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.
Processes may include:
chemical and adsorption techniques
chemical nitrogen removal
biological nitrogen removal
enhanced ammonia removal
chemical phosphorus removal
biological phosphorus removal
Organisational and statutory requirements may include:
by-laws and organisational policies
standard operating procedures
National Water Quality Management strategy
environment protection
occupational health and safety, including use of personal protective equipment
chemicals
dangerous goods
lifts and cranes
Environment Protection Authority regulations
World Health Organisation standards
licensing agreements
electrical standards
Routine inspection of plant may include:
use of equipment, including:
electronic monitoring and metering systems
chart recording systems
basic hand tools
sampling and laboratory testing equipment computerised equipment
personal protective equipment
interaction and communication with other employees, other authorities and the general public
visual observation
implementation of reporting procedures that may also include procedures for the implementation of by-laws, organisational policies and statutory requirements
Tests may include:
solids analysis
nitrogen and phosphorus analysis
microscopy and routine jar testing
oxygen demand
pH
System adjustments may include:
recirculation rates
wasting rates
organic and hydraulic loadings
surface loading rates
pH adjustment
chemical dosing
Process calculations may include:
chemical feed rates
Chemicals may include:
aluminium and iron based coagulants
synthetic organic polymers
carbon sources
Reports may include:
environmental reports
chemical usage
plant performance data

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 nutrient removal processes, including:
monitoring test results and processes
identifying and reporting faults
conducting routine plant inspections
taking samples and performing basic tests
preparing and applying chemical dosing
making basic process adjustments according to instructions
collecting data and 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 only taken at the point 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.