 Obtain and interpret work requirements for the satisfactory completion of operations
  • 1.2 Select and use required materials, tools, equipment and machinery and check for safe operation
  • 1.3 Confirm activity to be undertaken, including identifying potential hazards and risks and implementing safe working practices to manage risks
  • 1.4 Select, fit, use and maintain safety and personal protective equipment applicable to the task
  • 1.5 Identify and arrange support required for the safe completion of the servicing and maintenance tasks
  • 1.6 Carry out isolation and lock-out of all equipment necessary for the safe execution of tasks
2. Carry out pump maintenance
  • 2.1 Inspect pumps and report any faults
  • 2.2 Troubleshoot pump system and rectify cause of faults
  • 2.3 Adjust and set pressure switches and air tanks to suit pump performance and site conditions
  • 2.4 Service and maintain pumps according to operation and maintenance manual
  • 2.5 Dispose of waste according to environmental procedures
  • 2.6 Maintain servicing and maintenance records according to servicing and maintenance recording procedures
3. Prepare the pumping system
  • 3.1 Check operation and function of pump and driver
  • 3.2 Conduct pumping system pre-start-up checks according to operation and maintenance manual
  • 3.3 Ensure pumping system valves are correctly sequenced and filters are clear before commencing pumping operations, and safety requirements are met
4. Start up and shutdown pumping system
  • 4.1 Operate ancillary equipment using safe practices
  • 4.2 Start up and shut down pump according to operation and maintenance manual
  • 4.3 Implement emergency shutdown procedures when required
5. Operate and monitor pumping and ancillary systems
  • 5.1 Check and maintain flanges, gaskets and seals within operational tolerances to avoid environmental damage
  • 5.2 Monitor pump pressures and flows for conformance
  • 5.3 Use amperage testing equipment to monitor and identify variations in pumping systems and equipment operating conditions
  • 5.4 Monitor pumping systems, equipment and component performance for signs of excessive wear or reduction of performance
  • 5.5 Check operational valves and valve assemblies for leaks
  • 5.6 Check and clean filter systems periodically and remove any potential blockages or impurities entering the pumping system or equipment which may cause cavitation or malfunction during operation
  • 5.7 Inspect and sample lubrication oil to ensure operating levels are correct and to determine if any contamination has taken place which may affect the operational capacity of the pumping system and equipment
  • 5.8 Take appropriate action resulting from checks and monitoring
6. Shut down the pumping system
  • 6.1 Shut down injection equipment and pump according to operation and maintenance manual
  • 6.2 Clean pumping equipment
  • 6.3 Collect, treat and dispose of or recycle waste generated by both the pumping process and cleaning procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAS99 AHCIRG310 Operate and maintain irrigation pumping systems Unit of competency