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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare for work.
  2. Operate pumps.
  3. Operate pump drivers.
  4. Operate valves.
  5. Respond to fluid system problems.
  6. Isolate and de-isolate pump.

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Required skills

efficient and effective operation of plantequipment

hazard analysis

completing plant records

communication

problem solving

Required knowledge

Competence includes an understanding of the fluid flow system and its integral equipment to a level needed to control the system and recognise and resolve operational problems In particular it includes a knowledge of

principles of operation of plantequipment

physics and chemistry relevant to the process unit

process parameters and limits eg temperature pressure flow pH

duty of care obligations

hierarchy of control

communication protocols eg radio phone computer paper permissionsauthorities

routine problems faults and their resolution

relevant alarms and actions

plant process idiosyncrasies

all items on a schematic of the fluid flow system and the function of each

correct methods of starting stopping operating and controlling flow

causes of head loss in piping systems including comparison of fittings using Led concept fluid and pipe material properties flow geometry etc

corrective action appropriate to the problem cause

function and troubleshooting of major internal components and their problems such as impellors seals or bearings

types and causes of fluid flow problems within operators scope of skill level and responsibility

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Assessment of this unit should include demonstrated competence on actual plant and equipment in a work environment The unit will be assessed in as holistic a manner as is practical and may be integrated with the assessment of other relevant units of competency Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal smooth operation

Simulation may be required to allow for assessment of parts of this unit Simulation should be based on the actual plant and will include walkthroughs of the relevant competency components Simulations may also include the use of case studiesscenarios and role plays

This unit of competency requires a significant body of knowledge which will be assessed through questioning and the use of whatif scenarios both on the plant during demonstration of normal operations and walk throughs of abnormal operations and off the plant

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action The emphasis should be on the ability to stay out of trouble rather than on recovery from a disaster

Consistent performance should be demonstrated In particular look to see that

early warning signs of equipmentprocesses needing attention or with potential problems are recognised

the range of possible causes can be identified and analysed and the most likely cause determined

appropriate action is taken to ensure a timely return to full performance

obvious problems in related plant areas are recognised and an appropriate contribution made to their solution

These aspects may be best assessed using a range of scenarioscase studieswhatifs as the stimulus with a walk through forming part of the response These assessment activities should include a range of problems including new unusual and improbable situations which may have been generated from the past incident history of the plant incidents on similar plants around the world hazard analysis activities and similar sources

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability over a range of situations A bank of scenarioscase studieswhatifs will be required as will a bank of questions which will be used to probe the reasoning behind the observable actions

Method of assessment

In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with relevant teamwork and communication units Consider coassessment with units covering

measurements and readings

housekeeping

communication

In a major hazard facility it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with

MSAPMOHSA Work safely

MSAPMOHS200A Work safely.

The assessment should cover at least one type of centrifugal pump and one type of positive displacement pump as well as at least two different types of valves for the operator to be regarded as competent

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the Performance Criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Codes of practice/ standards

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

Context

This competency is typically performed by all operators. It includes items of equipment such as:

pumps, including various types of centrifugal, positive displacement, acid egg

valves, such as globe, needle, gate, butterfly, plug cock, wedge plug, ball cock, non-return, diaphragm, pneumatic globe, pneumatic butterfly

piping systems and components, including bends and elbows, tee pieces, expansion mechanisms, pipe joints, reducers, nipples, orifices, in-line mixers, filters and strainers, flexible hoses and couplings

shaft seals, such as stuffing boxes, mechanical seals, fluid seals, labyrinth seals.

The effect of pipe fittings on pump performance and problems/problem analysis is also included.

All operations are performed to procedures.

Problems

Typical problems include:

cavitation

seal leaks

head loss/low flow

bearing problems.

Appropriate action

Appropriate action includes:

determining problems needing action

determining possible fault causes

rectifying problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility

following through items initiated until final resolution has occurred

reporting problems outside area of responsibility to designated person.

Procedures

Procedures may be written, verbal, computer-based or in some other form. They include:

all work instructions

standard operating procedures

formulas/recipes

batch sheets

temporary instructions

any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant.

For the purposes of this Training Package, 'procedures' also includes good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice (eg Responsible Care) and government regulations.

Start up shut down as required

Start up shut down as required includes:

start up and shut down to/from normal operating conditions

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

all other conditions experienced on the plant.

ie from any condition to any condition experienced on the plant.

Health, safety and environment (HSE)

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment requirements, which may be imposed through State 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.