Assessor Resource

PMAOPS324
Operate a gas turbine

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate a gas turbine in a power generation, compression or similar operation. It applies to a gas turbine that is a complex, independent item of equipment. Typically it will have a specialised start-up and shutdown procedure. It may have its own control panel and inbuilt vibration monitoring equipment.

This unit of competency includes all such items of equipment and unit operations which form part of the turbine’s operating system. A unit/system comprises two or more components of plant/equipment that are operated together to produce product, including one or more of:

gas turbine engines

electric motors

governing systems

power supply

safety and shutdown systems

cooling systems.

This unit of competency applies to operations technicians who are required to demonstrate a significant understanding of the process and the equipment operation in order to identify and rectify operational problems, operate and monitor the gas turbine and ancillary equipment to ensure output meets all requirements.

This unit of competency applies to an individual operating independently in a plant with local control or in liaison with the control room operator in a plant with a centralised control panel, such as distributed control system (DCS) type controls. In the case of large complex plant, the operations technician would be part of a team during start-up and shutdown procedures.

This unit of competency applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team or group and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.

Some jurisdictions may require the holder of this unit to be licensed or certified and users should check with the relevant authorities.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for work

1.1

Receive and give shift handover

1.2

Identify work requirements

1.3

Identify and control hazards

1.4

Coordinate with appropriate personnel

1.5

Check for recent work undertaken on gas turbine

1.6

Note any outstanding/incomplete work

1.7

Check operational status of gas turbine

2

Start the gas turbine

2.1

Check that the turbine is not subject to maintenance or that other permitted activities are not taking place near the equipment

2.2

Check the control panel to ensure that all indications support the safe starting of the turbine

2.3

Conduct required safety checks and pre-starts to determine or verify the operational condition of the equipment

2.4

Commission turbine protection devices prior to the start-up of equipment

2.5

Achieve operational flows and temperatures of ancillary equipment before bringing the system on line for use

2.6

Start the gas turbine according to procedures

3

Monitor and assess gas turbine systems

3.1

Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork taking action on unexpected readings

3.2

Change rate, smoothly as required

3.3

Monitor and correct fuel and energy systems and flows to ensure that the system provides the proper operational mixture for turbine use

3.4

Ensure adequate supplies of clean air at the stated rate or temperature are delivered to the turbine to allow for successful operation to be achieved

3.5

Check exhaust gas and turbine operating temperatures to ensure correct temperature gradients in the turbine

3.6

Monitor lubrication systems to verify that operational parts are functioning efficiently and effectively, and to ensure that all moving parts are operating in a friction free and clean environment

3.7

Monitor and adjust cooling systems to allow for the most efficient operating temperature to be maintained throughout all operating conditions

3.8

Monitor governing systems to allow correct operational speeds of equipment to be maintained and regulated

3.9

Adjust turbine and its component plant items as appropriate to their type and duty to maximise performance

4

Check maintenance requirements

4.1

Conduct routine inspections and checks to ensure normal or stated turbine operation is maintained

4.2

Identify equipment faults through observation of the operational equipment and periodic sampling and testing

4.3

Determine action and communicate maintenance requirements to appropriate personnel

4.4

Record operational data to provide a historical record of the operating condition of equipment

5

Respond to gas turbine problems

5.1

Monitor turbine and its component plant items frequently and critically throughout shift using measured/indicated data and senses

5.2

Describe impacts of any changes upstream and downstream

5.3

Recognise actual and developing situations which may require action

5.4

Apply operational knowledge to resolve problems

5.5

Take other appropriate actions on abnormal situations which cannot be resolved during the shift to ensure safety and the resolution of the situation

5.6

Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred

6

Isolate and de-isolate turbine and its component plant items

6.1

Shut down turbine according to the turbine type and duty in liaison with other personnel

6.2

Shut down/changeover component plant items within unit according to their type and duty in liaison with other personnel

6.3

Isolate entire turbine system and/or any component plant item

6.4

Make safe for required work

6.5

Check turbine/plant item is ready to be returned to service

6.6

De-isolate and prepare turbine/plant unit/plant item for return to service

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include the ability to:

use data and own senses to monitor plant and maximise performance

perform pre-start checks, start-up/shutdown procedures, and isolations and de-isolations

identify early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems and take the action specified in procedures

identify hazards and risks and apply risk control procedures.

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

all items on a schematic of the turbine and functions of each

turbine operating principles, including fuel injection, lubrication, cooling, ignition, induction and exhaust power supply

interactions between plant items/processes

systems’ operating parameters, integrity limits, product specifications and tolerances, temperature, pressure and flow

process-specific science (physics and chemistry) to the level of being able to interpret the science and extract factors controlling the process and product

correct methods of starting, stopping, operating and controlling

isolation procedures

emergency shutdown procedures

function and troubleshooting of major components, their problems and the resolution of those problems

basic science of upstream and downstream processes

hierarchy of control

hazards that may arise in the job/work environment, and:

their possible causes

potential consequences

appropriate risk controls.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

The collection of performance evidence:

should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operations

will typically include a supervisor/third-party report focusing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency

must include the use of industrial type gas turbine allowing operation

may use industry-based simulation for part of the unit particularly where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue.

Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible, or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment reflecting realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

demonstration of skills

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence (provided a record is kept) or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept).

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.

The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

In addition, the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment must demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they must assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment

appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:

being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed

being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures

having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment

conducting on-the-job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed

being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for work

1.1

Receive and give shift handover

1.2

Identify work requirements

1.3

Identify and control hazards

1.4

Coordinate with appropriate personnel

1.5

Check for recent work undertaken on gas turbine

1.6

Note any outstanding/incomplete work

1.7

Check operational status of gas turbine

2

Start the gas turbine

2.1

Check that the turbine is not subject to maintenance or that other permitted activities are not taking place near the equipment

2.2

Check the control panel to ensure that all indications support the safe starting of the turbine

2.3

Conduct required safety checks and pre-starts to determine or verify the operational condition of the equipment

2.4

Commission turbine protection devices prior to the start-up of equipment

2.5

Achieve operational flows and temperatures of ancillary equipment before bringing the system on line for use

2.6

Start the gas turbine according to procedures

3

Monitor and assess gas turbine systems

3.1

Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork taking action on unexpected readings

3.2

Change rate, smoothly as required

3.3

Monitor and correct fuel and energy systems and flows to ensure that the system provides the proper operational mixture for turbine use

3.4

Ensure adequate supplies of clean air at the stated rate or temperature are delivered to the turbine to allow for successful operation to be achieved

3.5

Check exhaust gas and turbine operating temperatures to ensure correct temperature gradients in the turbine

3.6

Monitor lubrication systems to verify that operational parts are functioning efficiently and effectively, and to ensure that all moving parts are operating in a friction free and clean environment

3.7

Monitor and adjust cooling systems to allow for the most efficient operating temperature to be maintained throughout all operating conditions

3.8

Monitor governing systems to allow correct operational speeds of equipment to be maintained and regulated

3.9

Adjust turbine and its component plant items as appropriate to their type and duty to maximise performance

4

Check maintenance requirements

4.1

Conduct routine inspections and checks to ensure normal or stated turbine operation is maintained

4.2

Identify equipment faults through observation of the operational equipment and periodic sampling and testing

4.3

Determine action and communicate maintenance requirements to appropriate personnel

4.4

Record operational data to provide a historical record of the operating condition of equipment

5

Respond to gas turbine problems

5.1

Monitor turbine and its component plant items frequently and critically throughout shift using measured/indicated data and senses

5.2

Describe impacts of any changes upstream and downstream

5.3

Recognise actual and developing situations which may require action

5.4

Apply operational knowledge to resolve problems

5.5

Take other appropriate actions on abnormal situations which cannot be resolved during the shift to ensure safety and the resolution of the situation

5.6

Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred

6

Isolate and de-isolate turbine and its component plant items

6.1

Shut down turbine according to the turbine type and duty in liaison with other personnel

6.2

Shut down/changeover component plant items within unit according to their type and duty in liaison with other personnel

6.3

Isolate entire turbine system and/or any component plant item

6.4

Make safe for required work

6.5

Check turbine/plant item is ready to be returned to service

6.6

De-isolate and prepare turbine/plant unit/plant item for return to service

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Regulatory framework

The latest version of all legislation, regulations, industry codes of practice and Australian/international standards, or the version specified by the local regulatory authority, must be used, and include one or more of the following:

legislative requirements, including work health and safety (WHS)

industry codes of practice and guidelines

environmental regulations and guidelines

Australian and other standards

licence and certification requirements

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory 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.

Hazards

Hazards include one or more of the following:

electricity

gas

gases and liquids under pressure

structural hazards

structural collapse

equipment failures

industrial (machinery, equipment and product)

equipment or product mass

noise, rotational equipment or vibration

plant services (steam, condensate and cooling water)

limited head spaces or overhangs

working at heights, in restricted or confined spaces, or in environments subjected to heat, noise, dusts or vapours

flammability and explosivity

hazardous products and materials

unauthorised personnel

sharp edges, protrusions or obstructions

slippery surfaces, spills or leaks

extreme weather

other hazards that might arise

Situations requiring action

Situations requiring action include one or more of the following:

variation in power/fuel supply

vibration

overheating

fouling of turbine/engine/exchangers

lubrication quality

ancillary equipment failures

Non-routine problems

Non-routine problems are unexpected problems, or variations of previous problems and must be resolved by applying operational knowledge to develop new solutions, either individually or in collaboration with relevant experts, to:

determine problems needing action

determine possible fault causes

develop solutions to problems which do not have a known solution

follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred

report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person

Operational knowledge includes one or more of the following:

procedures

training

technical information such as journals, engineering specifications

remembered experience

relevant knowledge obtained from appropriate people

Start up/shut down

Start up/shut down includes the following:

start up and shut down to/from normal operating conditions

start up and shut down to/from isolated, cold or empty

start up and shut down to/from other conditions/situations experienced on the plant

Procedures

All operations must be performed in accordance with relevant procedures.

Procedures are written, verbal, visual, computer-based or in some other form, include one or more of the following:

emergency procedures

work instructions

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

safe work method statements (SWMS)

formulas/recipes

batch sheets

temporary instructions

any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant

Operate

Operate is to monitor, adjust/make change to the production unit and/or its component items to meet specifications, by one or both of the following:

manually in the plant

using local controller in the plant

This competency does not require the operation of a central control panel.

Product

Product includes anything produced by a process step and so includes:

intermediate products, such as the product from one process step, which then becomes the feed for another

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include the ability to:

use data and own senses to monitor plant and maximise performance

perform pre-start checks, start-up/shutdown procedures, and isolations and de-isolations

identify early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems and take the action specified in procedures

identify hazards and risks and apply risk control procedures.

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

all items on a schematic of the turbine and functions of each

turbine operating principles, including fuel injection, lubrication, cooling, ignition, induction and exhaust power supply

interactions between plant items/processes

systems’ operating parameters, integrity limits, product specifications and tolerances, temperature, pressure and flow

process-specific science (physics and chemistry) to the level of being able to interpret the science and extract factors controlling the process and product

correct methods of starting, stopping, operating and controlling

isolation procedures

emergency shutdown procedures

function and troubleshooting of major components, their problems and the resolution of those problems

basic science of upstream and downstream processes

hierarchy of control

hazards that may arise in the job/work environment, and:

their possible causes

potential consequences

appropriate risk controls.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

The collection of performance evidence:

should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operations

will typically include a supervisor/third-party report focusing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency

must include the use of industrial type gas turbine allowing operation

may use industry-based simulation for part of the unit particularly where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue.

Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible, or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment reflecting realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

demonstration of skills

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence (provided a record is kept) or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept).

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.

The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

In addition, the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment must demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they must assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment

appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:

being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed

being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures

having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment

conducting on-the-job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed

being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Receive and give shift handover 
Identify work requirements 
Identify and control hazards 
Coordinate with appropriate personnel 
Check for recent work undertaken on gas turbine 
Note any outstanding/incomplete work 
Check operational status of gas turbine 
Check that the turbine is not subject to maintenance or that other permitted activities are not taking place near the equipment 
Check the control panel to ensure that all indications support the safe starting of the turbine 
Conduct required safety checks and pre-starts to determine or verify the operational condition of the equipment 
Commission turbine protection devices prior to the start-up of equipment 
Achieve operational flows and temperatures of ancillary equipment before bringing the system on line for use 
Start the gas turbine according to procedures 
Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork taking action on unexpected readings 
Change rate, smoothly as required 
Monitor and correct fuel and energy systems and flows to ensure that the system provides the proper operational mixture for turbine use 
Ensure adequate supplies of clean air at the stated rate or temperature are delivered to the turbine to allow for successful operation to be achieved 
Check exhaust gas and turbine operating temperatures to ensure correct temperature gradients in the turbine 
Monitor lubrication systems to verify that operational parts are functioning efficiently and effectively, and to ensure that all moving parts are operating in a friction free and clean environment 
Monitor and adjust cooling systems to allow for the most efficient operating temperature to be maintained throughout all operating conditions 
Monitor governing systems to allow correct operational speeds of equipment to be maintained and regulated 
Adjust turbine and its component plant items as appropriate to their type and duty to maximise performance 
Conduct routine inspections and checks to ensure normal or stated turbine operation is maintained 
Identify equipment faults through observation of the operational equipment and periodic sampling and testing 
Determine action and communicate maintenance requirements to appropriate personnel 
Record operational data to provide a historical record of the operating condition of equipment 
Monitor turbine and its component plant items frequently and critically throughout shift using measured/indicated data and senses 
Describe impacts of any changes upstream and downstream 
Recognise actual and developing situations which may require action 
Apply operational knowledge to resolve problems 
Take other appropriate actions on abnormal situations which cannot be resolved during the shift to ensure safety and the resolution of the situation 
Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred 
Shut down turbine according to the turbine type and duty in liaison with other personnel 
Shut down/changeover component plant items within unit according to their type and duty in liaison with other personnel 
Isolate entire turbine system and/or any component plant item 
Make safe for required work 
Check turbine/plant item is ready to be returned to service 
De-isolate and prepare turbine/plant unit/plant item for return to service 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMAOPS324 - Operate a gas turbine
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

PMAOPS324 - Operate a gas turbine

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: