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 | Use operator interface | 1.1 | Use keyboards, track ball and monitor and/or stand-alone controllers to access control system/panel |
| 1.2 | Monitor the process using the operator interfaces |
| 1.3 | Select appropriate controller modes |
| 1.4 | Access historical data and information |
| 1.5 | Acknowledge messages and alarms |
| 1.6 | Access advanced control features as appropriate |
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2 | Access control information | 2.1 | Obtain relevant data and information from the control system by applying systems knowledge |
| 2.2 | Identify the status of individual pieces of equipment from the control panel and use information to identify potential faults |
| 2.3 | Minimise fluctuations and variations in process through the interpretation of existing trends and control schematics |
| 2.4 | Determine the overall operating effectiveness of the plant area related to the required targets for the area |
| 2.5 | Record process variations/irregularities to procedures |
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3 | Control process variations and monitor operations | 3.1 | Monitor process using all information available in the control room |
| 3.2 | Use historical data to assist the identification of problems |
| 3.3 | Process available information to identify potential faults |
| 3.4 | Undertake required set point/output changes to meet plant area and process requirements |
| 3.5 | Adjust production in response to test results and control panel information |
| 3.6 | Monitor key process and environmental variables and take action to achieve required outcomes |
| 3.7 | Adjust controller settings in accordance with procedures |
| 3.8 | Use advanced control features as appropriate |
| 3.9 | Turn controller features on and off to meet process and control needs |
| 3.10 | Optimise operation of entire plant area in accordance with guidelines |
| | 3.11 | Undertake calibration operations in accordance with procedures. |
| | 3.12 | Coordinate with stakeholders external to the plant area in accordance with procedures |
| | 3.13 | Record adjustments and variations to specifications/schedules |
| | 3.14 | Communicate to appropriate personnel as required |
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4 | Facilitate planned and unplanned process start-ups and shutdowns | 4.1 | Select and apply procedures to planned start-up and shutdown processes. |
| 4.2 | Select and apply procedures to unplanned shutdown processes |
| 4.3 | Implement all required emergency responses |
| 4.4 | Communicate necessary information to all personnel affected by events |
| 4.5 | Log all required information |
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5 | Respond to alarms or out-of-specification conditions | 5.1 | Identify system(s) affected by the alarm or condition |
| 5.2 | Interpret alarms and prioritise actions to be taken |
| 5.3 | Respond to the alarm or incident by following procedures |
| 5.4 | Deal with any out-of-specification material in accordance with procedures |
| 5.5 | Communicate the problem/solution to appropriate personnel |
| 5.6 | Record the information as required |
| 5.7 | Provide details of the alarm and action taken to the next shift at changeover |
| 5.8 | Follow up on the incident to see that appropriate action has been taken |
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6 | Control hazards | 6.1 | Identify hazards/changes in hazards in the production/processing work area |
| 6.2 | Assess the risks arising from those hazards |
| 6.3 | Implement measures to control risks in line with procedures and duty of care |
| 6.4 | Communicate hazards and hazard controls to affected personnel |
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7 | Resolve other problems within scope of responsibility | 7.1 | Identify possible problems in equipment, control systems or process |
| 7.2 | Determine problems needing action |
| 7.3 | Determine possible fault causes |
| 7.4 | Rectify problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility |
| 7.5 | Follow initiated items through until final resolution has occurred |
| 7.6 | Report problems outside area of responsibility to designated person |
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:
interpret and respond to panel messages and alarms
obtain and interpret data from the control system to minimise variation and maximise performance
identify early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems
select and apply procedures for planned and unplanned start-up/shutdown
identify hazards and risks and apply risk control procedures
communicate and negotiate effectively with all stakeholders
isolate the causes of problems and distinguish between causes of problems/alarm/fault indications, including:
instrument failure/malfunction
electrical failure/malfunction
mechanical failure/malfunction
equipment design deficiencies
product parameters (temperature, flows, pressure and levels)
process control system malfunction
power/utility failures
software problems
multitasking.
Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:
advanced control features
interactions between control loops
interactions between plant units within the entire plant
the architecture and location of the process/production equipment
specific plant process operations
interactions between plant items/processes
product specifications and tolerances, systems operating parameters and system integrity limits
process control philosophies and strategies
emergency shutdown (ESD) procedures
relevant science of the process (e.g. physics, chemistry and biochemistry) to the level of identifying and manipulating factors controlling process rate and product properties, and identifying and resolving potential problems
basic science of upstream and downstream processes
interactions between plant area and other value stream members
impact of external factors (e.g. variations in weather and feed)
complex process drawings (e.g. piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID), process flow diagram (PFD), and cause and effect
basis of control for the plant
instrumentation and control systems, including feed forward, feed-back and open control
instrumentation and control system components (e.g. relevant primary sensing devices, final control elements and transducers/transmitters)
control loops (including proportional integral derivative (PID) control, set points, controlled variable and indicated variable)
interaction between multiple control loops (including cascade control)
impacts of changing controller settings and the limits within which changes can be made
effective communication techniques
organisation procedures
uninterrupt power supply (UPS) and its applications and use
duty of care obligations
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 complex control system, controlling a real or simulated process requiring demonstration of operation and responding to problems
may use industry-based simulation for all 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.