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 of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Basic wastewater tests include:
range of tests required for competent performance of work tasks in the organisational context, which should comprise at least three of the following types of test:
pH
temperature
electrical conductivity
dissolved oxygen
microscopy
thirty minute settleability
settleable solids concentration (cone test)
turbidity
Testing details may include:
locations, including:
on-site testing
field-based testing
laboratory
range of testing procedures and techniques that apply to organisational, plant or field sites
variety of samples to be tested
testing equipment
test reporting systems
Planning of testing work may include:
interpretation of instructions and directions
timelines
interaction and communication with team members and individuals
interpretation of legislative and organisational requirements
Legislative and organisational requirements may include:
relevant federal and state or territory legislation and regulations
codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material
documented organisational policies, manuals and induction programs
relevant community planning and development agreements, such as land care agreements
Testing equipment may include:
portable meters, such as:
pH meters
electrical conductivity meters
thermistors
comparators
pocket colorimeters
dissolved oxygen meters
test kits
microscopes
thermometers
Imhoff cones
graduated cylinders and settling apparatus
Abnormal sample characteristics may include:
insufficient sample volume
odour
visible contaminants, such as:
scum
debris
discolouration
Maintaining integrity of samples may include application of correct:
holding time
storage procedures
sub-sampling procedures
Atypical data may include:
results that fall outside organisational range requirements
results that fall outside legislated range requirements
Information may include:
time and logging of sample receipt and testing
visual observations
equipment identification
atypical results
test results

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 perform basic wastewater tests by:
interpreting testing requirements and procedures
preparing, checking and using equipment correctly
conducting at least three different tests safely while maintaining the integrity of samples
recording all relevant information
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 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 and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.