MSAPMOPS100A
Use equipment

This unit covers the use of any item of equipment which is operated with limited application of knowledge.

Application

This unit applies to all persons who have the responsibility for using equipment where they are not required to have any significant understanding of the equipment or the process.

In a typical situation the operator may be using, for example, a packaged chilled water refrigeration unit to supply chilled water to the plant. The operator uses simple controls and responds to fault alarms built into the equipment. Even though the equipment may be very sophisticated (e.g. using high-speed compressors and computerised monitoring and control equipment) the operator interface is relatively simple. The operator is expected to simply regard this equipment as a black box – they may know what it does, but little detail on how it does it.

This unit applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team or group and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.

Where greater levels of understanding and interaction are required, then the appropriate 200 series technical unit should be used.

This unit has been written to apply to fluids as well as solids and may be applied wherever ‘black box’ equipment is used.

Prerequisites

This unit has no prerequisites.

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Follow workplace procedures

1.1 Find out what is required for the job

1.2 Identify and follow appropriate procedures

1.3 Complete all reporting as required

1.4 Recognise and report anything unusual

2. Monitor and use the equipment/process

2.1 Turn the equipment on and off as required by procedure

2.2 Monitor equipment throughout the job using measurements, readings and senses as appropriate

2.3 Recognise deviations from standard/desired conditions

2.4 Take appropriate corrective action

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Minimal knowledge of the equipment and procedures but sufficient to recognise abnormal operating conditions and alert the appropriate individuals.

Knowledge of organisation procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards.

Competence includes the ability for the practical completion of the job to:

describe appropriate safety procedures concerning the operation of the equipment, procedures relating to the reporting of hazardous conditions, and appropriate shutdown procedures

recognise a situation requiring action and take the action specified in the procedures, and report the situation as specified in the procedures.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit has minimal literacy and numeracy requirements other than those required to start and stop the equipment and recognise common problems (e.g. reading gauges).

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.

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

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:

use the equipment for the specified purpose

operate the equipment within the prescribed operating limits

identify when the equipment is not operating as prescribed

correctly monitor the equipment's operation

report equipment malfunctions or problems according to procedures.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:

standard procedures are followed

deviations from desired conditions are recognised

action specified in the standard procedures is carried out

work is carried out safely.

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur on an appropriate item of equipment and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

on a processing plant allowing for operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions

in a situation allowing the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems

by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios

through a combination of these techniques.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.

Specific resources for assessment

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

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.

Standards and codes

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

Context

This competency applies to operators new to the job or operators at any level using equipment where significant understanding of the equipment or process is not required. It applies to any item of equipment which may be used in any sector. It may include:

compressors (packaged plant)

refrigeration (packaged plant)

fans

blowers

portable generators

air conditioning units

other equipment with similar operating requirements

Packaged plant

Packaged plant includes:

all items of equipment which come in a 'ready to use' form, and are often skid mounted, portable or designed for use by untrained and inexperienced people

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures mean all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

Hazards

Typical hazards include:

rotating components

drive chains or belts

hot or cold equipment parts

dust, vibration, noise or fumes

oil spills

fuel leaks

Corrective action

Taking appropriate corrective action includes:

reporting to the appropriate people or such other specific actions which have been previously defined for specific occurrences

Variables

Key variables to be monitored include:

equipment production outputs

equipment operating conditions

operating temperatures and pressures

Sectors

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.

Licensing Information

Not applicable.