Outline for caretaker training

1. Introduction

Proper caretaker training in operation and maintenance of water supply installations is, in many cases often seriously neglected. Incorrect use, damage and finally abandoned installations are generally the consequences of such a neglect. However, since sound and economic operation of a water supply system requires, among other prerequisites, well-trained and skilled manpower comprehensive training of local staff is essential.

Transfer of knowledge is the main goal of a training programme. However, since motivation and guidance of the caretakers are also important components, training should therefore not be limited to a short-tem introductory course.

Caretakers are preferably trained in their local language by supervisors attached to the operation and maintenance section of the responsible institution. These supervisors will also visit the water supply schemes on a regular basis, check their proper operation, support local staff in their activities, and maintain an exchange of information between field and office personnel.

A training programme is briefly outlined below. The subject area of the programme only covers the treatment process as more comprehensive training guidelines for the operation and maintenance of rural water supply schemes have already been published by IRC [63].

2. Schedule

An ideal training programme may be divided into three parts. Timing, aim, location and duration of the three parts are summarised in Table 7/1.

3. Outline of the Syllabus

The topics to be covered by the different parts of the training programme are suggested hereafter. The list may be incomplete and may possibly need to be adapted to local conditions.

Part 1:

- visit of an existing treatment plant comprising RF and SSF

-explanation of the treatment process and operation of the plant

- discussion of the water quality problems faced by new schemes

- assessment of the interest of future users in water treatment

Part 2: - main objectives of water treatment

- main features and processes of RF and SSF

- filter operation, especially

• discharge measurements and adjustment

• determination of filter resistance

• filter (re)starting and cleaning procedure

• hydraulic and manual filter cleaning

• gravel and sand cleaning

• water sampling

- conduct simple water quality tests (turbidity, filterability, settleable solids)

- monitoring the treatment plant (keeping of logbook)

- maintenance work

- annual work plan

Part 3:

- refresh and consolidate the basic training course (Part 2)

- on-site training in plant operation and maintenance

- review and discuss operational problems encountered

- inspect the installation and organise major maintenance work

- review of logbook and monitoring results

Table 7/1 Training Programme

Part	Timing	Aim	Location/Duration
1	pre-project phase or before/during construction of new treatment plant	presentation of treatment process to future users and motivation	existing RF and SSF plant - 1 day
2	during or at the end of the construction phase	basic training of future caretakers in the operation and maintenance of RF and SSF	existing or new RF and SSF plant - 3-5 days
3	during the operational phase	supervision, guidance, support of the operation and maintenance of RF and SSF (information exchange)	on the site - by regular field visit