Application
This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to operate converters in Metalliferous mining.
This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles.
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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare for converter operation | 1.1 Access, interpret and apply smelting documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 1.2 Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details 1.3 Establish and maintain communications with other personnel 1.4 Select appropriate personal protective equipment for the work activity 1.5 Check and test control and monitoring systems 1.6 Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment 1.7 Carry out computer systems and equipment pre-start checks 1.8 Identify, address and report potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures 1.9 Follow emergency procedures 1.10 Ensure approved dust suppression and extraction methods are in place 1.11 Ensure work area is adequately ventilated |
2. Start-up converter | 2.1 Perform pre-start checks 2.2 Carry out start-ups from standby and after maintenance 2.3 Carry out first charge 2.4 Stabilise the system |
3. Monitor and control the process | 3.1 Complete routine checks, logs and written paperwork 3.2 Identify and address signs of potential and actual problems 3.3 Monitor condition of metal and take action to maintain production schedule and quality 3.4 Monitor availability of feeds and take action to maintain production schedule and quality 3.5 Monitor and maintain blast air flow to converter 3.6 Monitor and maintain converter oxygen 3.7 Monitor cooling medium flow to converter to maintain converter temperatures 3.8 Maintain metal and gas temperatures 3.9 Control and monitor converter movement 3.10 Monitor and control rate and amount of additives to molten metal 3.11 Respond to warning alarms and lights and take action to rectify 3.12 Control and monitor metal and slag blow process and pouring 3.13 Complete written reports and log sheets |
4. Maintain plant availability | 4.1 Monitor plant throughout shift 4.2 Use measured/indicated data and sight to identify issues likely to impact on plant availability 4.3 Predict impact of change in one unit/area on other plant unit/areas and communicate to relevant personnel 4.4 Test trips and alarms 4.5 Inspect converter plant and rectify and/or report faults 4.6 Maintain furnace temperature during non-operating periods 4.7 Operate Tuyere punching 4.8 Prepare plant for maintenance |
5. Shutdown converter | 5.1 Determine type of shutdown required and give warning 5.2 Shutdown furnace in required sequence 5.3 Leave plant in a condition ready to restart |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:
locates and applies relevant documentation, policies and procedures
works effectively with others to undertake and complete converter operations that meets all of the required outcomes including:
complying with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures
communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions and coordinate work activities
demonstrates completion of operating converters that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:
completing computer system and equipment pre-start checks
completing converter start-up
completing checks, logs and paperwork
monitoring and maintaining:
condition of metal
availability of feeds
blast air flow
coverter oxygen
cooling medium flow to convertor
metal and gas temperatures
converter movement
rate and amount of additives
metal and slag bow process and pouring
inspecting converter plant and rectifying/reporting faults
shutting down converter
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in operating converters through:
identifying auxiliary equipment types, purposes and operation
identifying air, water and oxygen systems and their purpose
identifying metal and slag blow purpose and applying method
applying combustion principles
applying principles of converter operation
Assessment Conditions
An assessor of this unit must satisfy the requirements of the NVR/AQTF or their successors; and Industry regulations for certification and licensing; and,
this unit must be assessed in the context of this sector’s work environment; and,
this unit must be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures, processes and operational manuals directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,
assessment may be conducted in conjunction with the assessment of other Units of Competency; and,
assessment must confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances; and,
assessors must demonstrate the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence as outlined in this Unit of Competency, and through the minimum years of current* work experience specified below in an Industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or,
where the assessor does not meet experience requirements a co-assessment or partnership arrangement must exist between the qualified assessor and an Industry subject matter expert. The Industry subject matter expert should hold the unit being assessed (or an equivalent unit) and/or demonstrate equivalence of skills and knowledge at the unit level. An Industry technical expert must also demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience specified below in the Industry sector, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed; and,
assessor and Industry subject matter expert requirements differ depending on the Australian Qualifications Framework Level (AQF) of the qualification being assessed and/or Industry Sector as follows:
Industry sector | AQF** Level | Required assessor or Industry subject matter expert experience |
Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Construction | 1 | 1 Year |
2 | 2 Years | |
Drilling, Coal Mining and Extractive (Quarrying) | 3-6 | 3 Years |
Metalliferous Mining and Civil Construction | 3-6 | 5 Years |
Other sectors | Where this Unit is being assessed outside of the Resources and Infrastructure Sectors assessor and/or Industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no Industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation. | |
*Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within Industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the Unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to Industry by conducting frequent site assessments across various locations.
**Where a unit is being delivered outside of a Qualification the first numeric character in the Unit code should be considered to indicate the AQF level
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit. Further information is available in the Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package Companion Volume.
Sectors
Metalliferous mining