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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare the ash separation system for operation
  2. Operate the ash separation process
  3. Analyse and respond to abnormal performance
  4. Handover ash separation operations
  5. Complete ash separation operations

Evidence Required

The assessment process must address all of the following items of evidence

Ability to

Access workplace information ash separation requirements

Select fit and use personal protective clothing andor equipment

Confirm status of equipment and that services are available

Conduct prestart checks

Demonstrate start up procedures for preparing and operating each equipment component in the system

Demonstrate safe chemical preparation and handling

Monitor the ash separation system This typically includes visual inspection and conducting tests to monitor characteristics such as

moisture content of ash going out of the system

available storage capacity of ash holding area

filter performance and condition

Take corrective action in response to abnormal or unacceptable performance

Report andor record corrective action as required

Demonstrate shift handover procedure and confirm that replacement operators are aware of equipment status and operating requirements prior to completing handover

Record operating information

Maintain work area to meet housekeeping standards

May include ability to

Use process control systems

Knowledge of

Relevant state OHS legislation standards and codes of practice relating to work responsibilities

Safe work procedures including awareness of health and safety hazards related to operation of the ash removal system and associated control measures Hazards typically include working with airborne particulates containing silica chemical handling and use of hot water

Purpose and limitations of protective clothing and equipment

Methods used to render equipment safe to inspect maintain andor clean including lockout tagout and isolation procedures

Properties of ash or soot and the impact on filter operation

Functions and operating principles of ash separation system and related equipment

Relationship between vacuum filter speed and cake permeability

Operating requirements and parameters

Test methods

Common causes of variation and corrective action required

Procedures for responding to emergency situations This includes safe shutdown procedure

Handover and long term shut down and storage procedures

Environmental issues and controls

Procedures for containing and managing ash spills

Housekeeping standards for the work area

Reporting and recording systems

May include knowledge of

Basic operating principles of process control where relevant This includes the relationship between control panels and systems and the physical equipment

Relationship with other standards

Prerequisite units

There are no prerequisite units for this competency standard

Coassessment of related units

Other units of competency relevant to the work role should be assessed in conjunction with this unit This may include

SUGZPCIA Operate a process control interface

Resources required for assessment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to

Ash separation system and related equipment

Relevant codes and standards

Operating procedures and related advice on equipment operation

Personal protective clothing and equipment

Communication systems and equipment

Housekeeping standards and procedures

Workplace information recording systems requirements and procedures

Assessment requirements

For information on how to assess this competency standard and who can assess refer to the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package


Range Statement

The range statement indicates the context for demonstrating competence. This statement is a guide and unless otherwise indicated, items may or may not apply as required by the work context.

Work is carried out in accordance with company policies and procedures, licensing requirements, manufacturer's recommendations, legislative requirements, codes of practice and industrial awards and agreements. Codes of practice include the Sugar Milling Operations Industry Code of Practice

Workplace information can include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and manufacturer's specifications

Equipment may include grate cleaning system, ash and soot blowing equipment, ash removal system, pumps, weirs, tanks, belt and rotary filters, chemical addition systems and clarifier

Ash separation may involve use of clarifiers followed by a filter, use of screens or by filter only

Services may include general mill water supply, power and mill and instrumentation air

Chemicals may include caustic soda and flocculants

Typical test requirements include pH, settling tests, clarity or turbidity

Confirming equipment status involves conducting relevant pre-start checks, confirming that housekeeping standards are met, all safety guards are in place and equipment is operational

Operation and monitoring of equipment and processes may require the use of control panels and systems

Work may require the ability to work within a team environment

Information systems may be print or screen based