This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to recognise and diagnose problems in hydraulic/pneumatic control systems on process equipment, and take appropriate corrective action.

This unit of competency applies to operators who are required to apply knowledge of fluid power systems and components to the identification and isolation of faults in equipment. The key factors are the diagnosis and the recommendation of action to resolve routine and non-routine faults in order to return the equipment to production.

The unit applies to all work environments and sectors within the manufacturing industry. It requires an understanding of the operation of all relevant equipment and processes but does not necessarily require them to be used personally.

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 and the control room operator, as appropriate.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

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

identify fluid power problem and possible problem causes

take appropriate action in a timely manner

apply operational knowledge to non-routine problems

develop appropriate maintenance schedule/requirements.

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

hazards and hazard controls specific to the fluid power system and the plant it is used on

principles of hydraulics/pneumatics and circuit components

fluid power circuit diagrams

types and causes of known fluid power problems for the plant unit and its components

corrective action appropriate to the problem cause

appropriate investigation procedures and use of equipment for a range of equipment faults.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence 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 focusing 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

will typically include the use of an appropriate industrial item of equipment requiring demonstration of operation, start and stop 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 reflecting 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 one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

demonstration of skills

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.

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 assessor requirements.

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

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