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

PMC552030 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Operate a firing kiln

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PMC552030 - Operate a firing kiln
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate a firing kiln and ancillary equipment that is integral to the process. It applies to large production contexts and smaller craft contexts. This unit of competency applies to operators who are required to prepare the firing equipment, load and stack products, monitor and adjust kiln operation and rectify routine problems. This unit of competency does not apply to forming, drying prior to firing, finishing or operation of rotary kilns.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, team leader and supervisor, as appropriate.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 shall be based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

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, focussing 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/s of equipment requiring demonstration of operation, start-up and shutdown procedures and responding to problems

may use industry-based simulation for all or part of the unit particularly 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 that reflects 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 demonstration of skills and one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

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 shall demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they shall 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 the firing equipment
  • Determine the firing requirements from the production program
  • Identify and set up the kiln cars or furniture
  • Ensure kiln refractories are within specification, including kiln cars, kiln lining and refractories at burners, as appropriate
  • Ensure the firing equipment is safe to use
  • Check for fuel feed obstructions and clear burner pathways
  • Ensure products are set or stacked to specification
  • Ensure correct stacking pattern is used
  • Ensure adequate space is allowed around each item
  • Use kiln space effectively
       
Element: Monitor kiln operation
  • Monitor kiln firing to ensure temperature rise and fall rate is to specification
  • Monitor and record kiln car movement, or kiln contents
  • Monitor and adjust kiln heating equipment (elements or burners) and record temperature gradient details
  • Monitor the kiln atmosphere
  • Monitor for correct operation of kiln
  • Move kiln car or kiln contents to the appropriate storage area
  • Check and record condition of products leaving the kiln
       
Element: Rectify routine problems
  • Identify the range of faults that can occur during the operation
  • Determine and rectify fault causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions
  • Identify and rectify equipment failure causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions
  • Ensure appropriate records and log books of equipment operations are maintained to meet procedures/work instructions
  • Identify non-routine problems and report to designated person
       
Element: Control hazards
  • Identify hazards in kiln work area
  • Assess the risks arising from those hazards
  • Implement measures to control those risks in line with procedures and duty of care
       


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 the firing equipment

1.1

Determine the firing requirements from the production program

1.2

Identify and set up the kiln cars or furniture

1.3

Ensure kiln refractories are within specification, including kiln cars, kiln lining and refractories at burners, as appropriate

1.4

Ensure the firing equipment is safe to use

1.5

Check for fuel feed obstructions and clear burner pathways

2

Load kiln

2.1

Ensure products are set or stacked to specification

2.2

Ensure correct stacking pattern is used

2.3

Ensure adequate space is allowed around each item

2.4

Use kiln space effectively

3

Monitor kiln operation

3.1

Monitor kiln firing to ensure temperature rise and fall rate is to specification

3.2

Monitor and record kiln car movement, or kiln contents

3.3

Monitor and adjust kiln heating equipment (elements or burners) and record temperature gradient details

3.4

Monitor the kiln atmosphere

3.5

Monitor for correct operation of kiln

3.6

Move kiln car or kiln contents to the appropriate storage area

3.7

Check and record condition of products leaving the kiln

4

Rectify routine problems

4.1

Identify the range of faults that can occur during the operation

4.2

Determine and rectify fault causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions

4.3

Identify and rectify equipment failure causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions

4.4

Ensure appropriate records and log books of equipment operations are maintained to meet procedures/work instructions

4.5

Identify non-routine problems and report to designated person

5

Control hazards

5.1

Identify hazards in kiln work area

5.2

Assess the risks arising from those hazards

5.3

Implement measures to control those risks in line with procedures and duty of care

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

set up, configure, start and operate the firing equipment according to procedures

monitor and adjust the equipment to meet product quality and production output specifications

load and stack products into kiln

identify hazards and apply relevant hazard controls

apply safety procedures

recognise out-of-specification products, process problems and materials faults

recognise routine and non-routine problems

identify when the operator is able to rectify problems, when assistance is required and who is the appropriate source for assistance

take action to resolve problems or report them to appropriate personnel

distinguish between possible causes of routine problems, including:

raw material variations

mechanical abnormalities

electrical/instrument reading variations

process abnormalities

communicate effectively with team/work group and supervisors

read and interpret product specifications, job sheets, procedures, material labels and safety information

complete workplace records

do basic arithmetical manipulations, including additions, subtractions, divisions, fractions and percentages.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to operate under routine only supervision and to solve routine problems, including knowledge of:

principles of firing process

functions, limitations and principles of operation of firing equipment

composition and nature of raw materials and finished product

importance of stacking patterns

stages and critical transitions during the firing process

basic physics, and where appropriate chemistry, relevant to the equipment/process/materials

the potential effects of variations in raw materials and process conditions in relation to quality of product/output

factors which may affect product quality or production output and appropriate remedies

routine problems, their probable causes and relevant corrective actions

organisation procedures relevant to the work environment/job role

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 the firing equipment

1.1

Determine the firing requirements from the production program

1.2

Identify and set up the kiln cars or furniture

1.3

Ensure kiln refractories are within specification, including kiln cars, kiln lining and refractories at burners, as appropriate

