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. 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.
Organisational requirements will include:
Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD) guidelines
past embankment dam inspection reports, surveillance reports and risk assessments
survey information
relevant regulator's technical bulletins
occupational health and safety information, regulations and procedures
operation and maintenance information
dam performance history
dam safety performance indicators
environmental laws and policies
incident management plans
public safety and disaster plans
state and local government requirements
standard operating procedures
asset management plan
dam safety inspection manuals
and may include:
design and modification plans and reports
construction records and reports
Features of embankment dam types will include:
soil mechanics and its application in dam embankments design
foundations, grout curtains and filter systems
spillway and water regulation options for a range of embankment dams
dam structure
embankment walls and structures
hydraulic structures
spillways/ diversions systems
outlet works/ intake structures
pipes/ conduits
abutments and foundations
access to areas
reservoir perimeter and downstream areas
weirs and monitoring installations
tunnels, galleries and drainage systems
and may include:
mechanical and electrical components including valves, winches, hydraulic and electrical systems
civil infrastructure including ladders, pipe work, and security
post tensioning anchors
Embankment dam behaviours will include:
design of the embankment downstream, upstream and settlement movement of the embankment
leakage and seepage through drainage systems under a range of weather and storage content situations
structural vibration and water flow patterns of regulated and flood waters
structural movements expected during and post earthquakes
Unusual events may include:
seismic events
floods
extreme inflows
rapid draw down
landslides and slips
dam incidents
sabotage / terrorist attack
fires
long term low storage levels
Identified areas and features will include:
visual observation and note taking
use of manual, electronic and/or computer equipment and digital camera
dam condition assessments
site security
site access
embankment dam safety fault indicator reporting
landslides and environmental conditions
details of sites to be inspected and monitored, including:
embankment crest, slopes and groins
downstream toe area
walls retaining earth/rock fill
spillways/ diversions systems
outlet works/ intake structures
pipes/ conduits
abutments and foundations
reservoir perimeter and downstream areas
weirs and monitoring installations
galleries
Faults and changes will include:
cracks
slips
seepage
embankment and foundation piping
sinkholes
erosion and rutting
settlement and movement
deterioration
animal and human activity:
burrowing
vandalism
maintenance concerns:
dense overgrowth
blocked drainage
leaking or inoperative valves and gates
damaged monitoring instrumentation
Measurements and evidence will include:
flood, rainfall and relevant weather information
visual observation and note taking
manual, electronic and/or computer equipment and digital camera
dam condition assessments
site security
site access
embankment dam safety fault indicator reporting
seismic and other incident details
inspection findings
location and extent of faults and changes
photographs
monitoring data

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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The candidate should demonstrate the ability to conduct and report on embankment dam safety inspection including:
interpreting and applying relevant organisational and regulatory information and requirements to the planning of inspection activities
identifying inspection features and scheduling activities according to the required frequency
conducting embankment dam inspection activities
gathering and recording data
identifying faults, changes and failure indicators
reporting on inspection and monitoring outcomes, with recommendations for action
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 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 or examination 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.