RPL UNIT TOOL
NWP07 Water Training Package
NWP365A Identify and confirm blue green algae outbreaks
This section assists the assessor in reviewing the competency conversation.
Do NOT give this section to the candidate.
This section is to be used by the assessor to complete a skills assessment for a unit of competency.
The purpose of a competency conversation is to gather specific information from a candidate to assist with
a skills recognition decision. You may not need to ask all the questions that are provided here. If a
candidate has already provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate competency for part of a unit, then use
the questions to gain information about aspects of the unit of competency that have not already been
covered.
The questions provided here are a guide; feel free to develop your own or add follow-up questions to gain
the information that you need to make a skills recognition decision.
This section contains the following:
1. Unit summary
Elements and performance criteria are linked to questions, demonstration/observation tasks and
documentary evidence from previous self-evaluation.
2. Competency Conversation Guide, Question Bank, Tasks and Documentation
This part has been developed by the industry to supplement the more detailed Required Skills and
Knowledge that must be addressed for each unit of competency. It includes questions that are
referred to in the Unit Summary, with possible responses. There is also a list of tasks relevant to the
unit and examples of relevant documents the candidate may provide.
3. Evidence Documents
4. Summary of Competency Conversation
This is where you summarise the outcomes of the competency conversation, indicating which
responses were satisfactory and adding any additional comments.
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Unit summary
NWP365A Identify and confirm blue green algae outbreaks
Element
1.
2.
3.
2
Prepare samples
Conduct tests for
blue green algae.
Compile blue
green algae
reports..
Interview
(Competency Conversation
Guide and Question Bank
reference)
Demonstration
/observation
Documentary
evidence
(Task number)
(Document number
from self evaluation)
Performance Criteria
Question
number
Competency
Conversation
Guide (CCG)
1.1
Receive, handle and prepare sample testing according to organisational
and statutory requirements
1,2
CCG 1
1,2
1, 2, 3
1.2
Prepare and check testing equipment for blue-green algae identification
and enumeration according to organisational requirements.
2,3
2.1
Conduct blue green algae tests according to organisational requirements.
4,6,9
CCG 2
1,2,3
1, 2, 3
2.2
Identify and confirm blue green algae
4,9
CCG 3
2.3
Report blue green algae test results according to organisational
requirements.
5
CCG 4
3.1
Compile reports to meet organisational requirements..
5,9
CCG 4,5
4
1, 2, 3
3.2
Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.
7,8,9
CCG 5
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Competency Conversation Guide, Question Bank, Tasks and Documentation Unit NWP365A
Competency Conversation Guide
(Industry has developed this guide to
supplement the more detailed Required Skills
and Knowledge that must be addressed for
each unit)
Question Bank
(The Assessor may choose to develop additional questions
assisted by the Required Skills and Knowledge listed for
each unit)
Exemplar of Responses
1
Describe the steps in preparing samples for testing of
blue-green algae
(1) Preparation of samples for BlueGreen Algae testing
2
What apparatus would you use to test for Blue-Green
algae
Assess suitability of sample, Sample set up,
Concentration/Centrifuge, Adhere to organisational
requirements and methods
Compound microscope, Whipple graticule, Volumetric flasks,
Pipettes, Counting chambers
(2) Preparation of apparatus for BlueGreen Algae testing
3
How would you prepare apparatus for Blue-Green
Algae testing
What are the indicators that will confirm the presence
of Blue-Green Algae
(3) Confirmatory methods for BlueGreen Algae testing
4
5
(4) Compile reports of confirmed
Blue-Green Algae
(5) Compile observations outside
defined parameters for further
action
6
7
8
9
3
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Where would you record confirmed outbreaks of BlueGreen Algae
What safety and personal protective equipment would
you use
To whom would you first communicate confirmed
outbreaks of Blue-Green Algae
What impact does blue green algae have on water
and/or wastewater treatment processes.
What are the risk factors and potential hazards
associated with handling blue green algae samples.
Check and focus Microscope, Köhler illumination, contrast
illumination, set up Counting Chambers.
The identification of algal taxa is carried out using relevant
algal keys such as: Taxonomic reference books, Charts and
photographs, Scientific papers, Taxonomists
Record and Report as per organization SOPs
Safety glasses, rubber gloves and protective clothing, face
mask
Immediate supervisor
Turbidity, impacts plant loading, clogs membranes, requires
chemical intervention
Toxic to animals and humans as well as other aquatic
organisms. Can be ingested via breathing if allowed to dry.
NWP365B
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Tasks
Documentation
Candidates may not be required to complete all tasks. The Assessor is to select tasks after
considering available evidence collected through previous phases and according to the context
and needs of each candidate.
1
2
3
4
4
Show and explain in the use of Compound microscope, Whipple graticule,
Volumetric flasks, Pipettes, Counting chambers
Explain procedures and references for identifying blue-green algae
Show and explain OH&S procedures and protective equipment required when
handling blue-green algae
Show and explain an analysis and report you have created and/or contributed to
with respect to blue-green algae.
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1
2
3
Plant operational reports logged by candidate
Analysis report compiled by candidate
Candidate’s relevant PD documentation
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Evidence Documents
Candidate’s name
Qualification
Date of
submission
Tasks relevant to the unit
Task
numbers
(chosen by
assessor)
Doc
number
SATISFACTORY
Assessor’s comment
Y
N
The document is:
(relating to documents noted in or relevant
to this unit)
This shows evidence related to:
(Add which part of the unit(s) this evidence relates to)
Assessor will provide further information here or refer to the
assessment mapping tool.
All documents listed above have been sighted and authenticity confirmed on this date
/
Assessor’s name:
..............................................................................................
Assessor’s signature:
..............................................................................................
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Summary of Competency Conversation
Unit code and
Unit name
Candidate’s name
(Element
numbers
related to
this unit)
(Refer to
unit
question
bank)
Page 1 of ______
(The Assessor may choose to
develop additional questions for
this unit assisted from Key
Knowledge points)
Question
Element Number Assessor’s Question
Satisfactory
(Refer to this units Unit Summary and Exemplar or
Responses for additional information)
Yes
No
Assessor’s Comments
1
2
3
4
5
The participant’s overall responses to the questions was
SATISFACTORY
NOT SATISFACTORY
Feedback to participant
Participant’s signature
Observers signature & date
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Date
Date
NWP365A
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