CPCPMS4003A
Design compressed air systems

This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to design and size compressed air distribution systems and prepare system plans and specifications.

Application

This unit of competency supports the needs of experienced plumbers with a responsibility for providing consultancy or supervision in the evaluation and design of compressed air systems.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Evaluate design parameters.

1.1. Scope of work is established for the design of compressed air systems.

1.2. Client requirements are determined from plans, specifications and client briefs.

1.3. Cost-benefit analysis is conducted comparing a range of materials and system designs.

1.4. Statutory, regulatory and Australian and New Zealand Standard requirements for the design of compressed air systems are interpreted, analysed and applied.

1.5. Manufacturer requirements and trade and technical manuals are interpreted.

1.6. Additional research, including a desktop study, is conducted to outline design parameters.

1.7. Performance requirements are established.

2. Plan and detail system components.

2.1. Layout of pipework systems and the type and location of fittings and valves are planned.

2.2. System calculations are conducted for a range of applications.

2.3. Compressed air system equipment and components are sized and specified.

2.4. Noise reduction methods are analysed and suitable methods specified.

2.5. Approved materials and jointing methods and all installation requirements are specified.

3. Design and size systems.

3.1. Compressed air systems are designed for a range of applications.

3.2. Compressed air systems are designed and sized using computer software packages.

4. Prepare documentation.

4.1. Plans are prepared for a range of compressed air systems.

4.2. Specification for a compressed air system is prepared.

4.3. Testing and commissioning schedule is prepared.

4.4. Operation and maintenance manual is produced.

Required Skills

Required skills

Required skills for this unit are:

communication skills to:

confirm job specifications and client requirements

enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand

read and interpret:

codes, legislation and standards

documentation from a variety of sources

drawings and specifications

regulatory authority requirements

report faults with application

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret non-verbal communication

numerical skills to apply measurements and calculations

organisational skills, including the ability to plan for and set out work.

Required knowledge

Required knowledge for this unit is:

nature of materials and effect of their performance in a variety of conditions

OHS and organisational quality procedures and processes

principles of technology in the design of compressed air systems

terminology, definitions, installation methods, applications and hazards identified in relation to compressed air devices and systems used according to Australian and New Zealand standards and other standards, codes or standard operating procedures

work drawings and specifications

workplace safety requirements, including relevant statutory regulations, codes and standards.

Evidence Required

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

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:

evaluate and document design parameters including client, regulatory, manufacturer and Australian and New Zealand standard requirements for a range of compressed air systems

produce appropriate layouts for compressed air systems in accordance with manufacturers' and regulatory requirements

calculate pipe sizes in accordance with regulations and manufacturers' requirements

design and size a compressed air system using appropriate software

prepare plans for a range of compressed air systems to industry standards

prepare a specification for a compressed air system

prepare a testing and commissioning schedule

prepare an operation and maintenance manual.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

an induction procedure and requirement

realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the minimum task requirements

relevant specifications and work instructions

tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices

support materials appropriate to activity

workplace instructions relating to safe working practices and addressing hazards and emergencies

material safety data sheets

research resources, including industry related systems information.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.


Range Statement

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.

Client requirements include:

architectural specifications

builders' specifications

owner requirements

specialist use applications.

Cost-benefit analysis includes:

comparison of the range of suitable treatment and disposal options, materials, system choices, disinfection options, water savings and environmental benefits compared to initial and ongoing maintenance costs.

Statutory, regulatory and Australian and New Zealand standard requirements include:

Acts

Australian and New Zealand standard requirements

Building Code of Australia

industry standards

local and state government policies, including group and strata titling

regulations.

Manufacturer requirements include:

material specifications

sizing tables

technical and trade manuals.

Desktop study includes collection and interpretation of existing data for design purposes from:

architectural and building plans and other documents, including:

applications

brochures

forms

policies

reports

council plans

developer plans

manufacturers' data.

Performance requirements include:

Australian and New Zealand standards

local authority plans

operational pressures and compressed air consumption

pressure and air quality.

Layout of pipework systems includes:

building integrity and aesthetic appeal should not be unduly effected by pipework

principles of economy, serviceability, durability and fit for use should be applied.

Fittings and valves include:

bends

couplings

isolating valves

pressure relief valves

tees

unions.

System calculations include:

air consumption

compressed air volume and storage

distribution pressures

energy

interpretation of design charts and tables

pipe sizing.

Equipment and components include:

air filtering equipment, including proprietary filtering systems and air scrubbing systems

capacity and size

compressed air appliances, including air-operated tools, machinery and equipment

moisture removal methods

mounting and installation requirements

oiling equipment

reciprocating compressors

single and multi-stage compressors

valves, pressure controls and components.

Materials include:

approved pressure-rated materials

copper

steel.

Jointing methods include:

brazing

mechanical joints

threading.

Installation requirements include:

clipping

installation details

jointing requirements

level of workmanship.

Plans:

include:

axonometrics

cross-sections

details

elevations

isometrics

schematics

sections

may be produced using:

computer generation

Indian ink

pencil

pigment liner.

Specification includes:

appliances

clipping

detailing of specialised components

jointing

manufacturer requirements

materials

valves

workmanship.

Testing includes:

flow testing

inspection checklist

leak testing

pressure testing

quality assurance (QA) audit.

Commissioning schedule includes:

check fit for purpose

check for burrs and obstructions

commission appliances

purge system

remove contaminants.

Operation and maintenance manual includes:

check for blockages

leak detection

regular inspections

regular maintenance requirements.


Sectors

Unit sector

Plumbing and services


Co-Requisites

Nil


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not Applicable