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 this Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.

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

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:

understand the procedures and know the importance of critical operational systems

recognise potential situations requiring action and then implement appropriate action.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:

early warning signs of equipment in need of attention/with potential problems are recognised

appropriate tests are undertaken and tests are analysed appropriately

proposals for equipment repair are based upon the most appropriate and cost effective method to return equipment to full performance in a timely manner

items initiated are followed through until final resolution has occurred.

Assessment method and context

It is preferred that assessment takes place on industrial equipment in a work environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

on a processing plant, allowing for operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions

in a situation allowing the generation of evidence of the ability to recognise, anticipate and solve problems

by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios

through a combination of these techniques.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

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.

Specific resources for assessment

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

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

Knowledge and understanding of equipment operation and maintenance practices sufficient to recognise fault and no-fault conditions in standard and non-standard situations and then determine appropriate action which is consistent with operational guidelines is required.

Knowledge of organization procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards.

Application of the knowledge of managing risks using the hierarchy of controls applied to the process. Application of approved hazard control, safety procedures, use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and clean up.

Knowledge as a basis for solving processing and material problems, including:

principles of the operation of the equipment to be maintained

functions and troubleshooting of internal components and their problems

routine and non-routine causes of equipment failures and the service conditions which may increase maintenance

maintenance techniques, (eg reactive maintenance, predictive and preventative operational maintenance)

appropriate testing procedures and use of equipment for a range of equipment faults

operating principles for mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical/electronic systems

urgency and timeliness factors in planning maintenance activities in relation to production requirements

collection, analysis and reporting of data.

Competence also includes the ability to:

identify and select testing methods based on cost and time effectiveness

conduct inspections, checks and tests on equipment as appropriate

read and interpret circuit diagrams for mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical/electronic operating systems

use technical information and manufacturer information to locate relevant data

interpret technical specifications and manufacturer instructions

ensure workplace is safe for testing and maintenance of equipment

identify hazards of the materials and process

implement appropriate procedures for hazard control

use PPE, safely handle products and materials, read relevant safety information

apply safety precautions appropriate to the task.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical equipment specifications schematics and diagrams.

Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms and production reports.

Basic numeracy is required, to the level of calculating equipment throughputs and performance.

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

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

Context

This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the industry. It does not include maintenance that would require trade level skills. It is not intended that this competency would cover maintenance that is carried on in a workshop.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures mean all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions, standard operating procedures, plant description manuals, manufacturer's instructions, specifications, service manuals, machine circuit diagrams for hydraulic/pneumatic and electrical/electronic circuits and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

Tools and equipment

This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:

hand tools specific for the task

product testing equipment (eg flowmeter, scales, tape measure, micrometer, caliper, ultrasonic thickness)

machinery measuring equipment (eg vibration meter, tachometer, current tester, thermal imaging, temperature gauge)

measuring and aligning equipment.

Hazards

Typical hazards include:

rotating and moving machinery

process materials, solids, fluids and gases under pressure or flowing

temporary connections or by-passes

electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic energy sources

out-of-specification operation.

Problems

Respond to/rectify 'non-routine problems' means 'apply known solutions to a variety of predictable problems'. Typical process and product problems may include:

out-of-specification product or variations

response of equipment to materials variations

new or changed materials

changed equipment settings (eg higher speed or throughput)

equipment in need of maintenance

procedures requiring update or modification.

Variables

Key variables to be monitored include:

equipment performance (eg speed, output, variations)

equipment component performance

sequences and timing of operations

materials changes (desired and not desired).

Data and Records

Typical information sources, observed data and plant records may include:

plant data

log sheets

operational and performance reports

physical aspects such as noise, smell, feel and pressure condition monitoring information

planned maintenance schedules

procedures.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist