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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare for work.
  2. Prepare reactor.
  3. Monitor and control the reaction process.
  4. Isolate and de-isolate plant.

Required Skills

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

Required skills

reading recipeformula sheets

weighing measuring controlling the addition of reactants and other materials

monitoring and controlling reaction conditions

Required knowledge

Competence includes an understanding of the reactions and equipment integral to the operation of the reactor to the level needed to control the system and recognise and resolve problems In particular it includes the ability to

identify all items on a schematic of the reactor and describe the function of each

distinguish between elements compounds and mixtures in raw materials and products

describe the naturecondition of materials at each stage of the reaction the changes which have occurred in that stage and why they have occurred

describe reactions in chemical terms including the effect of changing reaction variables such as temperature concentration pH

describe the reaction using basic chemical equations

state the type of reactors used and itstheir characteristics

describe the methods of controlling the reaction including rate and yield

describe the causes and remedies of common problems such as those selected in the Range Statement

Competence also includes the ability to isolate the causes of problems to an item of equipment within the reaction system and to distinguish between causes of problemsalarmfault indications such as

raw materials variations

instrument failurewrong reading

equipment failure electricalmechanical

mechanical failure

operational problems

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 walkthroughs 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 walkthrough 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 It will frequently also be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with units dealing with

measurements and readings

housekeeping

preparing materials

fluid mixing

heat exchange

using computers

packaging

local control system

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 unit includes all minor items of equipment which are integral to the reaction process.

Typical problems

Typical problems include:

variations in material composition

variation in ambient conditions

control of reaction temperature

adjustments to meet product specifications.

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

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.

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.

Operators should be able to determine safe working practice using the relevant materials safety data sheets.