This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to specify and interpret refractory tests.

This unit of competency applies to operators who are required to determine the information needed from tests, specify the data, test methods and sampling regime, and interpret the data to obtain the required information.

This unit of competency applies to senior technicians or those in similar roles who are required to analyse and synthesise advanced theoretical and technical knowledge and apply independent judgement to high-level technical issues and complex problems. The individual may work in liaison with other refractory specialists or they may be the sole refractory specialist for this job or in their organisation.

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 demonstrate the ability to:

analyse and interpret designs/design briefs, contracts, technical reports, technical specifications and data

confirm requirements for refractory end use conditions, including:

surface temperature of refractory

required temperature gradient through refractory/outside surface temperature

chemical condition (e.g. pH)

mechanical condition (e.g. impingement)

temperature or other cycling

communicate technical information verbally and in writing/drawings

communicate with internal and external stakeholders, including one or more of:

customer representatives

technical experts

regulators

management

refractory designer

refractory installer

identify range of possible test methods from sources, including Standards Australia (SAA), International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), ASTM International, Joint Support Office (JSO), and Deutsches Institute fur Normung (DIN)

identify range of possible test methods for compression, modulus of rupture, thermal conductivity, density, porosity/permeability, abrasion, thermal expansion and refractoriness

determine optimum sampling and testing regime by evaluating criteria, including:

alignment to technical requirements of the end use

preliminary design calculations

installation, repair or removal issues

cost (e.g. cost of sample and sampling, capital/recurrent costs, and data interpretation)

health, safety and environmental (HSE) risks (e.g. related to sampling, testing equipment and conditions, sample retention and disposal)

relative suitability/costs/risks of possible test methods

inspect and analyse test data to determine required information and take action based on the information

negotiate with relevant stakeholders and document agreed requirements and testing and sampling regime

apply complex and/or theoretical mathematical calculations, statistics, develop/interpret graphs

solve complex problems to determine tests which best deliver the technical requirement at the lowest cost and the least HSE risk.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to fulfil their job role, including knowledge of:

data produced from all common refractory tests

standard test methods applicable to all common refractory tests

benefits and limitations of test methods and tests

applicability of test data to refractory service

maths and statistics relevant to the tests and test methods

methods of determining information from test data

regulatory framework

hierarchy of control

hazards that may arise in the job/work environment and:

their possible causes

potential consequences

appropriate risk controls.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence shall be based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

It may be appropriate to assess this unit in conjunction with:

PMC557091 Design a refractory lining.

The collection of performance evidence is best done from a report and/or folio of evidence drawn from:

a single project which provides sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria

multiple smaller projects which together provide sufficient evidence of the requirements of all the elements and performance criteria.

A third-party report, or similar, may be needed to testify to the work done by the individual, particularly when the project has been done as part of a project team.

Assessment should use a real project in an operational workplace. Where this is not possible or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors assessment must occur using a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment that reflects 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 demonstration of skills and one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews.

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 shall demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they shall 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 required skills (language, literacy and numeracy) that are essential to performance.

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

Not applicable

Technical