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 if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

mechanical/physical/solid, chemical and biological filtration devices (or a combination of two or more different types) where:
mechanical/physical/solid filter:
is part of an RAS that removes solid organic matter and other wastes
is important to ensure organic loads going into biofilters are as low as possible to prevent the more competitive heterotrophic bacteria from taking over and reducing nitrification capacity
reduces the biological oxygen demand (BOD) for the system
includes swirl separators, hydrocones, protein skimmers or foam fractionators, drum filters, belt filters, bead and other suspended media filters and screen filters
some degassing or carbon dioxide stripping can also take place
chemical filter:
is where a variety of chemical substances are used to treat water passing through them
examples include activated carbon, zeolites and other ion-exchange mediums
ozone and chemical (such as pH and alkalinity) adjustments are also made, sometimes in a separate area to the chemical filter
biological filter:
is part of an RAS where dissolved metabolic by-products are converted to less toxic forms by microbial action from a range of different bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms
the most important function is the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite, and nitrite to nitrate (often called nitrification)
aeration or oxygenation equipment such as aerators, aspirators, airlifts and fans
degassing systems for removing carbon dioxide and ozone, including the use of specialised air filters
facilities and processes designed for health management such as quarantine area, sterilising using UV light and ozone, and pasteurising using heat or steam
water treatment devices such as those that maintain pH (acid/alkaline) balance
components that regulate environmental and climate control factors such as temperature, photoperiod and light intensity
ventilation systems, fans, blowers and humidifiers/ dehumidifiers.


A
a system in which at least some of the water is recycled one or more times back into the system after some form of treatment
also called a closed system (which is the opposite to a flow through or open system where there is little residence time for the culture water)
where generally some form of water treatment with equipment or structures, particularly aeration or oxygenation and processing of nitrogenous wastes, is undertaken
where a water exchange (replacement) rate of 5 to 10% per day is used to assist in maintaining water quality (particularly nitrate control).

pipes and reticulation systems (including siphons) both for supply and disposal
pumps:
mechanical
centrifugal
magnetic drive
pressure
submersible
peristaltic or dosing
airlift
piston
hydraulic ram or helical drive
axial
screw pump
regenerative turbine
venturi
self-priming or non-priming
sludge or surge
powered by:
diesel or petrol
electricity (single or three-phase)
cable
hydraulics
solar
wind
battery
pneumatic or air driven
lighting such as skylights, fluorescent, incandescent, metal halide and mercury vapour
heating or cooling systems such as heat exchange equipment, geo-thermal, gas, hydro, electric and solar (can also include insulated buildings and greenhouses)
husbandry equipment such as graders, feeders, fish pumps, nets, fish bins and transporters
counters and microscopes, pipettes and syringes, measuring cylinders and dissecting kits
water quality test equipment including pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature and salinity
alarm and monitoring systems including loss of pressure, burglar, loss of electricity and critical parameters
washing, disinfecting and sterilising equipment such as autoclaves
effluent and waste disposal such as sewage, septic and compost pits.

designated jobs tasks, directions or designs
order of activities
specific structures or components
location
date and time tasks are to be undertaken
expected time required to complete activities
standard for completed activities
materials, supplies, tools, equipment or other resources required
person in charge
other members of work team and their roles, responsibilities and skills
preferred supplier list and resources required by external workers and tradespeople
non-conformance or incident/fault reporting procedures
contingency plan to address staffing and equipment supply problems
contingencies for responding to partial or full system shutdown, stock stress or mortalities
costs and budget details
manufacturers' guidelines or instructions
maintenance schedule for particular items of equipment
pre- and post-operational and safety checks
routine maintenance procedures
hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control measures
OHS procedures, including PPE requirements
environmental impact control measures
local, state and federal government regulations
monitoring and reporting requirements and procedures, including logs or checklists.

hatchery, nursery, growout and holding facilities
depots
workshops
stock and quarantine treatment facilities
storage areas
laboratories
staff amenities
post-harvest or processing facilities.

pre-start and safety checks, including the service and maintenance of cooling system
checking fuel, oils and lubricants, electrolyte levels, wheels, tyre pressure, fan belts, leads, lines, connections, air filters, brakes, clutch, gearbox, steering, lighting and transmission
inspecting safety guards, power take-off (PTO) stubs and shafts, and hitch and towing points
checking and confirming equipment calibration settings and operating methods for turbo-charged engines
observing and monitoring noise levels for correct operation
preparing independently powered tools, which may include cleaning, priming, tightening, and basic repairs and adjustments
identifying and segregating unsafe or faulty equipment for repair or replacement
checking for wear, corrosion and incorrect use
checking for design problems or equipment modifications
appropriate use of PPE.

