Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

PMAOPS261 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Operate bulk solids loading equipment

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PMAOPS261 - Operate bulk solids loading equipment
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate equipment used to convey and load bulk solids in sealed containments. This unit of competency applies to an operator who is required to undertake pre-start checks, operate filling, loading and supplementary equipment to meet specifications, and undertake minor maintenance.This unit of competency applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team or group and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.This unit of competency has been written with minerals processing plants as the specific focus. However, it can also be applied with appropriate contextualisation to any plant in which raw product is produced for transporting for further processing, such as in the manufacture of plastics or other particulates.This unit of competency does not apply to line conveyors as part of a ship loading system. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence based on a holistic assessment of the

The collection of performance evidence:

should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operation of an operating plant

will typically include a supervisor/third-party report or other evidence, focusing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency

must include the use of an appropriate industrial item of equipment requiring demonstration of operation, start-up and shutdown procedures and responding to problems

may use industry-based simulation for part only of the unit where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue.

Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible, or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment reflecting realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

demonstration of skills

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence (provided a record is kept) or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept).

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.

The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

In addition, the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment must demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they must assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment

appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:

being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed

being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures

having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment

conducting on-the-job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed

being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Operations
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare for work
  • Receive and give shift handover
  • Identify work requirements
  • Identify and control hazards
  • Coordinate with appropriate personnel
  • Check for recent work undertaken on plant item
  • Note any outstanding/incomplete work
  • Check operational status of bulk solids loading equipment
       
Element: Manage bulk material storage and operate load-out equipment
  • Visually inspect storage facility and load-out equipment
  • Determine levels of solids in storage using appropriate indicators
  • Ensure storage discharge areas are free from obstructions
  • Identify the types of load-out equipment and duty
  • Operate load-out equipment in accordance with procedures
  • Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork taking appropriate action on unexpected readings
  • Ensure containment is properly sealed according to procedures after load-out
  • Move containment to transhipment area
       
Element: Recognise problems and take appropriate action
  • Monitor plant frequently and critically throughout shift using measured/indicated data and senses
  • Identify impacts of any changes upstream and downstream
  • Recognise situations which may require action
  • Resolve routine problems
  • Take actions on other abnormal situations to make safe and have the situation resolved
       
Element: Isolate and de-isolate bulk solids loading equipment
  • Complete any required prestart checks
  • Start up/shut down bulk solids loading equipment, and its components according to the equipment type and duty in liaison with other personnel
  • Isolate bulk solids loading equipment, and its components
  • Make safe for required work
  • Check bulk solids loading equipment, and its components is ready to be returned to service
  • De-isolate and prepare equipment for return to service
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for work

1.1

Receive and give shift handover

1.2

Identify work requirements

1.3

Identify and control hazards

1.4

Coordinate with appropriate personnel

1.5

Check for recent work undertaken on plant item

1.6

Note any outstanding/incomplete work

1.7

Check operational status of bulk solids loading equipment

2

Manage bulk material storage and operate load-out equipment

2.1

Visually inspect storage facility and load-out equipment

2.2

Determine levels of solids in storage using appropriate indicators

2.3

Ensure storage discharge areas are free from obstructions

2.4

Identify the types of load-out equipment and duty

2.5

Operate load-out equipment in accordance with procedures

2.6

Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork taking appropriate action on unexpected readings

2.7

Ensure containment is properly sealed according to procedures after load-out

2.8

Move containment to transhipment area

3

Recognise problems and take appropriate action

3.1

Monitor plant frequently and critically throughout shift using measured/indicated data and senses

3.2

Identify impacts of any changes upstream and downstream

3.3

Recognise situations which may require action

3.4

Resolve routine problems

3.5

Take actions on other abnormal situations to make safe and have the situation resolved

4

Isolate and de-isolate bulk solids loading equipment

4.1

Complete any required prestart checks

4.2

Start up/shut down bulk solids loading equipment, and its components according to the equipment type and duty in liaison with other personnel

4.3

Isolate bulk solids loading equipment, and its components

4.4

Make safe for required work

4.5

Check bulk solids loading equipment, and its components is ready to be returned to service

4.6

De-isolate and prepare equipment for return to service

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include the ability to:

operate bulk solids loading equipment

recognise early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems

determine the most likely cause of routine problems

take appropriate action to ensure a timely return to full performance

isolate and de-isolate equipment

identify hazards and apply hazard control procedures.

