Assessor Resource
PMAOPS362A
Operate a blast furnace
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: June 2024
This unit applies to a plant technician who has the responsibility for the operation of a blast furnace in an industrial scale metalliferous processing facility.
This unit 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.
This unit requires a detailed knowledge of the blast furnace and related equipment, operating processes at high temperatures, handling molten metal, procedures and metallurgy to the extent of being able to determine and apply the raw materials feed. Since the blast furnace will operate continuously for long periods of time, the plant technician will be expected to take over the operation from others and take responsibility for the operation whilst there. The plant technician would be expected to contribute to start-ups and shutdowns of the blast furnace, but it is understood that this major event will principally be the responsibility of others. The handling of rock, ore and other solid raw materials and of molten metal and slag as products are included.
This unit does NOT require the operation of a central control panel.
This unit has been written with iron and lead blast furnaces in mind. However, it should also be applicable to other metals or ores with appropriate contextualisation.
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge needed to operate a blast furnace.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)