Operate and maintain water level systems

This standard covers operating and maintaining water level systems. It is applicable to any controlled water system where a level or flow control regime is in operation.

You will be able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment to maintain water level systems.

You must carry out your work in a way that takes account of its impact on the environment.

The standard is for those who are involved in maintaining water level systems related to rivers, coasts and waterways.

1. assess the risks associated with the site and the required activity
2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
3. operate and maintain water level systems according to instructions and specifications and water level conditions
4. prepare the work equipment by carrying out pre-use checks and adjustments, in accordance with the relevant legislation, instructions and specifications
5. operate equipment safely and in accordance with flow control procedures
6. where equipment failure occurs, use alternative methods to rectify the problem and report to the relevant person
7. remove any obstructions and debris or refer to the relevant person for further action
8. maintain biosecurity throughout your work
9. monitor water levels using the correct methods and report data in accordance with relevant legal requirements and those of your organisation
10. recognise and respond to the need to alter water level systems in accordance with the requirements of your organisation
11. maintain communication with colleagues and others involved in, or affected by, your work
12. carry out your work in accordance with the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and policies of your organisation
13. recognise the opportunities to enhance wildlife habitats through modifications to working procedures and report these to the relevant person
14. complete records as required by the relevant legislation and your organisation

1. how to identify hazards and assess risks
2. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the activity
3. the instructions and specifications for operating and maintaining water level systems
4. the purpose and function of the water level system
5. the use of natural flood management systems
6. the relevant legal requirements for the preparation and use of work equipment
7. the types of equipment failure that may occur and how to recognise and deal with such faults
8. the limits of your responsibility in relation to dealing with equipment failure and who to report to
9. the types of obstructions that may occur and how to recognise and deal with them safely
10. the importance of maintaining biosecurity when carrying out your work and the methods for achieving this
11. how to monitor and estimate water levels and the procedures for reporting water level data
12. the relevant legislation and organisation requirements associated with operating and maintaining water level systems
13. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done
14. your responsibilities under the relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and policies of your organisation
15. the environmental considerations that must be taken into account
16. the opportunities that may arise to enhance wildlife habitats and to whom these should be reported
17. the legal requirements and those of your organisation for the completion and storage of records

Equipment:

• mechanical
• manual
• electrical
• hydraulic

Water level conditions:

• high
• normal
• low

Instructions and specifications:

• drawings/plans
• site maps/aerial image assessment
• schedules
• method statements
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• manufacturers' guidelines
• legal requirements
• good practice guidelines
• customer requirements
• standard of outcome required
• verbal instructions

Natural Flood Management:

• Leaky dams
• Timber bunds
• Riparian woodland
• Erosion control
• Blocking drains

Water level systems:

• flap valve
• pumping station
• locks and weirs
• gates
• ground paddles
• stop logs