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

PMASUP444 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Plan plant preparation and isolation

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PMASUP444 - Plan plant preparation and isolation
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to plan and prepare for isolation of plant and its return to service. This unit of competency applies after the work scope has been agreed, but before the isolation and preparation commences. Isolation is a process for ensuring no energy or material can enter the isolated area. Typically the isolation will occur so that the plant can be prepared for subsequent work, such as maintenance.This unit of competency applies to senior technicians, operator/maintainers, maintenance planners, authorised permit issuers, and those in similar roles who are required to apply in-depth knowledge of process and plant in order to confirm the work to be done; plan the isolation and de-isolation strategies, preparations and sequencing; obtain authorities; liaise with stakeholders and complete documentation. The technician will have detailed operational and process knowledge but is not required to demonstrate 'hands on' operation of equipment as part of this competency. This competency may form part of their regular work role or could be a full-time role on secondment for a major shutdown.This unit of competency applies to hazardous plant, such as a major hazard facility. However, with appropriate contextualisation it can be applied to the preparation and isolation of lower hazard plants and mobile plant.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 evidence.

The collection of performance evidence is best done from a report and/or folio of evidence drawn from:

a single project which provides sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria

multiple smaller projects which together provide sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria.

A third-party report, or similar, may be needed to testify to the work done by the individual, particularly when the project has been done as part of a project team.

Assessment should use a real project in an operational workplace. Where this is not possible or practical, assessment must occur using 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.

Simulation may be used for part only of this unit.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence 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 Support
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: Confirm scope of work
  • Examine identified work scope (e.g. what, where, who, when, why, duration and frequency)
  • Confirm purpose of identified work
  • Identify plant and equipment involved
  • Negotiate any conflicts/inconsistencies with relevant stakeholders
  • Identify possible need for temporary lifting of any isolations
       
Element: Develop isolation philosophy for work
  • Apply relevant isolation philosophy/strategy, including type of/hierarchy of isolation and lock out/tag out
  • Determine implications of isolation
  • Identify physical limits of affected plant and equipment
  • Check suitability and effectiveness of existing isolation procedures
  • Assess possible boundaries for isolations
  • Seek local knowledge for similar isolations and preparations
  • Identify available/permissible preparation strategies, including purging fluids and techniques
  • Draft strategies for isolation and preparation
  • Communicate, as appropriate, with stakeholders
  • Negotiate isolation and preparation conflicts
  • Prepare isolation philosophy for work
       
Element: Manage hazards
  • Identify existing hazards of plant, process and materials
  • Identify hazards associated with performing the isolations and preparation
  • Identify hazards associated with purging/flushing/venting materials
  • Draft strategies for controlling any releases
  • Estimate required preparation durations taking into account factors, such as starting conditions, safe rates of change (pressure, temperature), volumes and pressures required
  • Make recommendations for improvement in accordance with procedures
  • Liaise with technical experts as required
  • Specify types of isolations and locations of isolations required
  • Specify controls to bring hazards to ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ (ALARP)
       
Element: Plan required isolation and preparation
  • Determine required sequencing of all steps
  • Develop isolation procedure
  • Develop preparation procedure
  • Develop decontamination procedures
  • Develop required procedures for plant supplementary systems
  • Verify procedures against relevant drawings and the plant
  • Identify and schedule required pre-work
  • Determine competencies required to complete planned isolations and preparation
  • Plan required de-isolation and preparation for return to service
  • Discuss proposed plans with relevant stakeholders
  • Complete required documentation
       
Element: Obtain authority to execute plan
  • Obtain approval to implement the isolation and preparation plan
  • Obtain approval to implement the de-isolation and preparation for return to service plan
  • Acquire hardware and resources for isolation and de-isolation and preparation for work and 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

Confirm scope of work

1.1

Examine identified work scope (e.g. what, where, who, when, why, duration and frequency)

1.2

Confirm purpose of identified work

1.3

Identify plant and equipment involved

1.4

Negotiate any conflicts/inconsistencies with relevant stakeholders

1.5

Identify possible need for temporary lifting of any isolations

2

Develop isolation philosophy for work

2.1

Apply relevant isolation philosophy/strategy, including type of/hierarchy of isolation and lock out/tag out

2.2

Determine implications of isolation

2.3

Identify physical limits of affected plant and equipment

2.4

Check suitability and effectiveness of existing isolation procedures

2.5

Assess possible boundaries for isolations

2.6

Seek local knowledge for similar isolations and preparations

2.7

Identify available/permissible preparation strategies, including purging fluids and techniques

