• UEENEEM080A - Report on the integrity of explosion-protected equipment in a hazardous area

UEENEEM080A
Report on the integrity of explosion-protected equipment in a hazardous area

1) 1.1) This unit covers the explosion-protection aspects of plant and machinery operation and maintenance. It requires the ability to visually identify any damage or deterioration of explosion-protected equipment, monitor changes in the explosion hazard and to implement procedures established to limit the risk of an explosion.This unit is directly equivalent to the Unit 2.2 Report on the integrity of explosion-protected equipment in hazardous areas in the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 4761.1 Competencies for working with electrical equipment for hazardous areas (EEHA) Part 1: Competency Standards. Equivalence includes endorsement in the explosion-protection techniques listed in the Range statement of this unit.

Application

4)

This unit augments other formally-acquired competencies in a relevant industry and shall be used only in conjunction such competencies. It applies to management, plant operation, maintenance and engineering job functions at AQF 2 or higher.

Note:

Examples of relevant industries include aviations, electrical installation and maintenance, fuel storage and dispensing industrial process, instrumentation and control, marine, material handling and storage, mining, and petrochemical


Prerequisites

Prerequisite Unit(s)

2)

2.1) Competencies

Granting competency in this unit shall be made only after competency required by a given industry or enterprise for plant or machinery operation or installations, maintenance or service functions at least at AQF 2 or equivalent. Examples are, (but not limited to).

UEENEEG105A

Verify compliance and functionality of general electrical installations

UEENEEI112A

Verify compliance and functionality of process control installations

MEM07001B

Perform operational maintenance of machines/equipment

PMAOPS201B

Operate fluid flow equipment


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Prepare to work in hazardous area.

1.1

Nature of the explosion hazard in the area is known and the status of the explosion hazard is ascertained through established procedures.

1.2

Operation and condition of plant and machinery, with regards to explosion-protection, is ascertained through established procedures.

1.3

Established procedures for use of the plant and machinery, with regards to explosion-protection techniques used in the area, are followed.

2

Observe condition of explosion-protection system area.

2.1

OHS policies and procedures, with regards to explosion-protection, are followed.

2.2

Performance of plant and machinery is monitored to identify faults that may affect the integrity of the explosion-protected equipment and wiring system.

2.3

Observations of explosion-protected equipment and wiring are made during normal operations and visual non-conformances that may affect the integrity of the explosion-protection technique are identified.

2.4

Explosion hazard monitoring equipment is observed and a potentially dangerous state of the hazard is identified, e.g. by using gas detectors.

3

Take actions to limit risk of an explosion.

3.1

Variations outside normal operating conditions are reported and documented in accordance with established procedures

3.2

Non-conforming tools, equipment and testing devices are reported and documented in accordance with established procedures.

3.3

Established procedures are followed in the event of a potential or immediate hazardous condition arising from any non-conformance identified in equipment/wiring or changes in the explosion hazard to a potentially dangerous state.

Required Skills

7) This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of safe working practices and reporting on the integrity of explosion protected equipment in hazardous areas.

All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies.

KS01-EM080A Hazardous areas and explosion-protection principles

Evidence shall show an understanding of hazardous areas and explosion-protection principles (including working safely in hazardous areas), principles of the following explosion-protection techniques and visible conditions of explosion-protection equipment that indicate the protection is void and changes in the nature of the explosion hazard that may render the explosion-protection unsafe. to an extent indicated by the following aspects:

T1 Occupational Health and Safety responsibilities related to hazardous areas encompassing:

the main features and purpose of a ‘clearance to work’ system (includes hot work permit systems).

typical safety procedures that should be followed before entering a hazardous area;

the purpose of gas detectors and their limitations;

effects of temperature on gas and vapour detection;

frequency of monitoring for presence of gas or vapours, i.e. effects of temperature rise;

factors affecting the accuracy of gas detectors, for example, contamination, condensation, temperature;

safety in use of gas detectors, for example, ‘read and run concept’

the safety precautions to be taken when working in a hazardous area.

T2 The roles of the parties involved in the safety of hazardous areas encompassing:

common Acts and Regulations related to the safety of hazardous areas and the Authorities responsible for their implementation;

where assistance and further information can be obtained to assist persons with hazardous area responsibilities, for example, Standard bodies, experienced consultants; and

the hazardous area responsibilities of the owner of premises in which a hazardous area exists; the occupier of premises in which a hazardous area exists; enterprises and personnel engaged in installation and/or maintenance of explosion-protection systems; enterprises and personnel engaged in the classification of hazardous areas and/or design of explosion-protection systems; enterprises and personnel engaged in the overhaul, modification and/or assessment of explosion-protected equipment; enterprises and personnel engaged in the inspection of explosion-protection installations; manufacturers of explosion-protected equipment; designated authorities; insurers.

T3 Properties of combustible substances and their potential to create an explosive hazard encompassing:

condition in the workplace that will lead to an explosion;

the terms ‘combustion’, ‘ignition’ and ‘propagation’;

explosive range of substances encountered in the workplace i.e. LEL/UEL;

explosive parameters of substances as given in tables of substance properties

Note: Combustible materials are gases, vapours (from liquids), and dusts; flash point.

the difference between gases and vapours; and

the toxic nature of gases and vapours and potential harmful consequences.

