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

Required skills

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

process gas variations

instrument failurewrong reading

electrical failure

mechanical failure

operational problems

Required knowledge

The knowledge referred to in the Evidence Guide for this unit includes

station instrumentation

condition monitoring equipment

station power supplies

operations of metering equipment

functions of process control equipment

principles behind gas analysis equipment

purpose of valves actuators and flanges

layout of piping systems

sumps and drains

station pressure vesselsfiltration equipment

principles of operation of plantequipment

physics and chemistry relevant to the process unit and the materials processed

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 plant item and the function of each

correct methods of starting stopping operating and controlling process

corrective action appropriate to the problem cause

function and troubleshooting of major components and their problems

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

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 plantpipeline 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 role plays and D virtual reality interactive systems In the case of evacuation training or training for competencies practised in lifethreatening situations simulation may be used for the bulk of the training

This unit of competency requires an application of the knowledge contained in the use of the pipeline and its integral equipment to the level needed to maintain control and recognise and resolve problems This can 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

As a general rule assessment will require access to an operating pipeline system over an extended period of time or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating competence 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

PMASUPB Operate vehicles in the field

PMASUP236B Operate vehicles in the field

PMAOPSB Operate and monitor prime movers

PMAOPS221B Operate and monitor prime movers

PMAOPSB Operate and monitor compressors

PMAOPS304B Operate and monitor compressors

PMAOPSB Operate and monitor valve systems

PMAOPS223B Operate and monitor valve systems.

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

Codes of practice/ standards

Context

Typical problems

Appropriate action

Procedures

Health, safety and environment (HSE)