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.

Overview of assessment

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for the operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

working with others to undertake and complete the operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of the operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete the operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to operate programmable logic controllers (PLCs):

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

apply operational safety requirements

access, interpret and apply technical information

applying the plant operating procedures

apply production and equipment records maintenance requirements

apply diagnostic techniques

apply keyboard skills

use relevant hand tools

work wearing personal protective equipment

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to operate programmable logic controllers (PLCs):

site hazard identification and response procedures

site risk control procedures

site and equipment health and safety procedures

site environmental requirements and constraints

site quality requirements

site communication procedures

site product characteristics

site operational procedures

process control pre-start, start-up, operating and shutdown procedures and techniques

plant components functions, characteristics, technical capability and limitations

process control breakdown procedures

plant isolation procedures

process control system corrective procedures

site record keeping requirements

site confine space work procedures

site personal protective equipment requirements

contaminant identification

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.

Relevant compliance documentation

may include:

legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

code of practice

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Functions of the PLC may include:

control levels

densities

torque

pressures

sequence of operations

alarms

production records

motor amps

interlocks

Pre-start and start-up procedures may include:

walk around check of the plant

instrument and control lever checks

reporting defects and damage

follow prescribed start-up sequence

confirm plant is operational

Shutdown procedures may include:

following prescribed shutdown sequence

securing equipment

Monitoring may be by:

computer screen

dials and gauges

lights

closed circuit TV

alarms

Control may be made by:

keyboard input

switches and buttons

dials and gauges

Hazardous and emergency situations may include:

confined spaces

working alone

personal injury

unplanned shutdown

environmental

chemical

fire

electrical

dust

noise