1.4

Ensure the firing equipment is safe to use

1.5

Check for fuel feed obstructions and clear burner pathways

2

Load kiln

2.1

Ensure products are set or stacked to specification

2.2

Ensure correct stacking pattern is used

2.3

Ensure adequate space is allowed around each item

2.4

Use kiln space effectively

3

Monitor kiln operation

3.1

Monitor kiln firing to ensure temperature rise and fall rate is to specification

3.2

Monitor and record kiln car movement, or kiln contents

3.3

Monitor and adjust kiln heating equipment (elements or burners) and record temperature gradient details

3.4

Monitor the kiln atmosphere

3.5

Monitor for correct operation of kiln

3.6

Move kiln car or kiln contents to the appropriate storage area

3.7

Check and record condition of products leaving the kiln

4

Rectify routine problems

4.1

Identify the range of faults that can occur during the operation

4.2

Determine and rectify fault causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions

4.3

Identify and rectify equipment failure causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions

4.4

Ensure appropriate records and log books of equipment operations are maintained to meet procedures/work instructions

4.5

Identify non-routine problems and report to designated person

5

Control hazards

5.1

Identify hazards in kiln work area

5.2

Assess the risks arising from those hazards

5.3

Implement measures to control those risks in line with procedures and duty of care

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.

Applicable legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice include:

health, safety and environmental (HSE) legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to the workplace, equipment and production processes and hazardous materials

Australian/international standards relevant to the materials being used and products being made

any relevant licence and certification requirements.

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent 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 such requirements the legislative 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, and include one or any combination of:

job cards

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.

Tools and equipment

Tools and equipment include:

firing kiln

programmable logic controllers (PLC), if fitted

instrument panels (local)

measuring and recording equipment

kiln cars, racking or other kiln furniture

ancillary equipment that is integral to the process.

Problems/known solutions

Routine problems must be resolved by applying known solutions.

Routine problems/known solutions are predictable and include one or more of:

ensuring moisture content of product prior to firing is within specification

furnace temperature profile variations

drying variations

distribution of product in kiln or on kiln car

correct transition through quartz inversion, as appropriate

distortion of refractories or mechanical failures.

Known solutions are drawn from one or more of:

procedures

training

remembered experience.

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

Hazards

Hazards must be identified and controlled. Identifying hazards requires consideration of:

high temperatures

smoke, dust, vapours or other atmospheric hazards

weight, shape, volume of materials to be handled

hazardous products and materials

sharp edges, protrusions or obstructions

slippery surfaces, spills or leaks

electricity

gas

gases and liquids under pressure

noise

rotational equipment or vibration

plant services (steam, condensate, cooling water, etc)

structural hazards

equipment failures

machinery, equipment and product mass

limited head spaces or overhangs

working at heights

working in restricted or confined spaces

other hazards that might arise.

Records and reports

Records include one or more of:

log books/sheets

electronic records

job/work sheets

other records used for the smooth running of the plant.

Reports include one or more of:

paper or electronic-based logs and reports

verbal/radio reports

reporting items found which require action.

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
Determine the firing requirements from the production program 
Identify and set up the kiln cars or furniture 
Ensure kiln refractories are within specification, including kiln cars, kiln lining and refractories at burners, as appropriate 
Ensure the firing equipment is safe to use 
Check for fuel feed obstructions and clear burner pathways 
Ensure products are set or stacked to specification 
Ensure correct stacking pattern is used 
Ensure adequate space is allowed around each item 
Use kiln space effectively 
Monitor kiln firing to ensure temperature rise and fall rate is to specification 
Monitor and record kiln car movement, or kiln contents 
Monitor and adjust kiln heating equipment (elements or burners) and record temperature gradient details 
Monitor the kiln atmosphere 
Monitor for correct operation of kiln 
Move kiln car or kiln contents to the appropriate storage area 
Check and record condition of products leaving the kiln 
Identify the range of faults that can occur during the operation 
Determine and rectify fault causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions 
Identify and rectify equipment failure causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions 
Ensure appropriate records and log books of equipment operations are maintained to meet procedures/work instructions 
Identify non-routine problems and report to designated person 
Identify hazards in kiln work area 
Assess the risks arising from those hazards 
Implement measures to control those risks in line with procedures and duty of care 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMC552030 - Operate a firing kiln
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

PMC552030 - Operate a firing kiln

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: