A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
workplace documentation and procedures relevant to water systems, in the pulp and paper industry and covering:
work health and safety (WHS) procedures including activity or task specific high risk load, shifting and small boat licensing requirements, plant clearance, job safety analysis and permit systems
Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and housekeeping procedures for plant manufacturing, including confined space requirements
production instructions including maintenance logs, job sheets and operating logs
quality procedures and environmental sustainability requirements and practices
oil or chemical spills and disposal guidelines
water and chemical regulations
emergency procedures and responses
plant isolation documentation
process for plant shutdowns and unplanned shutdowns
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
impact of different types of water sources including raw, mains or recycled water on water systems
appropriateness of sampling and testing checks for sludge consistency, pH, conductivity, flocculation, colour, suspended solids, caustic strength, alkalinity, impurities, brine, bacteria, colour and acid strength
operating parameters, variation and associated adjustments for water system, plant, processes, layout and associated services, sufficient to carry out startup and shutdown activities
required responses to all unplanned shutdowns, including power outage, mechanical breakdown, blockages, jamming, air supply and control system failure, to ensure safety quality and productivity
purpose, standards and procedures as per site agreements for sampling and testing process for plant and system operations, and process monitoring
implications of the use of water types including fresh water, treated water, de-mineralised water, softened water, filtrate-clarified water, potable water, dilution water (filtrate) ex-vacuum system waste water (effluent), white water (ex-machine) and cloudy water , on water systems
how to identify and respond to hazards and risks of water systems including:
confined space
hazardous chemicals and materials
biological hazards and environmental hazards
heat, height and slippery surfaces
pressures, fumes and electrical equipment
compressed air, nip points and flooding
key features of maintenance systems including operator level maintenance as per site agreements, operator maintenance schedules, maintenance suppliers and pro-active maintenance strategies
use of equipment and electronic and other control systems, operation and application to make appropriate adjustments that control the water system within level of responsibility.
productivity requirements including energy efficiency, waste minimization, evaporation minimisation, including landfill and waste water reduction , consideration of resource utilisation, including fibre efficiency, minimising delays, chemical recovery maximization, line speed, and handovers
water systems including de-alkalinisation plant, de-mineralisation plant, water softening plant, chemical treatment plant, reverse osmosis plant, clarifier plant chillers, water storage systems, filtration systems, cooling towers, condensers and potable water plant
materials and supplies including chemicals and filtering mediums.
The following resources must be made available:
access to the full range of equipment required to operate water systems in a pulp or paper manufacturing facility
test and diagnostic equipment
personal protective equipment required for operating water systems
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information
template operating log and documents for recording operation of the water system and maintenance requirements
organisational workplace health and safety and standard operating procedures.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or in a productive environment that accurately reflects performance in a workplace.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must:
hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and
be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and
be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.