standard operating procedures (SOP)
industry standards or codes of practice
production schedules
MSDSs
work notes
product labels, manufacturers' specifications or guidelines
operations or maintenance manuals
enterprise policies and procedures including those relevant to waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines
OHS procedures
supervisor oral or written instructions
work and routine maintenance plans.

codes of practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction
enterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards
systems and procedures for the safe maintenance of property, machinery and equipment, including hydraulics and exposed moving parts
hazard and risk assessment and associated control measures
appropriate use, maintenance and storage of PPE which may include overalls, gloves, eye and hearing protection, respirator or face mask, and boots
safe systems and procedures for outdoor work, including protection from solar radiation, fall protection, confined space entry and the protection of people in the workplace
appropriate workplace provision of first aid kits and fire extinguishers
induction or training of staff, contractors and visitors in relevant OHS procedures and/or requirements to allow them to carry out their duties in a safe manner
OHS training register.

exposure to loud or continual noise and fumes, solar radiation or dust; ergonomic hazards associated with posture, lifting and vibration; hazardous substances such as chemicals, fuel, oils and fertiliser; oil and grease spills; hazardous atmosphere; and heavy lifting or unsafe manual work
the presence of water bodies, bystanders, livestock and wildlife
difficult terrain and varying gradients, potholes, ditches, gullies and embankments
obstacles such as rocks, logs, fences, debris and buildings
extreme weather conditions
sharp or jagged edges on raw materials
exposed plumbing or wires
hot or cold surfaces
electricity sources and conductivity by water or metal, including contact with overhead powerlines
mechanical malfunctions
exposed and moving machinery components, including hydraulics.

power not on, water not flowing or aeration off
water levels too high or low in culture system
plant or equipment failure resulting in leaks or non-operation of system
critical flow rates down due to obstructions or damage to lines or pipes
critical water quality parameters outside safe operating conditions
moving parts making unusual noises or movement being hampered
sparks or obvious signs of electrical shorts
smoke, fumes or other emissions
stock showing signs of stress, such as:
gasping at surface
swimming or moving erratically
not feeding
piping, darting, flashing or whirling movement
schooling activity
colour changes
lesions or other signs of damage to skin
aggression or cannibalism
no reproduction or courtship.

tanks, raceways and RAS
live holding systems
purging or depurating systems
display tanks, aquaria and aquascapes (ornamental industry)
grow out facilities, hatcheries and nurseries
water supply and disposal systems for closed and semi-closed systems
pest, predator and disease control structures
harvested stock holding structures, tanks, bins and cages.

turbidity
water flow
water level or depth
activity of pests, competitors and predators
light levels.

dissolved oxygen
temperature
salinity or conductivity
pH (acid/alkaline balance)
general water hardness
alkalinity
chlorine or chloramines
phosphates
total dissolved solids
dissolved carbon dioxide
level of nitrogenous wastes (e.g. ammonia, nitrite and nitrate) and contaminants and pollutants.

biofilter start up and maintenance
managing shock-loading
alkalinity addition
degassing
heating or cooling
water or air flow changes
back flushing or changing of filters
changes in light and dark regimes
manual or computer controlled
digital or analogue control systems
UV or ozone systems
foam fractionator or protein skimmer.

finfish, crustaceans, molluscs, aquatic reptiles, amphibians, miscellaneous aquatic invertebrates, microalgae, seaweeds, aquatic plants and live rockadults, larvae, seed, spat, hatchlings, broodstock, juveniles, fry, fingerlings, sporophytes and seedlings.

food safety and product quality
infrastructure, plant and equipment
stock
environment.

boots or other safety footwear
hard hats
overalls
gloves
protective eyewear
hearing protection
respirator or face mask
wet weather gear
aprons
sun protection (sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses).

risks to culture stock during emergency shutdowns or breakdowns
breakdown of components
non-standard water quality parameters
emergency procedures
risks to infrastructure and equipment
risks to environment
risks to product quality and food safety
disease outbreaks
adverse weather conditions and acts of nature such as flood or fire
compromised water source
bypass of components.

