This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to control corrosion in plant, equipment and/or pipelines (plant) by the use of chemical or biological controls.

This unit of competency applies to operators who are required to monitor plant for signs of corrosion, monitor the concentration of inhibiting chemicals or similar, and maintain an appropriate dosing regime in order to control the rate of corrosion.

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.

Corrosion typically refers to any electrochemical process leading to the decay of metal. However, this competency may also be contextualised and applied to decay processes in non-metals.

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 the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include the ability to:

identify corrosion and its causes and effects

monitor rate of corrosion

monitor and adjust rates of inhibitor dosing

undertake corrosion tests and interpret results

isolate and de-isolate equipment

recognise early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems

identify hazards and risks and apply risk control procedures

communicate effectively with team/workgroup, supervisors and other personnel

complete forms and documentation.

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

the galvanic series

electrochemical corrosion

types of corrosion/causes of anode formation

factors controlling the rate of corrosion

types of corrosion inhibitors used and their action

hazards associated with corrosion inhibitors and relevant hazard controls

costs and hazards of corrosion

principles of operation of dosing equipment

physics and chemistry relevant to the process unit and the materials processed

process parameters and limits (e.g. temperature, pressure, flow and pH)

hierarchy of control

relevant alarms and actions

plant process idiosyncrasies

all items on a schematic of the plant item and the function of each

types and causes of problems within operator's scope of skill level and responsibility.

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 operations

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

must include the use of industrial type plant, appropriate tools, equipment and safety gear requiring demonstration of preparation, operation, completion and responding to problems

may use industry-based simulation for 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.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

In addition, the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment must demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they must assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment

appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:

being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed

being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures

having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment

conducting on-the-job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed

being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.

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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