Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:31 PM AWST

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Monitor, operate and control dissolved air flotation processes

Monitor, operate and control dissolved air flotation processes

Unit of competency
National Code
NWP352B
State Code
D1928
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
30/04/2012
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/01/2009
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
14/01/2009
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to monitor, operate and control dissolved air flotation (DAF) plant and to measure and report on system performance and process quality control. The ability to identify faults, determine and apply technical adjustments and produce technical reports are essential to performance.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Monitor flotation plant performance.
  • 1.1 Monitor test results and processes to meet organisational and statutory requirements.
  • 1.2 Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of plant according to organisational procedures.
  • 1.3 Correctly select, fit and use required safety equipment, including personal protective equipment.
2Operate and control processes.
  • 2.1 Carry out routine plant inspections according to organisational and plant requirements.
  • 2.2 Collect process samples and conduct standard tests.
  • 2.3 Carry out basic system adjustments and process calculations to enhance system performance according to organisational procedures.
  • 2.4 Collect and report process data according to organisational and plant requirements.
3Compile process records.
  • 3.1 Compile reports from plant and system data to meet organisational requirements.
  • 3.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.
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:
dissolved air flotation/clarification
dissolved air flotation/filtration
dissolved air flotation/sludge thickening
Organisational and statutory requirements may include:
by-laws and organisational policies
standard operating procedures
Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) guidelines
environment protection
occupational health and safety
chemicals
dangerous goods
lifts and cranes
World Health Organisation standards
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
National Water Quality Management Strategies (NWQMS)
Environment Protection Authority regulations
licensing agreements
electrical standards
Routine plant inspections may require:
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
use of equipment, including:
electronic monitoring and metering systems
chart recording systems
basic hand tools
sampling and laboratory testing equipment
computerised equipment
on- and off-road vehicles
communication equipment
personal protective equipment
Tests may include:
settling tests
pH
flotation tests
colour
turbidity
suspended solids
total solids
System adjustments may include:
saturator pressure
water level and flow rate
Process calculations may include:
air to solids ratio or air quantity
recycle ratio
hydraulic loading rate
Reports may include:
plant performance data
chemical usage
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 dissolved air flotation processes, including:
monitoring test results and processes
identifying and reporting faults
conducting routine plant inspections
taking samples and performing basic tests
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.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
M1929 NWP352A Monitor, operate and control flotation processes Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
D245 NWP30107 Certificate III in Water Operations Qualification