Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:26 AM AWST
23/07/2026 5:26 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.
Operate low volume irrigation systems
Operate low volume irrigation systems
Unit of competency
National Code
AHCIRG321A
AHCIRG321A
State Code
WE027
WE027
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/04/2013
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
11/04/2013
Nominal Hours
45
Description
This Unit covers the process of operating low volume irrigation systems and defines the standard required to: carry out pre-start checks; operate and monitor the system; measure and interpret flow rates and pressures; identify environmental hazards; and shut down in response to irrigation indicators.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Carry out pre-start checks
- 1.1 Checks of water, power, fuel and lubricants ensure that all are available and the control system is operational
- 1.2 Pumps are primed, if necessary, and valves and controls are open or closed as directed
- 1.3 Pressure and flow testing equipment are calibrated and available as required
- 1.4 Other pre-start system checks are carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements and enterprise procedures
2 Inspect and operate the system
- 2.1 Start up sequence is implemented in accordance with enterprise procedures
- 2.2 Emitter spacing is checked against the irrigation plan
- 2.3 Water pressure is adjusted as required
- 2.4 Filters are kept clear and replaced as required
- 2.5 All malfunctions, leaks and blockages are corrected or repaired immediately and reported in accordance with enterprise procedures
3 Monitor low volume irrigation system performance
- 3.1 Emitters are checked for output
- 3.2 Application rate of water is calculated
- 3.3 The water distribution pattern in the irrigated area is checked
- 3.4 Moisture levels in the root zone are monitored
- 3.5 Environmental impacts of the operation are minimised
4 Shut down irrigation system
- 4.1 Water is applied for sufficient time to achieve required soil moisture levels in accordance with irrigation schedule, environmental considerations and allowing for weather conditions
- 4.2System components are shut down and drained in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and enterprise procedures
- 4.3 Irrigation activities are recorded and reported in accordance with regulatory requirements and enterprise 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.
Low volume irrigation systems may include:
systems that operate under comparatively low volume and pressure including micro irrigation, pop-ups at less than 0.1 litres/second, and drippers.
System components may include:
pump (flow rate and head requirement)
filter system
pressure gauges
backflow preventer
pressure regulator valves
fertiliser injector
flowmeter
block valve
air and vacuum release valves
main and sub-main lines
flushing manifold
connectors
lateral lines or tapes
emitters
controllers.
Low volume irrigation systems may include:
systems that operate under comparatively low volume and pressure including micro irrigation, pop-ups at less than 0.1 litres/second, and drippers.
System components may include:
pump (flow rate and head requirement)
filter system
pressure gauges
backflow preventer
pressure regulator valves
fertiliser injector
flowmeter
block valve
air and vacuum release valves
main and sub-main lines
flushing manifold
connectors
lateral lines or tapes
emitters
controllers.
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:
carry out pre-start checks
operate and monitor the system
measure and interpret flow rates and pressures
identify environmental hazards
shut down in response to irrigation indicators.
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.
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:
carry out pre-start checks
operate and monitor the system
measure and interpret flow rates and pressures
identify environmental hazards
shut down in response to irrigation indicators.
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.
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J156 | AHC32412 | Certificate III in Irrigation | Qualification |