oil gun or grease gun
thread or plumber's tape and Teflon paste
measuring tape, string-line, level and square
cleaning rags, solvents and chlorine
hand tools including screwdrivers, spanners or socket set, stilson, hacksaws, clamps, chisels and hammers
electric or battery operated tools, including heat gun, drill, angle grinder, drill press, circular saw and drop saw
silicon or similar sealant
tools for working with fibreglass
glue, primer, sandpaper and wire brush
spade, shovel, pick and crowbar
safety equipment (goggles, mask or breathing equipment)
concreting tools, including wheelbarrow, cement mixer and trowel
plugs or repair patches.

fittings such as joints, valves, mark boards, barrel unions and reducers
pipe lengths
fibreglass webbing, gels, flow coat and hardeners
sand, gravel, cement, concrete, bricks and pavers
pipe saddles or clamps
protection strips
glass panes, off-cuts and sealants
PVC, polyethylene and other plastics
stainless steel and treated metals
wood
earth, stones and fillings
nylon strips, netting and wire rope.

fittings such as joints, valves and boards
pipes
flow control devices such as taps, valves, float valves, monks, dykes, weirs and gates
depth gauges
pumps and mechanical components
sides or bottoms of earthen, concrete, fibreglass or plastic-lined supply and disposal systems or structures
mechanical components in treatment structures such as sieves, filters and aerators
chemical and biological filters
electronic monitors
wood or metal structures.

laying and joining pipes (with or without glue or other fixatives)
mixing, pouring and curing concrete
applying plugs or patches
metal welding
fibreglassing
plastic welding
woodworking, screwing, nailing and gluing
sealing or gluing glass.

operation and maintenance details and other outcomes achieved
dates, times and progress against timelines of activities or events
checklists, data sheets, inventory and stocktakes
key performance indicators
Gantt chart
graphs, charts and tables
electronic or hard copy
personnel and subcontractor performance data
details related to culture or holding structures or systems
culture or holding stock species
associated equipment and infrastructure
problems experienced and strategies to overcome them.

minimising waste
disposing of poor quality food
controlling and treating effluents and wastes and reducing contaminants
preventing live culture or holding organisms from being introduced into environment
disposing of dead plant or animal matter
applying animal welfare ethics
monitoring and controlling BOD
minimising noise and exhaust emissions
reducing damage to native vegetation and animals
safely using and disposing of maintenance debris such as oil containers and chemical residues, and hazardous substances such as fuel and oils
reducing dust problems, soil disturbance and increased run-off flows from machinery use and unsafe cleaning and servicing activities.

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
Overview of assessment requirements
A person who demonstrates competence in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to follow workplace procedures according to instructions given, and to participate in the operation and maintenance of high technology water treatment components to optimise conditions. Evidence should be relevant to the particular workplace role involving high technology water treatment components..
Products that could be used as evidence include:
workplace documents, checklists and data sheets showing the operation and maintenance of high technology water treatment components
documentation demonstrating compliance with SOP
work diary, photographs or videos
case studies, simulation or drills.

Processes that could be used as evidence include:
approaches to the monitoring of operation and the undertaking of maintenance
the way in which advice is sought and suggestions for improvements are made.

Resource implications for assessment include access to:
appropriate workplace documentation and personnel by the candidate
SOP for operation and maintenance.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:
the candidate applies SOP to own work area and can demonstrate compliance with these over time and on numerous occasions.

Integrated competency assessment:
means that this unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

The seven key competencies represent generic skills considered necessary for effective work participation. The numbering against each of the key competencies indicates the performance level required in this unit.
Level 1 represents the competence to undertake tasks effectively.
Level 2 represents the competence to manage tasks.
Level 3 represents the competence to use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks
Communicating ideas and information
discussing ideas and information with regard to operation and maintenance activities with other staff and senior personnel
making suggestions for improved processes and reporting where appropriate. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
documenting information with regard to the performance and outcomes of operation and maintenance activities
developing and using tools, such as inspection checklists. (1)

Planning and organising activities
participating in procedures that contribute to efficient operation and maintenance activities. (1)

Working with others and in teams
working together to identify improved practices. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
calculating and collating relevant information on operation and maintenance activities (1)

Solving problems
discussing possible problems and reporting any risks and hazards. (1)

Using technology
using software systems for recording and filing operation and maintenance documentation. (1)