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.
Issues and/or resources to be considered may include:
chemicals used/usage
electricity used/usage
gas used/usage
people available
technical skills and training
funds available for capital and/or operation
maintenance standards of plant and equipment
maintenance procedures and schedules
previous risk assessments
union expectations
community expectations
the natural environment
the built environment
occupational health and safety requirements
Customers may include:
individual consumers
regulators
suppliers
government
community or specific enterprises
industry
rural consumers
internal and external customers
Environmental factors that impact on the treatment process may include:
flora
fauna
organic and inorganic chemicals
salinity (in a marine environment)
nutrients
oils and greases
pesticides
trade waste
upstream communities and activities
natural events (e.g. floods, fires)
algae
micro-organisms
geology of catchment
tastes and odours
Testing may include, but not be limited by:
physical analysis of water:
pH
conductivity
colour
turbidity
chemical analysis of water:
chlorine
alkalinity
chemical oxygen demand
heavy metals
iron
manganese
microbiological analyses:
coliforms
plate counts
algae identification and counts
physical measures:
power
chemicals
water flows
sludge volumes
mechanical testing:
vibration
noise
temperature
Monitoring may include:
process control monitoring
mechanical and electrical maintenance schedules
mechanical and electrical equipment condition
licensing requirements
legislative requirements
chemical, physical, biological and microbiological quality

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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The candidate should demonstrate the ability to develop and review the management plan for the treatment of raw water supplies to potable standards including:
gathering, interpreting and synthesising information (including historical data, current legislation and standards, stakeholder views and the results of water treatment system testing and monitoring) to underpin the implementation of the water treatment processes management plan
planning and implementing testing processes and programs
monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of the water treatment processes management plan
providing advice and communicating with stakeholders and users
preparing reports and recommendations for future 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 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.