ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for filtering process

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. Communicate with other personnel

1.5. Check and test remote control and monitoring systems for correct operation

1.6. Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment for work activities and check for availability

1.7. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards

1.8. Identify, address and report environmental issues

1.9. Follow emergency procedures to ensure safety of personnel and plant

1.10. Use approved dust suppression and extraction methods

1.11. Ventilate work area before entry

2. Start-up equipment in sequence

2.1. Carry out start-up checks and procedures according to plant configurations and system requirements

2.2. Confirm plant readiness for operation

3. Operate and monitor equipment

3.1. Take and interpret data from indicator readings to determine filtering efficiency

3.2. Continuously monitor plant and identify defects and potential problems

3.3. Adjust equipment to approved operating parameters to optimise performance, maintain efficient filtering and to meet product quality targets

3.4. Control feed to equipment

3.5. Monitor moisture in cake and density of filtrate

3.6. Monitor cleaning processes

3.7. Monitor and maintain air systems to specified moisture parameters

3.8. Maintain cleanliness of pressure/vacuum systems

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

3.10. Pass on end of shift information to oncoming shift

4. Shutdown in sequence and/or isolate equipment

4.1. Clear slurry from filtering circuit after commencing shutdown

4.2. Check and clean filter chamber and changes failed filter components

4.3. Shutdown or isolate equipment based on process and safety requirements

4.4. Perform post shutdown or isolation checks

4.5. Pass on shift change-over details to 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 operate and monitor filter processes:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for operating and monitoring filter processes

change filters

identify hazards

interpret reports,

report defects

apply safe work practices

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 operate and monitor filter processes:

air systems plant and configuration

contaminant identification

emergency procedures

environmental procedures

filter plant configurations and functions

filter plant operation

plant and equipment limitations and operating parameters

plant and equipment safety requirements

filtering procedures

hazardous goods procedures and consequences of spills

troubleshooting techniques

isolation procedures

metallurgical and technical data (basic)

OHS procedures

operational procedures and checks

site procedures

site safety requirements

ore characteristics

confined space entry 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 operating and monitoring filter processes

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of filter processes operation and monitoring

working with others to undertake and complete the operation and monitoring of filter processes that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of filter processes operation and monitoring 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 operation and monitoring of filter processes

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

Monitoring systems may include the checking of:

air systems

blockages and spillages

feed rates

filters

levels of ponds and catchment areas

mineral content

overloads

power draw

pressures

temperatures

wear and tear

Auxiliary equipment may be anything that is portable and mobile that is not part of the fixed infrastructure, and may include:

belt weighs

distribution control systems

gantry cranes and attachments and other mobile equipment

hand and power tools

hoses (water and air)

pump systems

Environmental issues may include:

drainage

dust (dump)

emissions

flora and fauna

hazardous chemicals

noise

recycling

run-off

spills

waste management and disposal

water quality

Start-up checks and procedures may include:

availability of equipment

detection of conditions that are unusual

job requirements

personnel availability

walk through plant

communications

air systems

cameras and monitors

checking interlocks

checking distribution control system (DCS)

chutes

display instruments, lights and gauges

equipment stop engine lights

filters

hydraulic system

isolations

lighting

suppression systems

valves

Indicator readings may include:

current

flow

levels

pressure

time

speed

unusual noises

vibrations

Filtering may include:

candle

drum

pressure

compression

leaf

hyperbaric

Cleaning methods may include:

degreasing

forced air

hosing with water

Post-shutdown may include:

actions similar to start-up checks and procedures