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

PMAOPS261A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Operate bulk solids loading equipment

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PMAOPS261A - Operate bulk solids loading equipment
Description This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge needed to operate a range of equipment used to convey and load bulk solids.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to a person who has the responsibility for the operation of filling and loading equipment for bulk solids in sealed containments for shipment from the plant by road or rail. It can include a range of supplementary equipment. It is not intended to apply to line conveyors as part of a ship loading system. This unit 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 applies in metalliferous processing plants and other plants which load bulk solids.This unit has been written with minerals processing plants as the specific focus. However, it could also be applied to any plant in which raw product is produced for transporting for further processing, such as in the manufacture of plastics or other particulates with appropriate contextualisation.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field
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
  • Check documentation for load-out details
  • Identify work requirements
  • Identify and report any hazards in accordance with procedures
  • Coordinate with appropriate personnel
  • Check operational status of equipment
  • Complete any required pre-start checks
       


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.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence are:

early warning signs of equipment/processes 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.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this competency will occur over a range of situations which will include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operation. This will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability. Where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue an industry-based simulation may be employed to assist the process.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, competency and safety requirements of the site and consistent with workplace systems or procedures.


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.

Required skills

Required skills include:

recognising conditions which will lead to out of specification operation

implementing enterprise procedures within time constraints and in a manner relevant to the correct use of the equipment

operating skills sufficient to correctly operate the equipment

conveying information relevant to the operation clearly and effectively

reading and numeracy to interpret workplace documents and technical information

applying mathematics to the level necessary to monitor instrumentation

Required knowledge

Required knowledge, to the breadth and depth required for the operation of bulk particulates loading equipment, includes:

principles of operation of load-out equipment

process parameters and limits

duty of care obligations

typical issues causing problems and the resolution of those problems

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

relevant alarms and actions

plant process idiosyncrasies

relevant environmental and heritage requirements

distinguish between causes of problems, such as:

material

instrument

equipment (electrical/mechanical)

maintenance

relevant work health and safety (WHS) and environmental requirements, along with an ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner which is relevant to the operation of the materials load-out equipment

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Procedures

Procedures may be written, verbal, computer-based or in some other form. They may include, but are not limited to:

all work instructions

standard operating procedures

formulas/recipes

batch sheets

temporary instructions

any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant

good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice

Procedures would be expected to comply with any relevant government regulations.

Logs and reports

Logs and reports may include:

paper or electronic-based logs and reports

verbal/radio reports

reporting items found which require action

Appropriate action

Appropriate action includes but is not limited to:

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

Equipment

Load-out equipment may include, but is not limited to:

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

appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

weighing equipment

moisture testing equipment

Containments

Solids containments may include, but are not limited to:

bulk bags

drums

road tankers

hopper cars

containers

sealed bins

Health, safety and environment (HSE)

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent HSE requirements, which may be imposed through state 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.

Typical problems

Typical problems may include:

rat holing and bridging in silos/bins/hoppers

routing issues

equipment problems

Work requirements

Work requirements may come from briefings, handovers and work orders and may include:

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

Appropriate personnel

Appropriate personnel may include:

other process operators

contractors

laboratory personnel

mobile plant operators

maintenance personnel

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
Check documentation for load-out details 
Identify work requirements 
Identify and report any hazards in accordance with procedures 
Coordinate with appropriate personnel 
Check operational status of equipment 
Complete any required pre-start checks 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMAOPS261A - 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

PMAOPS261A - 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: