Assessor Resource

RIIPSM305D
Operate converters

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to operate converters in Metalliferous mining.

This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.

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.

1. Plan and prepare for converter operation

1.1 Access, interpret and apply smelting documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant

1.2 Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details

1.3 Establish and maintain communications with other personnel

1.4 Select appropriate personal protective equipment for the work activity

1.5 Check and test control and monitoring systems

1.6 Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment

1.7 Carry out computer systems and equipment pre-start checks

1.8 Identify, address and report potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures

1.9 Follow emergency procedures

1.10 Ensure approved dust suppression and extraction methods are in place

1.11 Ensure work area is adequately ventilated

2. Start-up converter

2.1 Perform pre-start checks

2.2 Carry out start-ups from standby and after maintenance

2.3 Carry out first charge

2.4 Stabilise the system

3. Monitor and control the process

3.1 Complete routine checks, logs and written paperwork

3.2 Identify and address signs of potential and actual problems

3.3 Monitor condition of metal and take action to maintain production schedule and quality

3.4 Monitor availability of feeds and take action to maintain production schedule and quality

3.5 Monitor and maintain blast air flow to converter

3.6 Monitor and maintain converter oxygen

3.7 Monitor cooling medium flow to converter to maintain converter temperatures

3.8 Maintain metal and gas temperatures

3.9 Control and monitor converter movement

3.10 Monitor and control rate and amount of additives to molten metal

3.11 Respond to warning alarms and lights and take action to rectify

3.12 Control and monitor metal and slag blow process and pouring

3.13 Complete written reports and log sheets

4. Maintain plant availability

4.1 Monitor plant throughout shift

4.2 Use measured/indicated data and sight to identify issues likely to impact on plant availability

4.3 Predict impact of change in one unit/area on other plant unit/areas and communicate to relevant personnel

4.4 Test trips and alarms

4.5 Inspect converter plant and rectify and/or report faults

4.6 Maintain furnace temperature during non-operating periods

4.7 Operate Tuyere punching

4.8 Prepare plant for maintenance

5. Shutdown converter

5.1 Determine type of shutdown required and give warning

5.2 Shutdown furnace in required sequence

5.3 Leave plant in a condition ready to restart

Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:

locates and applies relevant documentation, policies and procedures

works effectively with others to undertake and complete converter operations that meets all of the required outcomes including:

complying with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions and coordinate work activities

demonstrates completion of operating converters that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

completing computer system and equipment pre-start checks

completing converter start-up

completing checks, logs and paperwork

monitoring and maintaining:

condition of metal

availability of feeds

blast air flow

coverter oxygen

cooling medium flow to convertor

metal and gas temperatures

converter movement

rate and amount of additives

metal and slag bow process and pouring

inspecting converter plant and rectifying/reporting faults

shutting down converter

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in operating converters through:

identifying auxiliary equipment types, purposes and operation

identifying air, water and oxygen systems and their purpose

identifying metal and slag blow purpose and applying method

applying combustion principles

applying principles of converter operation

An assessor of this unit must satisfy the requirements of the NVR/AQTF or their successors; and Industry regulations for certification and licensing; and,

this unit must be assessed in the context of this sector’s work environment; and,

this unit must be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures, processes and operational manuals directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,

assessment may be conducted in conjunction with the assessment of other Units of Competency; and,

assessment must confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances; and,

assessors must demonstrate the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence as outlined in this Unit of Competency, and through the minimum years of current* work experience specified below in an Industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or,

where the assessor does not meet experience requirements a co-assessment or partnership arrangement must exist between the qualified assessor and an Industry subject matter expert. The Industry subject matter expert should hold the unit being assessed (or an equivalent unit) and/or demonstrate equivalence of skills and knowledge at the unit level. An Industry technical expert must also demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience specified below in the Industry sector, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed; and,

assessor and Industry subject matter expert requirements differ depending on the Australian Qualifications Framework Level (AQF) of the qualification being assessed and/or Industry Sector as follows:

Industry sector

AQF** Level

Required assessor or Industry subject matter expert experience

Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Construction

1

1 Year

2

2 Years

Drilling, Coal Mining and Extractive (Quarrying)

3-6

3 Years

Metalliferous Mining and Civil Construction

3-6

5 Years

Other sectors

Where this Unit is being assessed outside of the Resources and Infrastructure Sectors assessor and/or Industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no Industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation.

*Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within Industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the Unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to Industry by conducting frequent site assessments across various locations.

**Where a unit is being delivered outside of a Qualification the first numeric character in the Unit code should be considered to indicate the AQF level


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.

1. Plan and prepare for converter operation

1.1 Access, interpret and apply smelting documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant

1.2 Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details

1.3 Establish and maintain communications with other personnel

1.4 Select appropriate personal protective equipment for the work activity

1.5 Check and test control and monitoring systems

1.6 Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment

1.7 Carry out computer systems and equipment pre-start checks

1.8 Identify, address and report potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures

1.9 Follow emergency procedures

1.10 Ensure approved dust suppression and extraction methods are in place

1.11 Ensure work area is adequately ventilated

2. Start-up converter

2.1 Perform pre-start checks

2.2 Carry out start-ups from standby and after maintenance

2.3 Carry out first charge

2.4 Stabilise the system

3. Monitor and control the process

3.1 Complete routine checks, logs and written paperwork

3.2 Identify and address signs of potential and actual problems

3.3 Monitor condition of metal and take action to maintain production schedule and quality

3.4 Monitor availability of feeds and take action to maintain production schedule and quality

3.5 Monitor and maintain blast air flow to converter

3.6 Monitor and maintain converter oxygen

3.7 Monitor cooling medium flow to converter to maintain converter temperatures

3.8 Maintain metal and gas temperatures

3.9 Control and monitor converter movement

3.10 Monitor and control rate and amount of additives to molten metal

3.11 Respond to warning alarms and lights and take action to rectify

3.12 Control and monitor metal and slag blow process and pouring

3.13 Complete written reports and log sheets

4. Maintain plant availability

4.1 Monitor plant throughout shift

4.2 Use measured/indicated data and sight to identify issues likely to impact on plant availability

4.3 Predict impact of change in one unit/area on other plant unit/areas and communicate to relevant personnel

4.4 Test trips and alarms

4.5 Inspect converter plant and rectify and/or report faults

4.6 Maintain furnace temperature during non-operating periods

4.7 Operate Tuyere punching

4.8 Prepare plant for maintenance

5. Shutdown converter

5.1 Determine type of shutdown required and give warning

5.2 Shutdown furnace in required sequence

5.3 Leave plant in a condition ready to restart

Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:

locates and applies relevant documentation, policies and procedures

works effectively with others to undertake and complete converter operations that meets all of the required outcomes including:

complying with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions and coordinate work activities

demonstrates completion of operating converters that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

completing computer system and equipment pre-start checks

completing converter start-up

completing checks, logs and paperwork

monitoring and maintaining:

condition of metal

availability of feeds

blast air flow

coverter oxygen

cooling medium flow to convertor

metal and gas temperatures

converter movement

rate and amount of additives

metal and slag bow process and pouring

inspecting converter plant and rectifying/reporting faults

shutting down converter

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in operating converters through:

identifying auxiliary equipment types, purposes and operation

identifying air, water and oxygen systems and their purpose

identifying metal and slag blow purpose and applying method

applying combustion principles

applying principles of converter operation

An assessor of this unit must satisfy the requirements of the NVR/AQTF or their successors; and Industry regulations for certification and licensing; and,

this unit must be assessed in the context of this sector’s work environment; and,

this unit must be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures, processes and operational manuals directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,

assessment may be conducted in conjunction with the assessment of other Units of Competency; and,

assessment must confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances; and,

assessors must demonstrate the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence as outlined in this Unit of Competency, and through the minimum years of current* work experience specified below in an Industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or,

where the assessor does not meet experience requirements a co-assessment or partnership arrangement must exist between the qualified assessor and an Industry subject matter expert. The Industry subject matter expert should hold the unit being assessed (or an equivalent unit) and/or demonstrate equivalence of skills and knowledge at the unit level. An Industry technical expert must also demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience specified below in the Industry sector, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed; and,

assessor and Industry subject matter expert requirements differ depending on the Australian Qualifications Framework Level (AQF) of the qualification being assessed and/or Industry Sector as follows:

Industry sector

AQF** Level

Required assessor or Industry subject matter expert experience

Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Construction

1

1 Year

2

2 Years

Drilling, Coal Mining and Extractive (Quarrying)

3-6

3 Years

Metalliferous Mining and Civil Construction

3-6

5 Years

Other sectors

Where this Unit is being assessed outside of the Resources and Infrastructure Sectors assessor and/or Industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no Industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation.

*Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within Industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the Unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to Industry by conducting frequent site assessments across various locations.

**Where a unit is being delivered outside of a Qualification the first numeric character in the Unit code should be considered to indicate the AQF level

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
Access, interpret and apply smelting documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 
Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details 
Establish and maintain communications with other personnel 
Select appropriate personal protective equipment for the work activity 
Check and test control and monitoring systems 
Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment 
Carry out computer systems and equipment pre-start checks 
Identify, address and report potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures 
Follow emergency procedures 
Ensure approved dust suppression and extraction methods are in place 
Ensure work area is adequately ventilated 
Perform pre-start checks 
Carry out start-ups from standby and after maintenance 
Carry out first charge 
Stabilise the system 
Complete routine checks, logs and written paperwork 
Identify and address signs of potential and actual problems 
Monitor condition of metal and take action to maintain production schedule and quality 
Monitor availability of feeds and take action to maintain production schedule and quality 
Monitor and maintain blast air flow to converter 
Monitor and maintain converter oxygen 
Monitor cooling medium flow to converter to maintain converter temperatures 
Maintain metal and gas temperatures 
Control and monitor converter movement 
Monitor and control rate and amount of additives to molten metal 
Respond to warning alarms and lights and take action to rectify 
Control and monitor metal and slag blow process and pouring 
Complete written reports and log sheets 
Monitor plant throughout shift 
Use measured/indicated data and sight to identify issues likely to impact on plant availability 
Predict impact of change in one unit/area on other plant unit/areas and communicate to relevant personnel 
Test trips and alarms 
Inspect converter plant and rectify and/or report faults 
Maintain furnace temperature during non-operating periods 
Operate Tuyere punching 
Prepare plant for maintenance 
Determine type of shutdown required and give warning 
Shutdown furnace in required sequence 
Leave plant in a condition ready to restart 
Access, interpret and apply smelting documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 
Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details 
Establish and maintain communications with other personnel 
Select appropriate personal protective equipment for the work activity 
Check and test control and monitoring systems 
Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment 
Carry out computer systems and equipment pre-start checks 
Identify, address and report potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures 
Follow emergency procedures 
Ensure approved dust suppression and extraction methods are in place 
Ensure work area is adequately ventilated 
Perform pre-start checks 
Carry out start-ups from standby and after maintenance 
Carry out first charge 
Stabilise the system 
Complete routine checks, logs and written paperwork 
Identify and address signs of potential and actual problems 
Monitor condition of metal and take action to maintain production schedule and quality 
Monitor availability of feeds and take action to maintain production schedule and quality 
Monitor and maintain blast air flow to converter 
Monitor and maintain converter oxygen 
Monitor cooling medium flow to converter to maintain converter temperatures 
Maintain metal and gas temperatures 
Control and monitor converter movement 
Monitor and control rate and amount of additives to molten metal 
Respond to warning alarms and lights and take action to rectify 
Control and monitor metal and slag blow process and pouring 
Complete written reports and log sheets 
Monitor plant throughout shift 
Use measured/indicated data and sight to identify issues likely to impact on plant availability 
Predict impact of change in one unit/area on other plant unit/areas and communicate to relevant personnel 
Test trips and alarms 
Inspect converter plant and rectify and/or report faults 
Maintain furnace temperature during non-operating periods 
Operate Tuyere punching 
Prepare plant for maintenance 
Determine type of shutdown required and give warning 
Shutdown furnace in required sequence 
Leave plant in a condition ready to restart 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

RIIPSM305D - Operate converters
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

RIIPSM305D - Operate converters

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: