RIIPGP302A
Monitor and operate auxiliary plant and equipment

This unit covers the monitoring and operation of auxiliary plant and equipment in the metalliferous mining industry. It includes preparing for plant equipment monitoring and operation, carrying out plant and equipment inspections and checks, operating and monitoring plant and equipment, maintaining plant and equipment efficiency, and shutting down and/or isolating plant and equipment. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.

Application

This unit is appropriate for those working in an operational role at worksites within:

Metalliferous mining


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for plant and equipment monitoring and operation

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

1.2. Plan and prepare work

1.3. Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details

1.4. Establish and maintain communication with other personnel using approved communication methods

1.5. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities

1.6. Carry out equipment pre-start checks

1.7. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards

1.8. Identify, address and report environmental issues

1.9. Follow emergency procedures

1.10. Use dust suppression and extraction methods

2. Carry out plant and equipment inspections and checks

2.1. Check correct plant operation prior to start-up

2.2. Check condition of plant and equipment for fault, identify damaged and inoperable equipment and report to relevant personnel

2.3. Record check/inspection outcomes and hand over to oncoming shift personnel

2.4. Physically, continuously inspect plant, take equipment indicator readings and identify and rectify defects and potential problems

3. Operate and monitor plant and equipment

3.1. Carry out plant and equipment start-up checks and procedures according to plant/equipment configurations and system requirements

3.2. Monitor operating plant and equipment for correct, efficient performance

3.3. Changeover auxiliary/ancillary plant to meet operational and maintenance requirements

3.4. Interpret and respond to plant alarms, take remedial actions and notify appropriate personnel

3.5. Identify basic faults and adjustments and make repairs to running/operating plant where necessary to maintain plant performance

3.6. Complete all required documentation clearly, concisely and on time

3.7. Pass on end of shift information to oncoming shift

4. Maintain plant and equipment efficiency

4.1. Carry out plant and equipment maintenance

4.2. Check and adjust plant condition to maintain efficient operation

4.3. Clear pipeline and pumping system blockages

4.4. Maintain materials storage vessel levels to meet plant operating demands

4.5. Clean plant to maintain condition of all equipment and work area hygiene

4.6. Identify and report hazards

4.7. Take and test samples

5. Shutdown and/or isolate plant and equipment

5.1. Carry out plant and equipment shutdown procedures according to plant/equipment configurations, system or safety requirements

5.2. Isolate plant and equipment for maintenance and plant configuration purposes

5.3. Perform post shutdown or isolation checks

5.4. Provide support for maintenance personnel and activities

5.5. Pass on shift change-over details to oncoming shift

Required Skills

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 monitor and operate auxiliary plant and equipment:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for monitoring and operating auxiliary plant and equipment

operate auxiliary equipment

lift loads (manual handling, cranes and loads)

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 monitor and operate auxiliary plant and equipment:

plant configuration and function

auxiliary equipment configuration and function

breakdown procedures

emergency procedures

troubleshooting techniques

sampling and testing purpose and procedures

plant and equipment limitations and operating parameters

plant and equipment safety requirements

isolation procedures

metallurgical processes and effects on product

occupational health and safety procedures

operational procedures and checks

site procedures

site safety requirements

environmental requirements and procedures

Evidence Required

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 monitoring and operating auxiliary plant and equipment

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of auxiliary plant and equipment monitoring and operation

working with others to undertake and complete the monitoring and operation of auxiliary plant and equipment that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of auxiliary plant and equipment monitoring and operation 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 monitoring and operation of auxiliary plant and equipment

Guidance information for assessment

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


Range Statement

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

Personal Protective Equipment may include:

rubber gloves

rubber boots

safety boots

goggles/face shield

PVC overalls and apron

heat jacket

spats

hearing protection

respirator

clean are supply equipment

Pre-start checks may include:

availability of equipment

detection of conditions that are unusual

job requirements

personnel availability

levels

communications

Environmental issues may include:

drainage

dust (dump)

emissions

flora and fauna

hazardous chemicals

noise

recycling

run-off/spills

waste management and disposal

water quality

Plant and equipment may include:

distribution control system (DCS)

motors/pumps and pumping systems

hydraulic systems and equipment

conveyors and conveyor systems

compressors and compressed air systems

pipes and flanges

storage vessels/tanks

valves

heat exchangers

fans and guards

dampers

pulleys

lCUs

drive belts

compressors

burners

gas train

conveyors/conveyor systems

rollers

grates

thickener plant

hand and power tools

hoses (air and water)

scrubbers

gauges and meters

agitators

silos/bins

cranes

screens

feeders

sumps

limit switches

Equipment indicator readings may include:

current

flow

levels

pressure

speed

unusual noises

vibrations

Start-up checks and procedures may include the inspection of:

agitators

cameras and monitoring

interlocks

distribution control system

launders

hydraulic systems

pumps and pumping systems

screen inspections

pipes and flanges

drive belts

valves

visual and audible warning devices and lights

suppression systems

Monitor may include:

blockages and spillages

feed rates

overloads

pressures

power draw

wear and tear

emissions (e.g. cyanide)

levels

temperatures

moisture content

on-stream analysis (OSA)

filtering

corrosion

Maintenance may include:

lubrication

minor adjustments to operational plant

temporary small repairs

cleaning plant, equipment and work area

fixing leaks

adjusting seals

Clean may refer to cleaning methods that may include:

hosing with water

high pressure cleaning

manual removal of build-up

air spear

de-greasing

forced air

suction


Sectors

Processing


Competency Field

Refer to Unit Sector(s).


Co-Requisites

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor.