EUSTPC02 Receive and store sludge in a sludge processing plant

Overview

This standard is about receiving and storing sludge for treatment operations in a manual or automated sludge processing plant.

It includes checking storage capacity, producing data on sludge material, managing sludge throughput and reporting any issues with storage.

This standard is suitable for operators working in sludge treatment processing plants.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. check the nature, quantity and quality of sludge received against processing requirements
  2. use sludge handling and storage methods in line with organisational requirements to minimise and avoid damage and cross- contamination of sludge
  3. confirm there is sufficient storage capacity to receive sludge at each stage of processing operations
  4. store sludge in required places at each stage of processing operations
  5. resolve situations where sludge does not meet processing requirements within the limits of your responsibility, referring to designated people when required
  6. record and report any defective equipment, storage facilities or discrepancies in nature, quantity or quality of sludge to designated people
  7. produce data about sludge material as it enters the treatment plant in line with organisational procedures
  8. manage sludge throughput in line with organiational procedures and sludge specifications
  9. record all data and information about sludge received and stored in organisational systems
  10. maintain records about sludge and sludge treatment equipment for audit and quality assurance purposes
  11. follow security procedures in line with organisational protocols and policies

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. water industry legislation, standards, codes of practice, and industry regulations for health, safety, and hygiene in relation to your job role
  2. water industry legislation, standards, codes of practice, and industry regulations for environmental protection and measures to reduce harmful emissions and substances in relation to your job role
  3. the aspects of your work which may be subject to statutory inspections and organisational procedures for dealing with them
  4. the organisation’s process for managing emergency situations
  5. the organisation’s process for safe working practices when dealing with equipment, instrumentation and environment, including lone working
  6. the role and purpose of data audit trails in quality assurance, health and safety and regulatory requirements
  7. the nature of sludge and how it affects processing at each stage
  8. the distinguishing features, basic operating principles and key parameters for waste water processes including maceration, sludge digestion and mechanical sludge thickening or dewatering
  9. the flow route of waste streams and the indicators and implications of incorrect monitoring and operation
  10. organisational procedures for controlling sludge quality and volume at different stages of the process
  11. storage requirements at each stage of the process and the implications of regulations relating to the control of hazardous substances
  12. the importance of confirming storage conditions and available space
  13. the importance of keeping damage to a minimum
  14. the limits of your responsibility and the organisation’s reporting lines and procedures
  15. the organisation’s procedures for recording, documenting and storing information
  16. the organisation’s process for using data for monitoring purposes
  17. the importance of supplying and receiving accurate information and in an appropriate format within identified timescales
  18. what to do if information or documentation is unclear or ambiguous
  19. the way monitoring information is utilised when operating the processing plant and the implications of its use for self and others in the organisation
  20. protocols and policies for confidentiality, cyber security and site security and why they are important