Application
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to operate, monitor and maintain power generation systems and record and report operating data.
The unit applies to production support operators who monitor and control power generation systems, in a pulp or paper manufacturing facility. This typically involves working in a facility with complex integrated equipment and continuous operations.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory, or certification requirements apply to this unit in some states and territories at the time of publication and may differ according to jurisdiction.
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. Confirm operational status | 1.1. Check production requirements at start of shift and plan daily work activities in line with organisational safety and standard operating procedures. 1.2. Confirm power generation processes are within operational specifications by observation and inspection. 1.3. Maintain process supplies to meet production requirements. 1.4. Record turbine performance in operational log. 1.5. Communicate operational status to relevant personnel. |
2. Monitor and control power generation plant operation | 2.1. Confirm operational status by inspection and routine observation. 2.2. Monitor and maintain continuing process supplies to meet production requirements. 2.3. Measure turbine pressures, temperatures and flows, as required. 2.4. Adjust turbine and generation controls to maintain operation within specifications. 2.5. Monitor and maintain power output demand and distribution system to meet production requirements. |
3. Record and report power generation performance | 3.1. Record pressures, temperatures and flows. 3.2. Record power generation processes and data in operating log. 3.3. Record and report maintenance requirements. |
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 that they can:
operate a power generation system within a pulp and paper manufacturing facility, at least twice in line with required enterprise intervals
follow safe working practices when operating power generation system
use electronic and other control systems to control equipment during operations
communicate effectively, through written and verbal means, with others, in the work area when operating power generation system
for each of the above operational periods, complete these records:
operating log
record of steam generation processes and maintenance requirements.
Evidence of Knowledge
A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
characteristics and dangers of heat and energy generated by power generation systems
power generation plant layout
purpose, features and operation of power generation and distribution systems, operating parameters and allowable variations
operation and application of electronic and other control systems
electrical isolation procedures
principles of operation of transformers and circuit protection systems
AC/DC generation principles
electrical output control and regulation principles
power factor characteristics and effects
effect of steam quality on turbine operation
data used to evaluate power generation system performance including:
heat levels
pressure levels
energy generation levels
heat build-up
system overload information
test outcomes for fuel
past performance records
organisational procedures:
standard operating procedures specific to power generation operations
workplace health and safety with particular emphasis on equipment lock out and use of personal protective equipment
communication reporting lines
recording and reporting power generation processes and maintenance requirements.
Assessment Conditions
The following resources must be made available:
access to the full range of equipment involved in integrated continuous manufacturing of power generation systems in a pulp or paper manufacturing facility, including chemical products:
high and low voltage transformers
steam or gas turbine driven alternators
switchboards
water systems and auxiliary plant
circuit breaker
AC/DC generation and distribution systems
analogue and digital instrumentation
personal protective equipment suitable for operating a power generation system
template operating log and documents for recording power generation processes and maintenance requirements
organisational workplace health and safety and standard operating procedures
relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information.
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 basic numerical settings on instruments and gauges involving pressures, flows and temperatures monitor, assess and interpret power generation data record basic numerical data for power generation performance. |
Oral communication skills to: | provide clear basic information about operational status of power generation plant. |
Reading skills to: | interpret workplace health and safety and standard operating procedures. |
Writing skills to: | complete accurate basic records for power generation processes and maintenance requirements. |
Problem solving skills to: | use and assess sensory information (sight, sound, touch, smell, vibration, temperature) to adjust process to maximise safety and productivity. |
Range Statement
Not Applicable
Sectors
Pulp and Paper Manufacturing