Operate and maintain irrigation pumping systems

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 3:31 AM 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.

Unit of competency

National Code
AHCIRG310A

State Code
WE016

TGA Status
Replaced

DTWD Status
Replaced

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
22/06/2012

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

11/04/2013

Field of Education

059999 - Agriculture, Environmental And Related Studies, N.e.c.

Original Release Date

11/04/2013

Nominal Hours

Description

This Unit covers the process of operating and maintaining irrigation pumping systems and defines the standard required to: maintain pumps and pumping equipment; operate an irrigation pumping system; monitor pumping operations; isolate the pumping system; carry out basic repairs and replacement of parts; and dispose of waste.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1 Prepare to maintain pumps

1.1 Work requirements for the satisfactory completion of operations are obtained and interpreted
1.2 Site, manufacturer's and legislative requirements and procedures necessary to complete the allocated work are accessed and interpreted
1.3 Items and tools required for the safe, effective and efficient conduct of servicing and maintenance tasks are identified
1.4 Support required for the safe completion of the servicing and maintenance tasks are identified and arranged
1.5 Isolation and lock-out of all equipment necessary for the safe execution of tasks is carried out in accordance with site requirements and procedures

2 Carry out pump maintenance

2.1 Pumps are inspected and any faults reported in accordance with site and manufacturer's requirements and procedure
2.2 Maintenance tools and equipment are selected and used safely
2.3Servicing and maintenance of pumps is carried out in accordance with the work requirements, manufacturer's current specifications and site requirement
2.4Hazardous and emergency situations are recognised and responded to in accordance with legislative, site and manufacturer's requirements and procedures
2.5 Used oil, lubricant and other waste is disposed of in accordance with legislative and site requirements
2.6 Servicing and maintenance records are maintained in accordance with site requirements

3 Prepare the pumping system

3.1 Operation and function of pump and driver is checked by applying principles of operation and procedures
3.2 The operational area is checked to ensure that any potential hazards which may affect the operation of the equipment are removed
3.3 Pre-start-up checks are conducted on the pumping systemto ensure valves are correctly sequenced and filters are clear before commencing pumping operations, and that all safety requirements are met

4 Start up and shutdown pumping system

4.1 Ancillary equipment is operated in accordance with procedures.
4.2 Pump is started up and shutdown in line with procedures
4.3 Emergency shutdown procedures are implemented when required

5 Operate and monitor pumping and ancillary systems

5.1 Flanges, gaskets and seals are checked and maintained within stated operational tolerances and to avoid any environmental damage
5.2 Pump pressures and flows are monitored for conformance
5.3 Amperage testing equipment is used to monitor and identify variations in the operating conditions of the pumping systems/equipment
5.4 Pumping systems/equipment performance and all components are monitored and regularly checked to identify any signs of excessive wear and diminution of performance
5.5 Operational valves and valve assemblies are checked for possible leakages
5.6 Filter systems are periodically checked and cleaned to remove any potential blockages or impurities entering the pumping system/equipment and causing it to cavitate or malfunction during operation
5.7 Lubrication oil is inspected and sampled to check that operating levels are correct and to determine if any contamination has taken place which may affect the operational capacity of the pumping system/equipment
5.8 Appropriate action is taken resulting from checks and monitoring

6 Shut down the pumping system

6.1 Injection equipment is shut down according to workplace procedures
6.2 The pump is shut down according to workplace procedures
6.3 Pumping equipment is cleaned according to workplace procedures
6.4 Waste generated by both the pumping process and cleaning procedures is collected, treated, disposed of or recycled according to workplace procedures

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.
Maintenance of pumps may include:
replacing wear components, including pump seals, liners and impellors
replacing v-belts
tensioning fasteners and v-belts
adjust pump settings.
Servicing of pumps may include:
inspection
cleaning
clearing blockages
greasing
check and top-up fluids, including:
coolants
lubricants
hydraulic oils.
Hazardous and emergency situations may include:
confined spaces
working alone
personal injury
electrical
dust
noise
environmental
chemical
fire.
Pumping systems may include:
all types of pumps and components (including filters and valves) used to move water to or through an irrigation system.
Ancillary equipment may include:
any systems that are part of the irrigation system (such as computerised scheduling) or work with the irrigation system (such as fertigation).

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:
maintain pumps and pumping equipment
operate an irrigation pumping system
monitor pumping operations
isolate the pumping system
carry out basic repairs and replacement of parts
dispose of waste.
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.

Replaced By

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BAS99	AHCIRG310	Operate and maintain irrigation pumping systems	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
J156	AHC32412	Certificate III in Irrigation	Qualification