Desalination and Water Treatment Plant Operator NOS Units
Desalination and Water Treatment Plant Operators play a critical role in safeguarding water security by ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient production of potable water. Working across desalination and water treatment facilities, they operate and monitor complex treatment processes including pre-treatment, filtration, reverse osmosis, chemical dosing, disinfection, and post-treatment systems. The occupation requires strong technical competence, attention to operational limits, and adherence to strict health, safety, and environmental requirements to maintain water quality and system integrity.
The following NOS units for this occupation focus on developing the practical skills and operational knowledge required for effective plant operation. These units cover key areas such as process operation and monitoring, alarm response, water sampling and testing, system inspection, emergency response, maintenance support, operational reporting, and resource efficiency. Together, they prepare Desalination and Water Treatment Plant Operators to manage routine operations, respond confidently to abnormal conditions, support asset protection, and contribute to sustainable and resilient water treatment operations.
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NOS Units
Unit 1 Apply Health, Safety, and Environmental Controls: Covers the application of occupational health, safety, and environmental controls required for desalination and water treatment operations, including chemical handling, safe systems of work, and environmental protection measures.
Unit 2 Respond to Emergency and Environmental Incidents: Addresses response actions for emergencies and environmental incidents, including alarms, spills, abnormal discharges, and escalation in accordance with procedures.
Unit 3 Operate Desalination and Water Treatment Processes: Focuses on operating desalination and water treatment processes in line with approved procedures to maintain safe and reliable production.
Unit 4 Monitor and Adjust Process Parameters: Covers monitoring key process parameters and making authorised adjustments to maintain stable operation during normal and transitional conditions.
Unit 5 Monitor Operating Parameters and Alarms: Addresses continuous monitoring of operating parameters, alarms, and system indicators using control panels and monitoring systems.
Unit 6 Confirm Abnormal Operating Conditions: Covers confirming deviations from normal operating conditions through data review, visual checks, and verification against operating limits.
Unit 7 Inspect Treatment and Desalination Systems: Focuses on routine inspection of plant systems to verify operational condition and identify visible abnormalities.
Unit 8 Assess Equipment Condition and Fouling: Addresses assessment of equipment condition, membrane fouling indicators, and signs of degradation affecting performance.
Unit 9 Collect Water Samples: Covers a collection of water samples at defined process stages in accordance with sampling procedures.
Unit 10 Conduct Routine Water Quality Tests: Addresses routine on-site physical and chemical testing to verify process performance and water quality.
Unit 11 Respond to Alarms and Process Deviations: Focuses on responding to alarms and routine process deviations within authorised operating limits to restore stable operation.
Unit 12 Escalate Abnormal Operating Conditions: Covers escalation of non-routine or abnormal conditions beyond operator authority to supervisors or technical personnel.
Unit 13 Prepare Systems for Maintenance: Addresses the preparation and isolation of plant systems for maintenance activities within authorised boundaries.
Unit 14 Support Post-Maintenance Checks: Covers supporting operational checks following maintenance to confirm readiness for service return.
Unit 15 Record Operational Data and Test Results: Focuses on accurate recording of operational parameters, alarms, and test results to support traceability and compliance.
Unit 16 Prepare Shift Handover Information: Prepares shift handover information to ensure continuity of operations across shifts.
Unit 17 Coordinate Operational Activities: Covers the coordination of routine operational activities with other operators and maintenance teams.
Unit 18 Support Fault Investigation and Resolution: Addresses supporting fault investigation and resolution by providing operational information and observations.
Unit 19 Monitor Resource Consumption and Efficiency: Focuses on monitoring energy, chemical, and water consumption to assess operational efficiency.
Unit 20 Support Efficiency and Asset Protection: Covers supporting actions that improve operational efficiency, protect assets, and extend equipment life.
