ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assume control of acid plant operations from previous shift

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity

1.2. Communicate with other personnel by approved methods

1.3. Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover information

1.4. Ensure area is well ventilated before entry into work area

1.5. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities

1.6. Perform pre-start checks to ensure correct equipment operation

1.7. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards

1.8. Identify, address and report environmental issues

2. Manage acid plant operations

2.1. Monitor performance of acid plant components regularly

2.2. Regulate flow of substrate between process components to maximise production

2.3. Regulate heat exchangers in accordance with operational requirements

2.4. Handle acid plant products and reagents safely at all times

2.5. Monitor and adjust volume of gas through acid plant

2.6. Regulate gas impurity removal systems

2.7. Regulate by-product disposal in accordance with plant operating requirements

2.8. Monitor available acid plant storage capacity

3. Pass control of acid plant to next shift

3.1. Complete all required documentation for shift handover

3.2. Pass on all shift information to oncoming shift

3.3. Review plant performance with oncoming shift

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to control acid plant operations:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

handle dangerous materials

read and interpret instrumentation/interpret reports

diagnose faults

lift (manual, cranes and loads)

maintain records

apply safe work practices

use hand and power tools

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the performance criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following as required to control acid plant operations:

breakdown procedures

contaminant identification

sources of acid plant materials

gas purification process

drying process

conversion and absorption

storage methods and capacities

emergency procedures

environmental procedures

equipment limitations and operating parameters

equipment safety requirements

hazardous goods procedures and consequences of spills and hazardous goods

identifying repair requirements

isolation procedures

technical data (basic)

OHS procedures

operational procedures and checks

pumping system

reagent types

sampling

site procedures/site safety requirements

types of ores (basic)

wet and dry working 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

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for controlling acid plant operations

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of acid plant operations control

working with others to undertake and complete the control of acid plant operations that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of acid plant operations control that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes

consistent achievement of required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete the control of acid plant operations

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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.

Relevant compliance documentation may include:

legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

Employment and Workplace Relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Legislation may include acts and regulations dealing with:

mining safety and health

mine inspection

OHS

explosives

environment

Pre-start checks may include:

detection of conditions that are unusual

personnel availability

job requirements

walk through plant

Environmental issues may include:

drainage

dust (dump)

emissions

flora and fauna

hazardous chemicals

noise

recycling

run-off/spills

waste management and disposal

water quality

Monitoring the acid plant process may include:

gas temperatures

blockages and spillages

feed rates

calcine content

mercury levels/moisture levels

on stream analysis (OSA)

overloads/pressures

power draw

equipment temperature

wear and tear

emission (e.g. sulphide gases)

laboratory results

acid strength

gas analysis

Plant may include:

heat exchanger

storage facilities

pipelines

electrostatic mist precipitators

gas train

vessels

conveyors

valves

acid heat exchanges

converters

absorbing and drying towers

mercury removal plant