PPMCSK310
Operate process control equipment


Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to operate process control equipment in a pulp or paper manufacturing facility.

The unit applies to production operators and technicians who access, monitor and control and process control equipment including responding to process variations and problems. This work is typically undertaken within an operating environment with complex integrated equipment and continuous operations

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


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1. Access and navigate control system

1.1. Identify control systems

1.2. Access control systems as required

1.3. Navigate control systems to meet job requirements

2. Monitor and control process

2.1. Monitor key variables using control screen/s to check process status

2.2 Make equipment adjustments using process control systems in line with work health and safety (WHS) and safe work practices

3. Respond to process variations and problems

3.1. Identify process variations

3.2. Adjust equipment in response to process variations and alarms

3.3. Report process variations according to site procedures

Evidence of Performance

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, and must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:

operate process control equipment, at least twice in line with required enterprise intervals, associated with integrated systems selected from the following list:

primary resources processes

waste paper handling processes

waste paper operations processes

pulping processes

chemical recovery systems

stock preparation systems

wet end processes

dry end processes

finishing and converting processes

warehousing and dispatch process

water services processes

coated paper processes

steam generation processes

electrical power generation processes

monitor key variables during the operation of process control equipment including:

speed

output rate

product integrity and general conformance to specification

access and navigate control systems

make process adjustments using the control system

use electronic and other control systems to control equipment.


Evidence of Knowledge

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

procedures, regulations and workplace requirements relevant to operating process control equipment including WHS, SOP, isolation procedures, safe working requirements and housekeeping

materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise material and equipment conditions which may lead to out of specification production

effect of adjustments on part or product specifications

risk management using the hierarchy of controls applied to the operation of computer controlled machines/processes

approved hazard control, safety procedures and the use of PPE in relation to handling materials, equipment operation and clean up

symbols used in process controls

computer-controlled machine operating procedures

procedures for identifying and reporting equipment malfunctions, and product or part deviations.


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

fully automated, semi-automated, manually operated plant and equipment appropriate to process control equipment in a pulp or paper manufacturing facility including:

computer systems

electronic screens and alarms

process control equipment and systems

analogue and digital instrumentation

relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information

personal protective equipment required for operating process control equipment.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or in a productive environment that accurately reflects performance in a workplace.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must:

hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and

be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and

be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.


Foundation Skills

This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria

Numeracy skills to:

interpret instruments and gauges

interpret symbols used in process controls.

Communication skills to:

respond to non-verbal signals including hand signals and alarms.

Reading skills to:

interpret documentation including standard operating procedures, operation manuals, checklists, drawings and signage

interpret symbols used in process controls.

Writing skills to:

record shift data using log books or computer systems

record equipment malfunctions and product or part deviations.

Problem solving skills to:

maintain situational awareness in the work area

interpret sensory information that indicates a deviation from standard operating parameters.

Technology skills to:

use electronic and other control systems to control equipment and processes.


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Pulp and Paper Manufacturing