RIIPSM309A
Monitor and maintain flue gas efficiency

This unit covers the monitoring and maintenance of flue gas efficiency in the metalliferous mining industry. It includes preparing for plant and equipment operation, maintaining efficient operation of gas plant and systems, maintaining plant and equipment efficiency, and shutting down 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 operation

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

1.2. Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details

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

1.4. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities

1.5. Select appropriate auxiliary equipment for work activities

1.6. Carry out equipment visual pre-start checks to ensure equipment is ready for operation

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. Maintain efficient operation of gas plant and systems

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

2.2. Operate and maintain air operated breathing equipment for flue gas plant off-line entry

2.3. Control mixing chamber temperatures by automatic or manual methods

2.4. Clean, inspect and maintain gas cooling plant in operational condition to ensure efficient gas cooling

2.5. Monitor and control flue gas temperature control additive to maintain mixing chamber temperature

3. Maintain plant and equipment efficiency

3.1. Clean plant to maintain condition of all equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations

3.2. Identify and report hazards to maintain a safe working environment

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

3.4. Check and adjust plant condition to maintain efficient operation

3.5. Maintain plant hygiene and safety

3.6. Changeover and adjust plant to meet operational and maintenance requirements

3.7. Carry out minor plant maintenance and lubrication tasks

3.8. Provide support for maintenance personnel where necessary to organisation's requirements

4. Shutdown plant and equipment

4.1. Shutdown or isolate plant/equipment based on process and safety requirements

4.2. Perform post shutdown or isolation checks

4.3. Pass on shift changeover 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 maintain flue gas efficiency:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for monitoring and maintaining flue gas efficiency

troubleshoot

apply precautions necessary for safe working

use protective clothing and equipment

apply operating procedures

report faults

recognise limits of authority

apply team working practices

communicate information

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 maintain flue gas efficiency:

principles of flue gas plant operation

gas paths

environmental protection requirements

hygiene management

dust collection and disposal systems and plant

plant inspections

insulation (refractory)

combustion principles

methods of resolving gas problems

ability to isolate problem to item of equipment

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 maintaining flue gas efficiency

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of flue gas efficiency monitoring and maintenance

working with others to undertake and complete the monitoring and maintenance of flue gas efficiency in a way that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of flue gas efficiency monitoring and maintenance 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 maintenance of flue gas efficiency

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

code of practice

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

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

weighers

compressors

distribution control systems

feeders

gantry cranes and attachments and other mobile equipment

hand and power tools

hoses (water and air)

pumps

Pre-start checks may include:

availability of equipment

detection of conditions that are unusual

job requirements

personnel availability

walk through plant

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

Equipment start-up checks and procedures may include:

draft systems

cameras and monitors

checking distribution control system (DCS)

chutes

display instruments, lights and gauges

equipment stop engine lights

hydraulic system

isolations

lighting

suppression systems

valves

visual and audio warning devices and lights

Cleaning methods may include:

degreasing

forced air

sweeping

Monitoring may include:

blockages and spillages

feed rates

overloads

pressures

power draw

wear and tear

emissions

levels

temperatures

moisture content

on-stream analysis (OSA)

filtering

corrosion

Plant alarms may include those for:

alarms

distribution control systems

mimic panel

screens

temperature

flow

weight

pressure

Minor plant maintenance may include:

lubrication

minor adjustments to operational plant

cleaning plant, equipment and work area

installation/removal of devices to allow safe maintenance

fixing leaks


Sectors

Smelting


Competency Field

Refer to Unit Sector(s).


Co-Requisites

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor.