Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Monitor incineration plant performance .

1.1 Monitor test results and combustion processes to meet organisational procedures and statutory requirements.

1.2 Identify and report process faults and the operational condition of plant  according to organisational and statutory requirements .

1.3 Select and check equipment  and correctly fit and use personal protective equipment.

2 Operate and control processes .

2.1 Carry out routine plant inspections  according to organisational and plant requirements.

2.2 Conduct and analyse process tests  and compare performance to operational requirements.

2.3 Make system adjustments  to improve system performance according to organisational and statutory requirements.

2.4 Collect, interpret and record process data and report according to organisational and plant requirements.

3 Compile process records .

3.1 Compile reports  from plant and system data to meet organisational procedures and statutory requirements.

3.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

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

Required skills :

• solve operational problems
• produce reports, logs, etc.
• use safety equipment and personal protective equipment
• interpret plans, charts and instructions
• interpret policies, procedures and standards
• communicate with employees and customers
• use communication equipment
• give and receive instructions
• determine chemical dosing requirements
• operate computerised equipment
• identify control system faults
• sample and test products

Required knowledge :

• coordination processes
• system layout
• system processes
• lock out procedures for mechanical and electrical installations
• policies, procedures and legislation
• relevant utilities and service bodies
• communication systems
• hazardous materials handling
• environmental aspects of wastewater treatment
• risk factors and potential hazards involved with chemical usage
• equipment operation, capacity and limitations
• effects of weather and conditions on operation of site or plant
• pipes and fittings
• pumping and valving systems
• mechanical and electrical control systems

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to monitor, operate and control incineration processes, including:

• conducting routine plant inspections
• taking samples and performing basic tests
• preparing and applying incineration processes according to instructions
• identifying and reporting system faults
• making basic system adjustments according to instructions
• completing required documentation

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Access to the workplace and resources including:

• documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation
• relevant codes, standards, and government regulations

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.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

• competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
• where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice
• a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts
• all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
• where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
• assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator, any cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and reflecting the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Plant  may include:

• furnace feed conveyors
• furnace equipment
• combustion fans and equipment
• auxiliary fuel system
• ash transfer system
• ash disposal system
• furnace exhaust gas scrubbers

Organisational and statutory requirements  may include:

• by-laws and organisational policies
• standard operating procedures
• environment protection
• occupational health and safety
• Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
• National Water Quality Management strategy
• chemicals
• dangerous goods
• lifts and cranes
• Environment Protection Authority regulations
• licensing agreements
• electrical

Inspection  may include:

• inspection of:

• fluidised furnaces
• co-fired furnaces
• fixed bed furnaces

• use of equipment, including:

• electronic monitoring and metering systems
• manual chart recording systems
• basic hand tools
• sampling and laboratory testing equipment
• computerised equipment
• communication equipment
• personal protective equipment

• interaction and communication with other employees, other authorities and the general public
• visual observation
• implementation of reporting procedures that may also include procedures for the implementation of by-laws, organisational policies and statutory requirements

Tests  may include:

• water content
• flame temperature
• fuel to air ratios

System adjustments  may include:

• loading rates
• centrifuge settings
• burner operation
• feed rate adjustments
• air ratio

Reports  may include:

• plant performance data
• environmental reports
• centrifuge performance data
• chemical usage