Responsibility for selecting suppliers and negotiating contracts will differ between workplaces. The purpose of this unit is to address the skills and knowledge required to assess requirements, identify suppliers with appropriate capacity, compare costs of supply, monitor usage patterns and recommend improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce cost. The authority to make final decisions on supply may or may not rest at this level.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess utility and energy requirements

1.1. Energy and utility requirements for a given production facility are estimated

1.2. Estimates of requirements take account of historical patterns of use and forecast production volumes

2. Identify suppliers of energy and utilities

2.1. Existing and potential suppliers of energy and utilities are identified

2.2. Environmental costs and benefits associated with supply are identified and considered in supply criteria

2.3. Criteria for selection of suppliers is established and applied

2.4. Suppliers capable of meeting supply criteria are selected

2.5. Contingency procedures are reviewed or developed in the event of failure of supply

3. Monitor energy and utility use against budget

3.1. Use of energy and utilities is measured and recorded

3.2. Usage patterns are analysed against performance standards and budget allocations

3.3. Cost-effective options for balancing the scheduling requirements for production with containment of energy and utility costs are identified, assessed and implemented within level of responsibility

4. Contribute to the more efficient use of energy and utilities

4.1. Energy and utility losses or sources of waste are identified

4.2. Opportunities to improve efficient energy/utility application are identified, investigated and reported

4.3. Consultative mechanisms are established and/or reviewed to support continuous improvement and communicate information on energy and utility efficiency and related procedures

Required skills

Ability to:

map the uses of energy and utilities in production across the production site, including identifying patterns of usage (volume and spread of load)

identify the units of measurement used to quantify energy and utilities

identify methods used to measure usage rates of energy and utilities, including physical measurement instruments, such as meters and measurement techniques used to track inputs to and outputs of a process

analyse historical data and sale/production forecasts to project energy and utility requirements for a given production system over a fixed period

identify supplier criteria, such as cost and capacity

identify costs of supply, including tariffs and charges, and peak demand/cost periods

identify and evaluate opportunities to spread supplier load and risk by use of multiple suppliers and/or co-generation

establish contingency plans and procedures in the event of supply failure taking into account food safety issues

identify common methods and equipment for generating utilities for use on-site, such as steam generation and other utilities as appropriate for a given production facility

where boilers are operated on-site, identify relevant licensing requirements to be met by operators as appropriate to boiler types and relevant issuing authority

given existing energy and utility supply arrangements, determine the most efficient scheduling of production to meet the dual objectives of production outcomes and efficient energy/utility use

monitor energy and utility usage rates of a given production facility and identify variances against budget/plan

identify factors that affect the efficient use of energy and utilities, such as:

features of process/system configuration and design that conserve and/or recycle energy and utilities such as steam, heat and water

poor maintenance which can result in losses such as steam, glycol or ammonia leaks etc

procedures for shutting down plant and equipment (e.g. equipment left running during breaks

procedures for conserving resources not directly related to the process, such as lighting and airconditioning

assess the impact of these factors on energy and utility utilisation for a given production facility and identify opportunities to improve efficiency

based on investigations, develop improvement proposals (this may be undertaken with input from relevant technical specialists)

assess and/or develop procedures to support efficient energy and utility utilisation (this measure of efficiency needs to take account of impact on process equipment, health and safety and food safety)

establish and/or utilise consultative arrangements to canvass input on energy and utility efficiency including input on waste identification and reduction and options for improved efficiency

communicate information on changes to workplace systems and procedures to support improvements

use communication skills to interpret and complete work information to support operations of work team or area

demonstrate and support cooperative work practices within a culturally diverse workforce

Required knowledge

Knowledge of:

uses of energy and utilities in production and units of measurement used to quantify energy and utilities

methods used to measure usage rates

elements of costs associated with supply, including tariffs and charges

licensing requirements to be met by operators as appropriate to boiler types and relevant issuing authority

factors that affect the efficient use of energy and utilities

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

Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed. Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations.

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

Evidence of ability to:

determine utility requirements and assess current practices

establish supply options and conduct analysis to determine most efficient arrangements

monitor and evaluate utility usage against targets and identify wastage or losses

identify and assess opportunities for improving energy efficiencies.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:

company information on energy and resource utilisation

details of contractual arrangements with suppliers

production scheduling requirements and systems

energy and resource utilisation information recording systems, requirements and procedures.

Method of assessment

This unit should be assessed together with core units and other units of competency relevant to the function or work role.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

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.

Policies and procedures

Use of utilities and energy supplies and related work processes are consistent with company policies and procedures, regulatory and licensing requirements, legislative requirements, and industrial awards and agreements and takes account of occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental impact

Utility and energy for a production facility

Utility and energy for a production facility refers to:

gas

power

water

steam

airconditioning

other utilities as appropriate to a production facility

Supply options

Supply options include:

internal supply of utilities, such as steam and air conditioning as well as external supply

Unit sector

Technical

This unit contains employability skills.