Release

Comments

Release 1

This version released with AHC Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management Training Package Version 4.0.

Elements

Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Determine design requirements

1.1 Analyse water quantity and quality needs for a particular crop or situation so that an estimation can be made for sufficiency and timeliness

1.2 Evaluate water transfer, recharge, reuse and harvesting systems

1.3 Determine water collecting and storing processes that do not degrade the water quality

1.4 Determine construction specifications that satisfy organisational and regulatory requirements

1.5 Investigate regional geology and geography to predict irrigation system parameters

1.6 Conduct a site investigation to assess type of soil, depth of soil, depth of ground water, soil and water salinity, and structural or chemical impediments

1.7 Determine the most cost effective irrigation system

1.8 Document design calculations and decisions

1.9 Identify and protect environmentally sensitive areas according to local, state and federal legislation and regulations

2. Define pumping and power systems

2.1 Identify pumps that can deliver water efficiently when needed, from the water storage at the flow and at the pressure required to operate the distribution system to the design specifications

2.2 Select pump motor combinations that are efficient, reliable, functional, serviceable and flexible for the intended application

2.3 Determine energy requirements and layout of electricity lines and check with local authorities

2.4 Optimise the relationship between capital and operational costs including a comparison of energy sources

2.5 Document performance indicators, design calculations and decisions

2.6 Design construction specifications that define work required to make suitable pumping and power systems available

3. Design an irrigation distribution system

3.1 Investigate regional geology and geography so that a prediction can be made on the sustainability of irrigation

3.2 Evaluate distribution systems and design with respect to a range of key variables

3.3 Size pipes, valves and fittings according to design system specifications so that capital cost is balanced against operation costs over the anticipated system life

3.4 Calculate and document flows, water levels and pressures so that they are within the acceptable tolerances for optimum performance

3.5 Include mechanisms for controlling and adjusting pressure and confirm isolation valves to direct water to areas with different irrigation schedules

3.6 Design distribution and monitoring systems to meet industry recommendations and calculate distribution system flow and velocity

3.7 Design construction plans and specifications that define the work required to achieve the required standards of uniformity and efficiency of water application

3.8 Document irrigation distribution system design

4. Determine capital expense budget

4.1 Document design calculations and decisions and communicate relevant information through plans, specifications and manuals

4.2 Determine and document materials requirements from plans and specifications

4.3 Estimate labour requirements based upon documented work schedule with reasonable allowance for variances in work schedules

4.4 Base costing attributed to each component on quoted information from suppliers, or sound analysis of individual elements

4.5 Document capital expense budget

4.6 Confirm capital expense budget output with an appropriately experienced and qualified person

5. Determine operating expense budget

5.1 Calculate an operating expense budget that includes all expenses applicable to the completed irrigation system

5.2 Document operating expense budget

Skill

Description

Reading

• Identify and interpret information regarding design requirements for irrigation system, including regional geology and geography information and environmentally sensitive areas

Oral communication

• Initiate discussions with local authorities, using clear language to communicate energy requirements and check layout of electricity lines, and confirm power supply design specification with power authorities
• Use clear communications with appropriately experienced and qualified person to discuss design output and capital expense budget outputs

Numeracy

• Use site investigations data to determine the most cost-effective irrigation system

Navigate the world of work

• Identify and describe own workplace requirements, including safety requirements, associated with own role and area of responsibility

Code and title current version

Code and title previous version

Comments

Equivalence status

AHCIRG506 Design irrigation systems

AHCIRG503 Design irrigation, drainage and water treatment systems

Title updated

Performance criteria clarified

Foundation skills added

Assessment requirements updated

No equivalent unit

Release

Comments

Release 1

This version released with AHC Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management Training Package Version 4.0.