T4 The nature of hazardous areas encompassing:

the Standards definition of a ‘hazardous area’;

the recommended methods for classifying the type and degree of explosion hazard in an area;

hazardous area classifications as defined by Standards; and

factors that are considered when a hazardous area is classified.

the basics of how explosion-protection is achieved by the methods of exclusion, containment, energy limitation, dilution, avoidance of ignition source.

T5 Explosive-protected equipment encompassing:

The principles of each explosion-protection technique, the methods used and how each technique works (Flameproof (Ex ‘d’); Increased safety (Ex ‘e’); Non-sparking (Ex ‘n’); Intrinsic safety (Ex ‘i’) and Pressurization (Ex ‘p’) for gas atmospheres and Dust-exclusion enclosures (Ex ‘tD’); Pressurization (Ex ‘pD’); Encapsulation (Ex ‘mD’); and Intrinsic safety (Ex ‘iD’) for dusts)

How explosion-protected equipment is identified by the ‘Ex’ symbol marked on the equipment, including old equipment and equipment certified in another country.

Visible conditions or actions that would void the explosion-protection provided by a particular technique.

T6 Explosion-protection visual checks encompassing:

occupational, health and safety procedures to be followed before entering hazardous areas; and while conducting visual inspection.

Visible defects in explosion-protected equipment and wiring.

Conditions that may indicate a change in a given explosion hazard.

Reporting defects in explosion-protected equipment and wiring - the purpose of a verification dossier; and various ways for reporting defects in explosion-protected equipment and wiring.

procedures to be followed in the event of a change in the explosion hazard.

Evidence Required

9) This provides essential advice for assessment of the unit and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria and the range statement of the unit and the Training Package Assessment Guidelines.

The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this unit. It must be used in conjunction with all components parts of this unit and performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Overview of Assessment

9.1)

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment, such as Profiling, require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time. This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention. It is the industry-preferred model for apprenticeships. However, where summative (or final) assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or, at a minimum, the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment. It is recognised that, in some circumstances, assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace. However, it must be in accord with industry and regulatory policy.

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors. These include the extent of the assessment, the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place, access to physical resources, additional safety measures that may be required and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed.

The critical safety nature of working with electricity, electrical equipment, gas or any other hazardous substance/material carries risk in deeming a person competent. Sources of evidence need to be 'rich' in nature to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal everyday work influence decisions about how/how much the data gathered will contribute to its 'richness'. Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practised. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample assessment instruments are included for Assessors in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

9.2)

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites shall be met.

Evidence for competence in this unit shall be considered holistically. Each element and associated performance criteria must be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the 'Assessment Guidelines - UEE07 '. Evidence shall also comprise:

A representative body of work performance demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment. In particular this shall incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to:

Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices, including the use of risk control measures as specified in the performance criteria and range statement

Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the performance criteria and range statement

Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit. It may be required by some jurisdictions that RTOs provide a percentile graded result for the purpose of regulatory or licensing requirements.

Demonstrate an appropriate level of skills enabling employment

Conduct work observing the relevant Anti Discrimination legislation, regulations, polices and workplace procedures

Demonstrated consistent performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below:

Report on the integrity of explosion-protected equipment in hazardous areas as described in 8) and including:

A

Following work permits and clearance procedures.

B

Monitoring hazards and following evacuation procedures.

C

Correctly operation of plant and machinery.

D

Following plant and electrical isolation procedures.

E

Identifying visual damage or deterioration of explosion-protected equipment.

F

Reporting visual defects.

G

Applying relevant contingency management skills.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

9.3)

This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:

OHS policy and work procedures and instructions.

Suitable work environment, facilities, equipment and materials to undertake actual work as prescribed by this unit.

These should also be part of the formal learning/assessment environment.

Note:

Where simulation is considered a suitable strategy for assessment, conditions must be authentic and as far as possible reproduce and replicate the workplace and be consistent with the approved industry simulation policy.

The resources used for assessment should reflect current industry practices in relation to reporting on the integrity of explosion protected equipment in hazardous areas.

Method of assessment

9.4)

This unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume 1, Part 3 'Assessment Guidelines'.

Note:

Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this unit applies. This requires assessment in a structured environment primarily intended for learning/assessment which incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units

9.5)

For optimisation of training and assessment effort, competency development in this unit may be arranged in combination with other competencies required by a given industry or enterprise for plant or machinery operation or in relation to installation, maintenance or service functions.


Range Statement

8) This relates to the unit as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the performance criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

This unit shall be demonstrated in relation to any classified hazardous area.

Generic terms used throughout this Vocational Standard shall be regarded as part of the Range Statement in which competency is demonstrated. The definition of these and other terms that apply are given in Volume 2, Part 2.1.


Sectors

Not Applicable


Competency Field

2.2) Literacy and numeracy skills

Participants are best equipped to achieve competency in this unit if they have reading, writing and numeracy skills indicated by the following scales. Description of each scale is given in Volume 2, Part 3 'Literacy and Numeracy'

Reading

3

Writing

3

Numeracy

3


Employability Skills

3)

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements.


Licensing Information

1.2) License to practice

The skills and knowledge described in this unit require a license to practice in the workplace subject to regulations for undertaking of electrical work. Practice in workplace and during training is also subject to regulations directly related to occupational health and safety and where applicable contracts of training such as apprenticeships.