UEGNSG801B
Monitor and operate complex flow control, measuring and regulating devices for gas distribution

1) Scope:1.1) DescriptorThis Unit covers the monitoring and operation of complex flow control, measuring and regulating devices to monitor and control gas supply in gas distribution systems. The competency standard refers to Inspecting and Controlling; Regulation of flow and pressure; Measuring; Recording and reporting; Regulation of flow and regulation devices; Regulation of the system; Equipment; Organisational and statutory requirements.

Application

2)

This competency standard shall apply to any basic and safe work site where Gas Industry operations occur. It could also apply, where applicable to other workplaces in the electricity supply industry (transmission and distribution and generation), the electrotechnology industry and the water industry, subject to all Occupational Health and Safety and duty of care requirements being met for the workplace.


Prerequisites

Prerequisite Unit(s)

4)

Competencies

4.1)

Granting of competency in this unit shall be made only after competency in the following unit(s) has/have been confirmed:

Nil

Literacy and numeracy skills

4.2)

Participants are best equipped to achieve 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


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Plan and prepare for the operation of complex flow control

1.1

Work requirements for monitoring and operating complex flow control, measuring and regulating devices are interpreted from plans, specifications and instructions

1.2

Relevant requirements and established procedures for the work are communicated to all persons

1.3

OHS, environmental and sustainable energy policies and procedures related to the monitoring and operating of complex flow controls are obtained and confirmed for the purposes of the work performed and communicated

1.4

Work is prioritised and sequenced following consultation with others for completion within acceptable timeframes and in accordance with established procedures

1.5

Risk control measures for identified hazards are prioritised, implemented and monitored against the work schedule

1.6

Relevant work permits are obtained to access, isolate/de-energise systems and perform work according to requirements and established procedures

1.7

Resources including appropriately licensed persons, equipment, tools and personal protective equipment required for investigating billing exceptions and conditions are identified, scheduled and obtained and confirmed in working order

1.8

Liaison and communication with authorised persons, authorities, clients and land-owners is completed so that work can be carried out where necessary

1.9

Persons participating in the work, including plant operators and contractors are fully briefed and respective responsibilities confirmed where applicable in accordance with established procedures

2

Repair and replace complex flow control devices and equipment and monitor system performance

2.1

Information on device and equipment performance is collected and reported in accordance with organisational requirements

2.2

Dealings with customers are consistent with standard operating procedures and the special needs of customers are identified and considered in targeting client service

2.3

Essential Knowledge and Associated Skills for monitoring and operating complex flow control devices are applied to ensure completion in an agreed timeframe and to quality standards with a minimum of waste according to requirements

2.4

Routine inspections of system are scheduled and monitored in accordance with the work schedule and established procedures

2.5

Hazard warnings and safety signs are recognised and hazards and assessed OHS risks are reported to the immediate authorised persons for directions according to established procedures

2.6

Data on system performance and usage is collected, analysed and reported and unplanned events in the monitoring and operation of complex flow control are undertaken with the scope of established procedures

2.7

Samples are taken in accordance with established procedures and known solutions to a variety of problems are applied using Essential Knowledge and Associated Skills

2.8

Ongoing checks of quality of the work are undertaken in accordance with given instructions and established procedures

3

Control and adjust flows and compile records and reports

3.1

Flow and overflow regulating systems are inspected and adjustments made to meet demand and customer requirements

3.2

Accidents and injuries are reported in accordance with established procedures where applicable

3.3

Flows and diversions are determined to facilitate repair or emergency activities in accordance with organisational requirements

3.4

Process faults and operational conditions of the system are identified, addressed and reported in accordance with organisational requirements

3.5

Work completion records, reports and documentation are finalised and processed and appropriate persons notified

Required Skills

8) 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 for carrying out work in a gas industry environment.

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

KS01-G801B

Complex flow control device operation

G 3.2.1

Consulting appropriate persons to coordinate work and persons on a Gas Industry workplace

Evidence shall show an understanding of consulting appropriate persons to coordinate work and persons for Gas Industry pipelines (Distribution), indicated by the following:

personnel requirements for an order

reporting structures for equipment faults and dangerous work

communication with appropriate persons, customers and third parties

strategies to facilitate coordination or work with other persons

requirements for and use of qualified specialists.