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

types, application and principles of operation of load-out equipment

process parameters and limits

routine problems, faults and their symptoms and the corrective action to be taken

relevant alarms and actions

hierarchy of control

hazards that may arise in the job/work environment, and:

their possible causes

potential consequences

appropriate risk controls.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for work

1.1

Receive and give shift handover

1.2

Identify work requirements

1.3

Identify and control hazards

1.4

Coordinate with appropriate personnel

1.5

Check for recent work undertaken on plant item

1.6

Note any outstanding/incomplete work

1.7

Check operational status of bulk solids loading equipment

2

Manage bulk material storage and operate load-out equipment

2.1

Visually inspect storage facility and load-out equipment

2.2

Determine levels of solids in storage using appropriate indicators

2.3

Ensure storage discharge areas are free from obstructions

2.4

Identify the types of load-out equipment and duty

2.5

Operate load-out equipment in accordance with procedures

2.6

Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork taking appropriate action on unexpected readings

2.7

Ensure containment is properly sealed according to procedures after load-out

2.8

Move containment to transhipment area

3

Recognise problems and take appropriate action

3.1

Monitor plant frequently and critically throughout shift using measured/indicated data and senses

3.2

Identify impacts of any changes upstream and downstream

3.3

Recognise situations which may require action

3.4

Resolve routine problems

3.5

Take actions on other abnormal situations to make safe and have the situation resolved

4

Isolate and de-isolate bulk solids loading equipment

4.1

Complete any required prestart checks

4.2

Start up/shut down bulk solids loading equipment, and its components according to the equipment type and duty in liaison with other personnel

4.3

Isolate bulk solids loading equipment, and its components

4.4

Make safe for required work

4.5

Check bulk solids loading equipment, and its components is ready to be returned to service

4.6

De-isolate and prepare equipment for return to service

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Regulatory framework

The latest version of all legislation, regulations, industry codes of practice and Australian/international standards, or the version specified by the local regulatory authority, must be used, and include one or more of the following:

legislative requirements, including work health and safety (WHS)

industry codes of practice and guidelines

environmental regulations and guidelines

Australian and other standards

licence and certification requirements

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory 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.

Procedures

All operations must be performed in accordance with relevant procedures.

Procedures are written, verbal, visual, computer-based or in some other form, include one or more of the following:

emergency procedures

work instructions

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

safe work method statements (SWMS)

formulas/recipes

batch sheets

temporary instructions

any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant.

Hazards

Hazards include one or more of the following:

electricity

structural hazards

structural collapse

equipment failures

industrial (machinery, equipment and product)

equipment or product mass

noise, rotational equipment or vibration

plant services (steam, condensate and cooling water)

working at heights, in restricted or confined spaces, or in environments subjected to heat, noise, dusts or vapours

flammability and explosivity

hazardous products and materials

unauthorised personnel

sharp edges, protrusions or obstructions

slippery surfaces, spills or leaks

extreme weather

other hazards that might arise

Routine problems

Routine problems must be resolved by applying known solutions.

Routine problems are predictable and include one or more of the following:

rat holing and bridging in silos/bins/hoppers

routing issues

equipment problems

solids falling from equipment

Known solutions are drawn from one or more of the following:

procedures

training

remembered experience

Non-routine problems must be reported according to according to relevant procedures.

Actions on other abnormal situations

Actions on other abnormal situations include the following:

determining problems needing action

determining possible fault causes

rectifying predictable problems using appropriate solution from procedures

following through items initiated until final resolution has occurred

reporting problems outside area of responsibility/scope to designated person

Logs and reports

Logs and reports include one or more of the following:

paper or electronic-based logs and reports

verbal/radio reports

reporting items found which require action

Load-out equipment

Load-out equipment includes one or more of the following:

hoppers, bins or silos

conveyors

chutes

dust extraction equipment and bag houses

automated bagging or filling equipment

vibratory settling equipment

roller conveyors

motorised lifting equipment

weighing equipment

moisture/composition testing equipment

Solids containments

Solids containments include one or more of the following:

bulk bags

drums

road tankers

hopper cars

containers

sealed bins

Work requirements

Work requirements come from briefings, handovers and work orders, and include one or more of the following:

compliance documentation

product specifications

nature and scope of tasks

achievement targets

operational conditions

site layout and out of bounds areas

worksite inspection requirements

lighting conditions

plant or equipment defects

hazards and potential hazards

coordination requirements or issues

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

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Receive and give shift handover 
Identify work requirements 
Identify and control hazards 
Coordinate with appropriate personnel 
Check for recent work undertaken on plant item 
Note any outstanding/incomplete work 
Check operational status of bulk solids loading equipment 
Visually inspect storage facility and load-out equipment 
Determine levels of solids in storage using appropriate indicators 
Ensure storage discharge areas are free from obstructions 
Identify the types of load-out equipment and duty 
Operate load-out equipment in accordance with procedures 
Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork taking appropriate action on unexpected readings 
Ensure containment is properly sealed according to procedures after load-out 
Move containment to transhipment area 
Monitor plant frequently and critically throughout shift using measured/indicated data and senses 
Identify impacts of any changes upstream and downstream 
Recognise situations which may require action 
Resolve routine problems 
Take actions on other abnormal situations to make safe and have the situation resolved 
Complete any required prestart checks 
Start up/shut down bulk solids loading equipment, and its components according to the equipment type and duty in liaison with other personnel 
Isolate bulk solids loading equipment, and its components 
Make safe for required work 
Check bulk solids loading equipment, and its components is ready to be returned to service 
De-isolate and prepare equipment for return to service 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMAOPS261 - Operate bulk solids loading equipment
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

PMAOPS261 - Operate bulk solids loading equipment

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: