Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:05 PM 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 and maintain gravity fed irrigation systems

Operate and maintain gravity fed irrigation systems

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCIRG334
State Code
BAT57
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/01/2017
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
12/01/2017
Nominal Hours
45
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to install, operate and maintain surface irrigation structures and components.It applies to individuals who take responsibility for own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources. All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Install surface irrigation systems
  • 1.1 Check water supply is compatible with system specifications
  • 1.2 Interpret plan, mark out structures and peg earthworks
  • 1.3 Prepare and maintain beds, diversion and conveyancing structures
  • 1.4 Install diversion and conveyancing structures, channels and beds
  • 1.5 Prepare bed surface with roto-buck
  • 1.6 Test structures for configuration, flow rates and capacity
2. Complete water measurement and tail-water works
  • 2.1 Install water measurement structures
  • 2.2 Install channels and tail water storages
  • 2.3 Install pumping equipment, lines and filters
  • 2.4 Confirm that the system configuration and capacity matches the installation plan
  • 2.5 Finish off earthworks and structures
3. Operate pumps and siphons
  • 3.1 Prime pumps and open or close valves and controls
  • 3.2 Position and set up pipes, system equipment and outlets
  • 3.3 Prime and start siphons and other delivery mechanisms
  • 3.4 Implement start up sequence and slowly build up water levels and pressure
  • 3.5 Check pressure at the head-works and control valves
  • 3.6 Distribute water evenly to the targeted areas with minimal wastage and run-off
  • 3.7 Irrigate area and observe time lag between shut down and end of watering to minimise run-off and deep percolation
4. Measure and interpret water levels, flow rates and volume of water used
  • 4.1 Monitor and maintain head water levels
  • 4.2 Confirm that all water outlets are operating correctly
  • 4.3 Replace or clear blocked inlets and outlets
  • 4.4 Measure and record flow rates and water usage
  • 4.5 Implement irrigation changes as required
5. Monitor drainage and tail-water systems
  • 5.1 Monitor water intake, conveyance and distribution, drainage and tail-water
  • 5.2 Check water reuse systems for clearance and freedom from weeds
  • 5.3 Monitor pumps, if used, during operation, clear rubbish from outlets and backflush pump
6. Inspect and maintain a surface irrigation system
  • 6.1 Record damage and blockages with contaminants by damage type, location and the section of the system affected
  • 6.2 Record and report damaged or faulty pumps, valves, electrical components and computer control systems and take action to effect repairs
  • 6.3 Service water measuring, diversion and conveyancing, and distribution structures
  • 6.4 Carry out vegetation control to keep all system components clear
  • 6.5 Undertake servicing and repair of mechanical equipment
No information
No information
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBJ94 AHCIRG336 Operate and maintain gravity fed irrigation systems Unit of competency