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

Required skills

For the plant system

efficient and effective operation of plantequipment

hazard analysis

completing plant records

communication

problem solving

Also ability to

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

describe the naturecondition of materials entering and leaving each stage of the process the changes which have occurred in that stage and why they have occurred

describe the basis of the process used in the production unit to transform the feed materials into the product including the basic science of the process where relevant

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

describe methods of changing rategradespecification or feed and the advantages and disadvantages of each

Ability to isolate the causes of problems to an item of equipment within the production unit and to be able to distinguish between causes of problemsalarmfault indications such as

process materials variations

instrument failurewrong reading

electrical failure

mechanical failure

operational problem

as is relevant to the practical operation of equipment at that job level

Required knowledge

An understanding of the production unitsystem and its integral equipment to the level needed to control the system and recognise and resolve problems In particular it includes

principles of operation of plantequipment

physics and chemistry relevant to the process unit

process parameters and limits eg temperature pressure flow pH and amps

duty of care obligations

hierarchy of control

communication protocols eg radio phone computer paper and 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

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

This knowledge is required of all major items of equipment which comprise the production unitsystem

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

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

MSAPMOHSA Work safely

MSAPMOHS200A Work safely.

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

Problems

Start up shut down as required

Appropriate action

Procedures

Health, safety and environment (HSE)

Product