G 3.2.7

Prepare reports

Evidence shall show an understanding of the preparation of reports applicable to the commissioning and decommissioning of Gas Industry pipelines (Distribution), indicated by the following:

Apply procedures and legislative requirements for maintaining appropriate reporting and recording systems

Complete job records and process information to appropriate/relevant department

Recorded non-conformances and incidents including customer outages in accordance with procedures and legislative requirements.

G 3.2.17

Maintain records

Evidence shall show an ability to maintain of records for the repair and modification of Gas Industry pipelines (Distribution) systems, indicated by the following:

Interpret and apply enterprise policies and procedures

Collate all relevant data

Identify and complete the relevant records, drawings, documents and forms

Store records in a secure manner consistent with enterprise policies and procedures

G 3.2.19

Liaise and communicate with relevant parties

Evidence shall show an understanding of liaising and communicating with relevant parties involved in repair or modification of Gas Industry pipelines (Distribution), specifically:

Interpret and apply enterprise policies and procedures

Identify key stakeholders

Identify specialists that can assist in repair/modification work

Identify responsibilities and reporting requirements of third parties

Establish communication lines with parties that require notification of repairs/modifications

G 3.8.1

Control systems operations flow

Evidence shall show an understanding of the workings of gas flow and the devices used to control flow control, indicated by the following:

understanding gas flow control devices.

G 4.1.5

Interpret Gas Industry drawings

Evidence shall show an ability to interpret and understand Gas Industry technical drawings, indicated by the following:

understanding and interpreting relevant technical drawings including, but not limited to:

Process and Instrumentation Diagrams (PID)

Facility and pipeline construction and as-built drawings

Geographical Information System (GIS) drawings and data

Electrical drawings

Survey maps

Pipeline route maps and alignment sheets

G 4.1.53

SCADA system operation

Evidence shall show an understanding and application of applicable principles, functions and practical operation of a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) in a Gas Industry environment indicated by the following:

Understand the principle of SCADA use in monitoring and control of applicable organisational gas infrastructure.

Identification of the basic elements and functions of a SCADA system including but not limited to:

Data collection and equipment control functions including:

Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)

Plant Control System (PCS)

System Controller interface such as Human Machine Interface (HMI)

Data and voice communication including:

Satellite Link

Radio Link

Internet Protocol (IP)

Modem/ISDN

UHF/VHF Radio

Microwave

Leased land Line

Local Area Network (LAN)

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Understanding and demonstration of applicable monitoring, control and trending functions using the SCADA system including, but not limited to:

Start up and shut down of SCADA system interfaces

Adjustment of applicable security status on SCADA functions to suit requirements

Alarm monitoring, acknowledgement, prioritisation and escalation

Alarm inhibit/enablement/disablement

Changing of applicable alarm parameters as required

Analysis of SCADA trends and abnormal operating conditions

Creation of SCADA trends as applicable

Filtering of alarm and event logs

SCADA point maintenance and adjustment including:

Scanning ranges and properties

Control limitations

Detailed history retrieval options

Auxiliary control functions

Dead band adjustment

Carry out basic SCADA troubleshooting including, as applicable:

SCADA server synchronisation and switch to backup

Shutdown and re-start of SCADA system

Understanding SCADA system data recording and data communication capabilities with third-party software applications such as external databases and spreadsheet programs etc.

If applicable, carry out the updating of SCADA displays with new or modified displays

Evidence Required

9) The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this Unit and shall 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’s 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 in this regard.

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. Hence, sources of evidence need to be ‘rich’ in nature so as to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal every day work have a bearing on the decision as to how much and how detailed 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 practiced. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample 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 shall be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the "Assessment Guidelines — UEG11". 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

Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the Performance Criteria and range

Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit to such an extent that the learner’s performance outcome is reported in accordance with the preferred approach; namely a percentile graded result, where required by the regulated environment

Demonstrate an appropriate level of employability skills

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

Demonstrate performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below.

Range of tools/equipment/procedures/workplace

Group No

The minimum number of items on which skill is to be demonstrated

Item List

A

At least 3

Interpret technical drawings and symbols

Selection of appropriate tools and equipment

System knowledge of TP, HP, MP, LP

Relevant knowledge of AS1697 Distribution Code

B

All

Auxiliary control systems knowledge & understanding

Wide open monitor operation

Two stage pressure reduction with monitor override

C

All

SCADA Operation awareness

SCADA control system layout and operation awareness

SCADA auxiliary low pressure operation awareness

Failsafe pilot operation

D

All

Winter testing programme

Tapping domestic services

Installation of recorders

E

All

Pressure Recorders

Knowledge & understanding of pressure recorders

Chart changing at Distribution Regulator Stations

F

At least 2

Pressure Controllers, operation, maintenance & understanding

Commissioning/Setting,

Troubleshooting

Pressure Boosters minor repairs

Knowledge of types/models

G

At least 2

Basic regulator knowledge & understanding

Sleeve types

Diaphragm types

Hydraulic Plug types

H

All

Distribution Valves:

Valve maintenance & operation

Configuration of Ball, Plug, Gate Instrument & Butterfly valves

I

At least 2

Metering knowledge & understanding

Diaphragm meters

Rotary meters

Turbine meters

Oil changing

J

At least 3

Operational checks

Single run units

Dual run units

District regulators

Field regulators

K

At least 3

Maintenance Activities

Single run units

Dual run units

District Regulators

Field Regulators

L

At least 3

Pressure alterations

Industrial units

Regulator Stations

Distribution mains

M

At least 3

Flaring & Purging

Industrial units

Regulator Stations

Distribution mains

N

At least 3

Overpressure Protection Systems function & operation

OPSO

Internal pressure relief systems

Pressure relief valves

Slam Shut systems

Valve Actuator & control systems

O

All

Paperwork:

Risk assessments

Time sheets

Completing work sheets

Notifications and work permits

Equipment check lists

Meter Bypass forms

Service orders

Pressure recording charts

P

All

Regulator station Heaters:

Heater: scheduled maintenance procedures

Heater: operational checks.

Water quality testing

Q

At least one occasion

Dealing with an unplanned event by drawing on essential knowledge and associated skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in the holistic assessment with the above listed items

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 Competency Standard Unit.

Appropriate environmental regulation and work practices.

Appropriate organisational requirements.

In addition to the resources listed above, in Context of and specific resources for assessment, evidence should show demonstrated competency in monitoring and operating complex flow control, measuring and regulating devices for gas pressure control.

Assessment of this competency must also be undertaken in either an actual workplace or under a simulated work environment. Assessment must also integrate the employability skills.

Method of assessment

9.4)

This Competency Standard 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 Competency Standard Unit applies. This requires that the specified Essential Knowledge and Associated Skills are assessed in a structured environment which is primarily intended for learning/assessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the essential knowledge and associated skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units

9.5)

There are no recommended concurrent assessments with this unit, however in some cases efficiencies may be gained in terms of learning and assessment effort being concurrently managed with allied competency standard units where listed.

UEGNSG102B

Carry out work activities in a utilities industry work environment

UEENEEE101A

Apply Occupational Health and Safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace

UEGNSG104B

Comply with environmental policies and procedures

UEGNSG105B

Establish the work site

BSBFLM312B

Contribute to team effectiveness

BSBFLM303C

Contribute to effective workplace relationships


Range Statement

10) This relates to the competency standard 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 Competency Standard Unit shall be demonstrated in relation to the monitoring and operating of complex flow control, measuring and regulating devices for gas pressure control.

The following constants and variables included in the element/Performance Criteria in this unit are fully described in the Definitions Section of this volume and form an integral part of the Range Statement of this unit:

Inspecting and controlling

Regulation of flow and pressure

Measuring

Recording and reporting

Regulation of flow and regulation devices

Regulation of the system

Equipment

Organisational and statutory requirements


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

5)

This unit contains Employability Skills

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

License to practice

3)

The skills and knowledge described in this unit are not subject to licence regulation other than those directly related to Occupational Health and Safety, gas/electricity/water industry safety and compliance, industrial relations, environmental protection, telecommunications, anti discrimination and training. Commonwealth, State/Territory or Local Government legislation and regulations may exist that limits the age at which persons can operate certain equipment.