Elements and Performance Criteria

Range of Variables
The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in particular training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available
What tasks may be included under irrigationwork?
Assisting with installation of irrigation and/or drainage pipes and components for gravity fed or pressurised systems, including digging trenches, back filling of trenches and completing other basic tasks as instructed.
Assisting with maintenance of irrigation and/or drainage systems including clearing blockages, and completing other basic tasks as instructed.
Work with a range of materials including plastic and metal pipes and components using hand tools commonly used in irrigation work.
Associated irrigation activities including assisting in establishing work base, clearing site, erecting barriers and signs, unloading and loading of materials, setting out of works, cleaning up site and disposal of debris and materials.
What instructions may be relevant to this standard?
Instructions may include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), enterprise policy and procedures, specifications, work notes, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), manufacturers instructions, or verbal directions from manager or supervisor.
What tools and equipment may be required for irrigation work?
Tools and equipment may include levelling equipment, wheelbarrow, string lines, tape measures, marking gauges, spades, shovels, crow bars, rakes, brooms, sanding blocks and hacksaws.
What workplace information might be required for this standard?
Workplace information may include procedures for disposing of waste materials, work instructions or verbal instructions from the supervisor.
What OHS hazards may be associated with irrigation work?
Hazards may include, solar radiation, dust, noise, air- and soil-borne micro-organisms, chemicals and hazardous substances, sharp hand tools and equipment, manual handling, holes, and slippery and uneven surfaces.
What are the personal protective clothing and equipment requirements associated with irrigation support?
Personal protective clothing and equipment may include steel capped boots/shoes, overalls, gloves, sun hat, sunscreen lotion, safety goggles, face mask and ear protectors.
What waste materials may apply to this standard?
Plant debris, litter and broken components, mulches, compost, plastic, metal, and paper-based materials. These may be recycled, re-used, returned to the manufacturer, or disposed of according to enterprise work procedures.
What may occur when a site is made good?
Paths are swept and cleaned, work area is left in a good state, disturbed areas are repaired, all materials, debris, tools and equipment are removed from site, and other signs of disturbance or damage are corrected.
For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in supporting irrigation work requires evidence that irrigation activities have been carried out according to instructions and within the required timelines. The skills and knowledge that are required to support irrigation work must be transferable to different work environments. For example, this could include different irrigation systems and components, work locations and enterprise policies and procedures.




What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:
safe work practices
preparing for irrigation work and cleaning up on completion
basic construction techniques
irrigation tools and equipment
maintenance practices for planted areas
basic repair and maintenance of irrigation components and systems.


What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?
To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:
prepare materials, tools and equipment for irrigation work
undertake irrigation work as directed
handle materials and equipment
clean up on completion of work.




What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
1. How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?
Ideas and information about the job, tasks and problems should be discussed with other members in the work team and the supervisor.
2. How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1)?
Workplace and supervisors instructions should be located, interpreted and applied with further clarification sought as necessary.
3. How are activities planned and organised (1)?
Discussions with the supervisor and other team members may be required in order to complete tasks efficiently in a logical sequence and in a timely manner.
4. How can team work (1) be applied?
Good communication and co-operation with other staff in completing irrigation tasks.
5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?
Skills in counting, tallying and estimation are required when handling materials, tools and equipment.
6. How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?
Problems will require corrective action or consultation with supervisor.
7. How can the use of technology (1) be applied?
Technology may be applied in the use of irrigation tools and equipment.




Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed, in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access to the Assessment Guidelines. Further advice may also be sought from the relevant sector booklet.