2.8

Draft strategies for isolation and preparation

2.9

Communicate, as appropriate, with stakeholders

2.10

Negotiate isolation and preparation conflicts

2.11

Prepare isolation philosophy for work

3

Manage hazards

3.1

Identify existing hazards of plant, process and materials

3.2

Identify hazards associated with performing the isolations and preparation

3.3

Identify hazards associated with purging/flushing/venting materials

3.4

Draft strategies for controlling any releases

3.5

Estimate required preparation durations taking into account factors, such as starting conditions, safe rates of change (pressure, temperature), volumes and pressures required

3.6

Make recommendations for improvement in accordance with procedures

3.7

Liaise with technical experts as required

3.8

Specify types of isolations and locations of isolations required

3.9

Specify controls to bring hazards to ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ (ALARP)

4

Plan required isolation and preparation

4.1

Determine required sequencing of all steps

4.2

Develop isolation procedure

4.3

Develop preparation procedure

4.4

Develop decontamination procedures

4.5

Develop required procedures for plant supplementary systems

4.6

Verify procedures against relevant drawings and the plant

4.7

Identify and schedule required pre-work

4.8

Determine competencies required to complete planned isolations and preparation

4.9

Plan required de-isolation and preparation for return to service

4.10

Discuss proposed plans with relevant stakeholders

4.11

Complete required documentation

5

Obtain authority to execute plan

5.1

Obtain approval to implement the isolation and preparation plan

5.2

Obtain approval to implement the de-isolation and preparation for return to service plan

5.3

Acquire hardware and resources for isolation and de-isolation and preparation for work and 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:

plan, prepare and develop plant preparation and isolation philosophy/activities for a particular activity

arrange resources as required

communicate effectively with stakeholders, including manufacturers, engineering personnel, designers, contractors and maintenance and other company personnel

identify hazards and risks and apply risk control procedures

complete written/electronic documentation.

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

all items on a schematic of the system and functions of each

principles of operation of items of equipment in the system

process parameters and limits, (e.g. temperature, pressure, flow and pH) and plant integrity limits

typical requirements for preparation to ensure that plant and equipment is in a safe and appropriate condition for the required work, including:

draining

purging

inerting

decontaminating

cleaning

ventilating

controlling atmosphere (e.g. to ensure it is breathable, and is not within the flammable range)

adjusting temperature to make a workable environment

adjusting pressure (usually to atmospheric)

ensuring adequate access and egress

implications of isolation in both the area of the work and upstream and downstream, including:

upstream and downstream process implications

ability to prepare plant once isolated

integrity of plant once isolated and prepared

methods for controlling releases to the environment, including:

preventing any release

containing any release

recovery and reuse or disposal of any release.

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

Confirm scope of work

1.1

Examine identified work scope (e.g. what, where, who, when, why, duration and frequency)

1.2

Confirm purpose of identified work

1.3

Identify plant and equipment involved

1.4

Negotiate any conflicts/inconsistencies with relevant stakeholders

1.5

Identify possible need for temporary lifting of any isolations

2

Develop isolation philosophy for work

2.1

Apply relevant isolation philosophy/strategy, including type of/hierarchy of isolation and lock out/tag out

2.2

Determine implications of isolation

2.3

Identify physical limits of affected plant and equipment

2.4

Check suitability and effectiveness of existing isolation procedures

2.5

Assess possible boundaries for isolations

2.6

Seek local knowledge for similar isolations and preparations

2.7

Identify available/permissible preparation strategies, including purging fluids and techniques

2.8

Draft strategies for isolation and preparation

2.9

Communicate, as appropriate, with stakeholders

2.10

Negotiate isolation and preparation conflicts

2.11

Prepare isolation philosophy for work

3

Manage hazards

3.1

Identify existing hazards of plant, process and materials

3.2

Identify hazards associated with performing the isolations and preparation

3.3

Identify hazards associated with purging/flushing/venting materials

3.4

Draft strategies for controlling any releases

3.5

Estimate required preparation durations taking into account factors, such as starting conditions, safe rates of change (pressure, temperature), volumes and pressures required

3.6

Make recommendations for improvement in accordance with procedures

3.7

Liaise with technical experts as required

3.8

Specify types of isolations and locations of isolations required

3.9

Specify controls to bring hazards to ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ (ALARP)

4

Plan required isolation and preparation

4.1

Determine required sequencing of all steps

4.2

Develop isolation procedure

4.3

Develop preparation procedure

4.4

Develop decontamination procedures

4.5

Develop required procedures for plant supplementary systems

4.6

Verify procedures against relevant drawings and the plant

4.7

Identify and schedule required pre-work

4.8

Determine competencies required to complete planned isolations and preparation

4.9

Plan required de-isolation and preparation for return to service

4.10

Discuss proposed plans with relevant stakeholders

4.11

Complete required documentation

5

Obtain authority to execute plan

5.1

Obtain approval to implement the isolation and preparation plan

5.2

Obtain approval to implement the de-isolation and preparation for return to service plan

5.3

Acquire hardware and resources for isolation and de-isolation and preparation for work and 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:

Government of Western Australia, Department of Commerce, Guidance note – Isolation of plant, 2010 (or similar state regulation)

National Offshore Petroleum Safety Authority (NOPSA) requirements, where relevant

Major Hazard Facility (MHF) Licence to operate, where relevant

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

Hazards

Hazards include one or more of the following:

electricity

gas (flammable, toxic and anoxic)

gases and liquids under pressure

structural hazards

structural collapse

equipment failures

industrial (machinery, equipment and product)

equipment or product mass

plant services (steam, condensate and cooling water)

limited head spaces or overhangs

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

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

Determining competencies required

Determining competencies required for isolation and preparation includes consideration of the need for skilled/qualified/licensed personnel in the areas of the following:

electrical (normal)

electrical high voltage and hazardous area

electrical isolation/de-isolation

radiation

heights

mobile plant

plumbing

mechanical fitting

permit preparation

Isolation procedures

Isolation procedures include one or more of the following:

isolation processes

isolation list

multiple isolations

temporary lifting of isolations, when and if required

interlocks

and will include consideration of:

isolation alternatives

conflicts of isolation

Verifying procedures

Verifying procedures include one or more of the following:

checking existing documents which have been used are accurate, current and complete

checking planned isolation points do exist, are accessible, and are suitable for the isolation planned

having a history of providing the isolation desired

Relevant drawings

Relevant drawings include one or more of the following:

piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)

process flow diagrams (PFDs)

process flow sheets (PFSs)

process engineering flow sheets (PEFs)

Required pre-work

Required pre-work includes one or more of the following:

scaffolding

building up/depletion of inventories/work in progress (WIP)

obtaining of supplies

identification tags

lock out kits

Required documentation

Required documentation includes one or more of the following:

drawings

procedures

marking up existing documents

punch lists

vendor documents/engineering specifications

documentation required by the site work control system (e.g. permits)

Documents will conform to the site requirements and document control systems, and will be paper-based, electronic or in another approved form.

Authority to execute

Authority to execute includes both the authorisation to proceed and the timing of that execution. Authority will be obtained through the channels required by the organisation/facility.

The level of authority required will vary for different types of work, different types of isolation and different plants/facilities.

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
Examine identified work scope (e.g. what, where, who, when, why, duration and frequency) 
Confirm purpose of identified work 
Identify plant and equipment involved 
Negotiate any conflicts/inconsistencies with relevant stakeholders 
Identify possible need for temporary lifting of any isolations 
Apply relevant isolation philosophy/strategy, including type of/hierarchy of isolation and lock out/tag out 
Determine implications of isolation 
Identify physical limits of affected plant and equipment 
Check suitability and effectiveness of existing isolation procedures 
Assess possible boundaries for isolations 
Seek local knowledge for similar isolations and preparations 
Identify available/permissible preparation strategies, including purging fluids and techniques 
Draft strategies for isolation and preparation 
Communicate, as appropriate, with stakeholders 
Negotiate isolation and preparation conflicts 
Prepare isolation philosophy for work 
Identify existing hazards of plant, process and materials 
Identify hazards associated with performing the isolations and preparation 
Identify hazards associated with purging/flushing/venting materials 
Draft strategies for controlling any releases 
Estimate required preparation durations taking into account factors, such as starting conditions, safe rates of change (pressure, temperature), volumes and pressures required 
Make recommendations for improvement in accordance with procedures 
Liaise with technical experts as required 
Specify types of isolations and locations of isolations required 
Specify controls to bring hazards to ‘as low as reasonably practicable’ (ALARP) 
Determine required sequencing of all steps 
Develop isolation procedure 
Develop preparation procedure 
Develop decontamination procedures 
Develop required procedures for plant supplementary systems 
Verify procedures against relevant drawings and the plant 
Identify and schedule required pre-work 
Determine competencies required to complete planned isolations and preparation 
Plan required de-isolation and preparation for return to service 
Discuss proposed plans with relevant stakeholders 
Complete required documentation 
Obtain approval to implement the isolation and preparation plan 
Obtain approval to implement the de-isolation and preparation for return to service plan 
Acquire hardware and resources for isolation and de-isolation and preparation for work and return to service 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMASUP444 - Plan plant preparation and isolation
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

PMASUP444 - Plan plant preparation and isolation

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: