This unit of competency covers the operation of conveyor belts, pneumatic conveyors and the like which are moving bulk particulate solids (particulates). It is not intended to apply to conveying packages materials nor to assembly line conveyors. It also covers the storage of bulk particulates, in silos/hoppers or as piles of particulates on the ground.

This unit of competency is typically performed by operators working either independently or as part of a work team. It includes the recognition, operation and troubleshooting of routine plant items.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Operate conveyors

1.1. Recognise the type and number of conveyors

1.2. Identify hazards and implement hazard controls according to procedures

1.3. Start up and shut down the conveyor in a manner appropriate to the conveyor type and duty

1.4. Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork, taking action on unexpected observations, readings and trends

1.5. Convey correct material from and to the correct location as required

2. Manage bulk material storages

2.1. Recognise type of storage facility

2.2. Monitor quality, quantity and location of bulk materials stored

2.3. Transfer stock into, out of and between storage as required

2.4. Supply internal and external customers with correct quality and quantity in a timely manner

2.5. Make effective use of storage capacity available taking account of safety issues

3. Rectify problems

3.1. Identify the range of faults that can occur during the operation

3.2. Determine and rectify fault causes in accordance with established enterprise procedures

3.3. Identify and rectify equipment failure causes in accordance with established enterprise procedures

3.4. Make sure appropriate records and log books of equipment operations are maintained to meet enterprise requirements

3.5. Identify non-routine problems and report according to procedure

4. Carry out maintenance procedures

4.1. Recognise a maintenance need according to procedure

4.2. Isolate materials handling equipment and prepare for maintenance/vessel entry as required

4.3. Complete minor maintenance according to procedures

4.4. Receive plant back from maintenance and check for safe operation

4.5. Prepare plant for the introduction of materials and for operation

5. Control hazards

5.1. Identify hazards in the material handling work area

5.2. Assess the risks arising from those hazards

5.3. Implement measures to control those risks in line with procedures

5.4. Shut down in an emergency as required

Required skills

Required skills include:

selecting, using and maintaining relevant personal protective equipment (PPE)

implementing good operating practice

operating bulk materials handling equipment

transferring and conveying materials to correct locations

reading and numeracy to interpret workplace documents and technical information

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

hazards associated with the process

application of the hierarchy of control in controlling the hazards

principles of operation

physics of operation

properties of particulates

density and bulk density

methods of resolving problems

distinguish between causes of problems such as:

material

instrument

equipment (electrical/mechanical)

maintenance

isolate problem to item of equipment

understanding of the process sufficient to recognise non-standard situations and then determine appropriate action which is consistent with operating guidelines

relevant OHS and environmental requirements, along with an ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner which is relevant to the operation of the bulk materials handling equipment

enterprise standard operating procedures

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.

Overview of assessment

The unit will be assessed in as holistic a manner as is practical and may be integrated with the assessment of other relevant units of competency.

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

Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action. The reasoning process behind the problem analysis and determining the required actions should be assessed. The emphasis should be on the ability to stay out of trouble rather than on recovery from a problem.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:

early warning signs of equipment in need of attention/with potential problems are recognised

action is taken to ensure equipment is returned to full performance in a timely manner

obvious problems in other plant areas are recognised and an appropriate contribution made to a solution

items initiated are followed through until final resolution has occurred.

Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this unit of competency.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability over a range of situations.

Assessment will occur over a range of situations which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.

Simulation or case studies/scenarios may be required to allow for timely assessment of parts of this unit of competency. Simulation should be based on the actual plant and will include 'walk-throughs' of the relevant competency components. A bank of scenarios/case studies/what ifs and questions will be required to probe the reasoning behind observable actions.

Method of assessment

Where the completion of this unit requires working under a permit/clearance then competency must also be established inMSAPMPER200C Work in accordance with an issued permitor other appropriate unit.

Individual enterprises may choose to add prerequisites and co-requisites relevant to their processes.

Guidance information for assessment

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

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with standard procedures and work instructions

Equipment

Equipment may include:

mechanical conveyors/feeders:

travelling stackers

belt

vibrating

screw

flight

pneumatic conveyors:

dense phase

disperse phase

pressure

vacuum

bulk storage:

piles

bunkers

silos

bins/hoppers

weigh bins/loss in weight bins

Particulate solids

Particulate solids may include:

cement

sand

aggregate

frit

cullet

asphalt (not strictly a particulate solid but included in this unit)

other

Particulate solid properties include:

particle size and shape: reactivity, solubility, colour, health and safety

angle of repose - storage and transport

angle of slide - transport

dusts - hazards and good practice

Typical problems

Typical problems may include:

contamination of stored stock

rat holing and bridging in silos/bins/hoppers

routing issues

equipment problems

Personal protective equipment

All operations must be performed using the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including breathing protection

Occupational health and safety (OHS)

All operations are subject to stringent OHS requirements and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and OHS requirements, the OHS requirements take precedence

Unit sector

Support

This unit contains employability skills.