Learning Outcomes
- Explain the process or equipment involved.
- Recognise key operating conditions and hazards.
- Use trends, checks and records to support decisions.
- Identify when escalation is required.
Module 13 · Lesson 3
Process Fault Diagnosis
Use cause-and-effect thinking across the treatment process.
Why It Matters
Use cause-and-effect thinking across the treatment process.
Reliable wastewater treatment depends on stable biology, dependable equipment, good monitoring and prompt response to change.
Practical Method
- Observe. Check flows, levels, alarms, odour, solids and equipment condition.
- Compare. Review operating targets, trends and recent changes.
- Verify. Confirm instruments, samples and mechanical status.
- Act safely. Follow approved procedures and make only authorised adjustments.
- Record and escalate. Document findings, actions and unresolved risk.
Ian's practical tip: Wastewater problems often start upstream. Always check collection, loading and recent events before adjusting the process.
Practice Task
Create a one-page operating note for this topic showing the normal condition, warning signs, checks, safe actions and escalation point.