An international partnership for Certified Dam Safety Inspector training
Client: Malaysian National Committee on Large Dams and Universiti Tenaga Nasional
Location: Malaysia
Date: October 2020 - March 2023
Delivering CDSI training for the Malaysian National Committee on Large Dams (MYCOLD) and Universiti Tenaga Nasional
Background
Malaysia is home to a number of dams and ageing assets. Over the past few years, there have been improvements in regulations and guidance for dam operators through the implementation of the Malaysia Dam Safety Management Guidelines (MyDAMS) and formation of the Malaysian National Committee on Large Dams (MYCOLD).
The Entura clean energy and water institute (ECEWI) has been delivering specialised, customisable training to clients for over ten years. The training programs draw on the skills and knowledge of Entura’s experts in a range of areas, including dam safety.
ECEWI was engaged by MYCOLD and Malaysia’s Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) to collaborate on a training program for Certified Dam Safety Inspectors (CDSI). The program was set to be delivered in 2020 for 29 participants, but faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Solution
A CDSI training program was devised by ECEWI and collaborators comprising six modules from the Australian Skills Quality Authority’s (ASQA) National Water Package. There were three phases to the program that needed to be completed by participants to become certified; Phase 1: online classes and quiz, Phase 2: site physical training and Phase 3: examination.
The program was originally designed to be delivered face-to-face over a week, however, the COVID-19 pandemic meant that a restructure was required. ECEWI trainers were able to pivot to a remote delivery, which saw 30 participants undertake theory sessions on the six module areas. This included key dam safety areas, such as inspection, monitoring, surveillance and reporting.
Phase 2 required a practical site visitation component at both a concrete and embankment dam. For this phase, participants visited Tembat Dam (concrete) and Kenyir Dam (embankment) to complete the practical activity and assessment. This was followed by the Phase 3 examination assessment.
The CDSI program was delivered successfully despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. To overcome these, Entura implemented measures such as providing training sessions for MYCOLD representatives to carry out assessments, requirements, checklists and new evidence requirements. These new evidence requirements included extending competency measures to include photo and video evidence of individuals completing tasks on site in Malaysia that was then reviewed by Entura’s trained assessors.
Services provided
- Dam safety training
- Assessment and certification
Outcomes
The program saw 29 participants receive their official Certified Dam Safety Instructor qualifications. They were awarded their certificates at the 2023 International Conference on Dam Safety Management and Engineering (ICDSME) in Malaysia.
