The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Assessment of this unit should include demonstrated competence on actual plant and equipment in a work environment. The unit will be assessed in as holistic a manner as is practical and may be integrated with the assessment of other relevant units of competency. Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.

Simulation may be required to allow for assessment of parts of this unit. Simulation should be based on the actual plant and will include walk-throughs of the relevant competency components. Simulations may also include the use of case studies/scenarios and role plays.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action. While it is not expected that the operator will understand the full implications of readings outside the normal range, there should be awareness of the safety implications and the appropriate priority for response for such readings.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:

readings which are out of range or unusual/unexpected signs of problems or potential problems with the equipment/processes are recognised

appropriate action is taken in a timely manner

hazards are recognised and appropriate action is taken to control risks arising from such hazards.

These aspects may be best assessed using a range of scenarios/case studies/what-ifs as the stimulus, with a walk-through forming part of the response. The assessment activities should include responding to a range of problems.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability over a range of situations. A bank of scenarios/case studies/what-ifs will be required as will a bank of questions which will be used to probe the reasoning behind the observable actions.

Method of assessment

In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with relevant teamwork and communication units.

It may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with units related to HSE.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills

efficient and effective operation of plant/equipment

hazard analysis

completing plant records

communication

problem solving.

Required knowledge

basic units of measurement

measuring devices, including gauges, dip-sticks, thermometers and the like

graphs and scales

workplace Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to this competency

typical problems with measuring equipment applicable to this competency

procedures for reporting or dealing with typical equipment problems and threats to safety.

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the Performance Criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Codes of practice/ standards

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

Context

This unit applies to reading process instrumentation in any plant or related situation.

Readings may need to be made at heights, in wet or restricted conditions, or close to hot or moving equipment.

Dials and indicators

Typical dials and indicators include (select relevant items):

analogue dials, such as:

pressure gauge

rev counter

temperature dial

digital readouts, such as:

pH meter

temperature probe

ammeter

flow meter

weigh scales.

Calibration checks

Calibration checks could include:

checking the date that the next calibration is required, eg weigh scale, pressure gauge

using a calibration button on the instrument, eg zero button on an ammeter, calibration button on an electronic meter.

Appropriate action

Appropriate action includes:

determining problems needing action

determining possible fault causes

rectifying problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility

following through items initiated until final resolution has occurred

reporting problems outside area of responsibility to designated person.

Health, safety and environment (HSE)

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment requirements, which may be imposed through State or Federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between Performance Criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.