Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:33 PM AWST

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Operate sprinkler irrigation systems

Operate sprinkler irrigation systems

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCIRG322A
State Code
WE028
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/06/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
24/06/2014
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
24/06/2014
Nominal Hours
45
Description
This Unit covers the process of operating sprinkler irrigation systems and defines the standard required to: read and follow operations manual and irrigation schedules; carry out pre-start checks; operate and inspect 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 operations manual
  • 2.2 Sprinkler spacing is checked against the irrigation plan
  • 2.3 Water pressure and volume is adjusted as required
  • 2.4 Water is delivered as per irrigation schedule
  • 2.5 All malfunctions, leaks and blockages are corrected or repaired immediately and reported in accordance with enterprise procedures
3 Monitor sprinkler irrigation system performance
  • 3.1 Pressure at sprinkler nozzles and on main and lateral pipelines is checked against specifications
  • 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 checked
  • 3.5 Identify and report any environmental hazards identified
4 Shut down sprinklers in response to irrigation indicators
  • 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 sequence in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and enterprise procedures
  • 4.3 Drainage and treatment systems are checked in accordance with enterprise procedures
  • 4.4 Irrigation activities are recorded and in reported 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.
Sprinkler irrigation systems may include:
any systems that use spray or rotor type sprinklers to distribute irrigation water at higher volume including pop-up sprinklers, fixed, and movable sprinklers (e.g. K Line and Ezy Shift).
System components may include:
pumps
sprinklers
nozzles
risers
pipe or tubing
valves
regulators and gauges
laterals
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:
read and follow operations manual and irrigation schedules
carry out pre-start checks
operate and inspect 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
J269 AHC33412 Certificate III in Seed Production Qualification