Application
This unit applies to an operator who monitors flare systems as part of their duties. The flare system includes all items from the safety relief device through to the flare inclusive. It includes:
elevated flares
ground flares
high level vents (with no flame).
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.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 | Monitor flare system | 1.1 | Identify and control flare system hazards |
1.2 | Visually inspect flare system components for compliance to requirements | ||
1.3 | Take relevant readings | ||
1.4 | Take required actions | ||
1.5 | Complete logs as required |
2 | Shut down flare system as required | 2.1 | Obtain required authorisations for a flare shutdown |
2.2 | Identify and control flare shutdown hazards | ||
2.3 | Prepare for flare shutdown according to procedures | ||
2.4 | Shut down according to procedures |
3 | Start up flare system as required | 3.1 | Check all required work has been completed |
3.2 | Identify and control flare start-up hazards | ||
3.3 | Prepare for flare start-up according to procedures | ||
3.4 | Start up flare system according to procedures |
4 | Solve flare system problems | 4.1 | Respond to abnormal conditions |
4.2 | Identify other problems in flare system | ||
4.3 | Take appropriate action to remedy flare problems | ||
4.4 | Communicate relevant information | ||
4.5 | Complete required documentation |
Required Skills
Required skills |
Required skills include: observing recognising conditions which indicate a problem implementing enterprise procedures within time constraints and in a manner relevant to the correct use of the equipment conveying information relevant to the operation clearly and effectively maintaining appropriate levels of quality assurance reading and numeracy to interpret/complete workplace documents and technical information |
Required knowledge |
Required knowledge of flare system principles and typical problems to a level needed to monitor and operate flare systems, includes: organisation’s procedures duty of care obligations hierarchy of control communication protocols, e.g. radio, phone, computer, paper and permissions/ authorities typical issues causing problems and the resolution of those problems routine problems, faults and their symptoms and the corrective action to be taken knock on/escalation potential process materials likely to be flared and the conditions which will lead to flaring function and troubleshooting for flare system relevant environmental requirements types of flare system equipment and their principles of operation and start-up/shutdown, and reasons for the different types flare system hazards inert gas purging and flame out potential relevant alarms, causes and responses significance of the exclusion zone how the flare system is integrated into the operation of the plant flare system purging requirements and methods indicators and consequences of poor combustion (as relevant) operations in abnormal conditions environmental licence exceedance reporting use of logs and routine reading trip/emergency system actions pilot/flare ignition systems |
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. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Critical aspects for assessment and evidence include: monitoring flare systems shutting down/starting up flare systems recognising and solving flare system problems. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment of this competency will occur over a range of situations which will include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operation. This will require access to a plant over a period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability. Where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue, an industry-based simulation may be employed to assist the process. |
Guidance information for assessment | Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, competency and safety requirements of the site and consistent with workplace systems or procedures. |
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. 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. | |
Context | This competency includes all flare system components from the safety relief valve to the flare inclusive. It may include but is not limited to: elevated flare ground flare vents (sometimes called ‘cold flare’) |
Flare system components | Flare system components may include but are not limited to: safety relief devices headers (warm/cold, high pressure/low pressure (HP/LP) and wet/dry) knock out drum flare tip (single point, multipoint and enclosed) stack seals pilot system blowers steam systems monitoring instrumentation recovery systems drains pumps pilot fuel/emergency fuel systems purge systems interlocks and other safety systems ignition systems liquid burners/systems, as relevant |
Hazards | Flare system hazards may include but are not limited to: access and exclusion zone heat blow backs leaks/loss of containment (LOC) ineffective isolations inadequate ventilation air ingress liquid carryover high liquid levels in knock out pots/separation vessels contraction and expansion (cold vapours) dislodgement of burning coke noise cryogenic temperatures radiation liquid hammer |
Visual inspection | Visual inspection may include but is not limited to: pilot flame condition burn pattern ice on header lines vessel levels damage or deterioration smoke density |
Required actions | Required actions arising from an inspection may include but are not limited to: checking and adjusting pilot fuel/air ratio ensuring complete combustion finding and rectifying sources of liquid in header line draining/pumping out pots making a maintenance request environmental reporting |
Prepare for shutdown | Prepare for shutdown may include but is not limited to: notification to other relevant plants/units of planned shutdown bringing standby flare on line isolation of system at appropriate points purging of systems shutting down relevant components |
Prepare for start-up | Preparing for start-up may include but is not limited to: notification to other relevant plants/units of planned start-up checking integrity of components valves correctly lined up deisolating of system purging of system pilot fuel system ready |
Abnormal conditions | Abnormal conditions may include but are not limited to: weather loss of pilot fuel loss of utilities flame out high flare system back pressure cross connection between dissimilar systems |
Flare system problems | Flare system problems may include but are not limited to: iced lines high levels in pots/vessels smoke from flare flame out lack of header purge flow flash back inconsistent header composition blockage cold feed to warm header |
Procedures | Procedures may be written, verbal, computer-based or in some other form. They may include but are not limited to: all work instructions standard operating procedures checklists formulas/recipes batch sheets temporary instructions any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice Procedures would be expected to comply with any relevant government regulations. |
Logs and reports | Logs and reports may include: paper or electronic based verbal/radio reports reporting items found which require action |
Appropriate action | Appropriate action includes but is not limited to: determining problems needing action accessing and applying relevant technical and plant data applying appropriate problem solving techniques to determine possible fault causes rectifying problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility following through items initiated until final resolution has occurred reporting problems outside area of responsibility/ability to resolve to designated person |
Health, safety and environment (HSE) | All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent HSE requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or Federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between Performance Criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence. |
Sectors
Unit sector | Operational/technical |
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.