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Supervise and implement the maintenance of irrigation systems

URN: LANH67
Business Sectors (Suites): Horticulture
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 31 Jan 2019

Overview

This standard is for those responsible for the supervision and implementation of the maintenance of irrigation systems.

If you are working with chemicals or machinery you should be trained and hold current certification where required in line with relevant legislation.

You must carry out your work in a way which will minimise the impact on the natural environment and enhance its nature, conservation and recreational value.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. assess the risks associated with the site and the proposed maintenance work on irrigation systems 2. confirm that suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn 3. inspect, assess and report the condition of irrigation systems according to organisation requirements 4. confirm plans for the maintenance of irrigation systems are consistent with the purpose and function of the site and the specifications 5. determine the resources required to implement the maintenance of irrigation systems 6. confirm that the appropriate tools, equipment and machinery for maintenance and repair of irrigation systems are prepared and used safely and correctly 7. check the working methods are established and clearly communicated to all those involved in the maintenance of irrigation systems 8. minimise the risk to the public and operators 9. implement planned operations for maintaining irrigation systems 10. supervise and monitor planned operations to ensure they meet the specifications and agreed time schedules 11. assess the results of planned operations 12. report and carry out repairs on identified problems with irrigation systems 13. confirm damage to services and surroundings is kept to a minimum whilst supervising and carrying out the maintenance of irrigation systems 14. confirm that the disposal of waste and excess materials minimises environmental risk in accordance with relevant legal requirements 15. confirm the site is restored to the appropriate condition following maintenance of irrigation systems 16. record inspections and work carried out to rectify problems with irrigation systems in accordance with organisational requirements 17. confirm work is carried out in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, codes of practice and organisational policies

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. how to identify hazards and assess risks when supervising the maintenance of irrigation systems

  2. how to select, prepare, use and maintain the required tools, equipment and machinery safely and correctly

  3. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how this should be done

  4. the importance of inspecting and servicing irrigation systems regularly and the methods required to ensure irrigation systems are working correctly and efficiently

  5. the types of equipment and machinery required to maintain irrigation systems 

  6. possible sources of water for irrigation systems and the importance of water quality

  7. the possible risks to health and the environment involved with storing water

  8. the different irrigation requirements of surfaces and soils

  9. how to carry out repairs when problems occur with the irrigation systems

  10. the maintenance requirements for irrigation systems and how to implement them

  11. the problems which may affect the implementation of maintenance and repair operations and how to handle these correctly

  12. the type of damage which is likely to occur to services and surroundings when maintaining and repairing irrigation systems and how to keep it to a minimum

  13. why it is important to complete work to the agreed schedule

  14. what records need to be completed and retained and why

  15. the importance of following environmental and ecological best practice to help minimise the impact of your work on the environment

  16. how to handle, transport and dispose of waste in accordance with relevant legal and organisational requirements

  17. how to supervise people whilst they carry out irrigation maintenance operations

  18. your responsibilities under relevant health and safety legislation, codes of practice and organisational policies

Scope/range

Use the following materials to implement the maintenance and repair of irrigation systems:

  • UPVC
  • MDPE
  • Glues
  • Pressure couplings

Implement the maintenance and repair of the following types of equipment within an irrigation system:

  • Pop-up sprinklers
  • Hose and attachments
  • Travelling and stand-alone sprinklers

  • Valves

  • Taps

  • Couplings
  • Solenoids
  • Irrigation housing boxes

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Irrigation systems include: mobile or installed.

Specifications include drawings, schedules, method statements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), manufacturers' guidelines, organisational policies

Surfaces provided for by these systems may include: hard/porous; synthetic; fine turf; coarse turf.

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

31 Jan 2024

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANH67

Relevant Occupations

Gardener, Greenkeeper, Groundsman, Landscaper, Nursery Worker

SOC Code

5113

Keywords

watering; pipe; blockage; leak