Wastewater Collection Operator Class III study plan

List the four atmospheric hazards of confined space entry and state the acceptable entry limits for each from memory

Explain the difference between a permit-required confined space and a non-permit space and classify five collection system structures accordingly

Outline the sequence of a permit-required entry: pre-entry meeting, atmospheric testing order, ventilation, attendant duties, and rescue provisions

Describe lockout/tagout steps for a lift station pump before entry

Identify the top three causes of sewer maintenance injuries and the control for each

Match each cleaning method (rodding, jetting, bucket machine, root saw, chemical) to the blockage or condition it best addresses

Calculate jetting water volume and nozzle pressure needs for a stated pipe diameter and length

Sequence the steps for safe traffic control and work zone setup on a roadway

Explain hydrogen sulfide and methane generation in sewers and the monitoring response for each

Practice a written emergency response scenario involving a worker overcome in a manhole

Compare trenchless rehabilitation methods (CIPP, slip lining, pipe bursting, spot repair) on cost drivers, diameter limits, and service disruption

Describe CCTV inspection procedure including camera setup, travel speed, and documentation of defects

Apply a standard defect coding scheme to ten written defect descriptions

Distinguish structural defects from operational and maintenance defects with examples

Explain how smoke testing and dye testing locate inflow sources and state the limits of each

Trace flow through a wet well and pump station and identify the function of each major component

Calculate wet well storage volume and pump cycle time from given dimensions and inflow

Diagnose common pump problems (cavitation, air binding, clogging, worn impeller) from written symptom lists

Explain force main hydraulics including surge and air release valve purpose

Describe infiltration and inflow sources by category and rank them by typical flow contribution

Calculate flow from a partial-full pipe using given depth and velocity data

Convert between flow units (mgd, cfs, gpm, liters per day) across ten practice problems

Interpret a sanitary sewer profile sheet: invert elevations, slope, and cover

Explain design criteria for minimum slope, minimum velocity, and depth of cover and why each matters

Describe how sources of wastewater (domestic, commercial, industrial) affect strength and flow peaking

Compare pipe materials (PVC, ductile iron, concrete, HDPE) on strength, joint type, and appropriate application

Sequence trench excavation, bedding, laying, and backfill steps and state the inspection point at each

Explain low-pressure air testing and deflection testing procedures and acceptance criteria

Summarize the reporting obligations of a collection system under an NPDES permit and a sanitary sewer overflow rule

List the records a spill or overflow requires and the notification timeline

Build a simple asset inventory table with condition rating, install year, and remaining life for ten fictional assets

Rank five rehabilitation projects using a written prioritization method and justify the ranking

Explain how O&M budget lines are built from labor, equipment, and contracted services

Draft a 15-minute training outline for new staff on traffic control and confined space awareness

Describe the supervisor's role in after-hours callout and mutual aid coordination

Complete a timed full-length practice exam and score each domain separately

Re-study the two lowest-scoring domains using the week 1-7 deliverables

Recite the confined space entry sequence and rescue provisions without notes

Re-derive the pump cycle time and flow conversion formulas from scratch

Write a one-page personal cheat sheet of formulas, limits, and notification timelines