Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit of competency covers the operation of low pressure compressors which are typically relatively simple to operate. The compressor may, or may not, have a high level of technical complexity. The compressor may have essential ancillary equipment but the operation of this ancillary equipment is largely integrated with the normal operation of the compressor unit itself. It includes the recognition and resolution of routine only problems. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit of competency applies to operators who are responsible for the operation of compressors which are relatively simple to operate. Typically the compressor may be used to provide suction or a moderately low pressure only. The compressor may be technically sophisticated and/or have sophisticated controls built in, but its operation is relatively simple. A typical example might be the operation of a low pressure, low volume screw compressor in a coal seam gas (CSG) gathering system. This Training Package has three possible units of competency applicable to the operation of compressors:
The operator will also be expected to:
This competency is typically performed by operators working independently while in communication with a field or plant operator with whom they would work as part of a team. At all times they would be liaising and cooperating with other members of the team. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
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Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare for work |
1.1. Identify work requirements 1.2. Identify and control hazards 1.3. Coordinate with appropriate personnel |
2. Operate compressor |
2.1. Identify type of compressor 2.2. Start up and shut down compressor according to compressor type and duty 2.3. Complete routine checks, reads and logs 2.4. Make adjustments as required 2.5. Identify problems and take appropriate action 2.6. Complete logs and reports as required |
3. Isolate and de-isolate compressor |
3.1. Isolate compressor 3.2. Make safe as required 3.3. Check plant is ready to be returned to service 3.4. Prepare plant for return to service 3.5. Complete logs and reports as required |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
Required skills include:
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Required knowledge |
Required knowledge includes:
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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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. |
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Overview of assessment |
This unit of competency requires an application of the knowledge contained in the use of the equipment, to the level needed to maintain control and recognise and resolve problems. |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessment for this unit of competency will be on a plant. It is essential that the equipment be understood and that the importance of critical material properties, settings and readings is known. Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action. Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this unit of competency. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment of this unit should include demonstrated competence on actual plant and equipment in a work environment. The unit will be assessed in as holistic a manner as is practical and may be integrated with the assessment of other relevant units of competency. Assessment will occur over a range of situations, which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation. Simulation may be required to allow for assessment of parts of this unit. Simulation should be based on the actual plant and include walk-throughs of the relevant competency components. Simulations may also include the use of case studies/scenarios, role plays and 3D virtual reality interactive systems. In the case of evacuation training or training for competencies practised in life-threatening situations, simulation may be used for the bulk of the training. A bank of scenarios/case studies/what-ifs and questions will be required to probe the reasoning behind observable actions. |
Method of assessment |
In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with relevant teamwork and communication units. Individual enterprises may choose to add prerequisites and co-requisites relevant to their processes. |
Guidance information for assessment |
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed. |
Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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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. |
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Procedures |
Procedures may be written, verbal, computer-based or in some other form. They include:
For the purposes of this Training Package, 'procedures' also includes good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice (e.g. Responsible Care) and government regulations All work will comply with procedures |
Routine check reads and logs |
Routine check reads and logs may include:
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Logs and reports |
Logs and reports may be paper or electronic based and may also include verbal/radio reports Reports include reporting items found which require action |
Identified faults |
Identified faults may include:
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Typical problems |
Typical problems may include:
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Start up /shut down as required |
Start up/shut down as required includes:
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Appropriate action |
Appropriate action includes:
In this unit problem solving is restricted to routine problems only |
Routine problems |
Respond to routine problems means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typically such problems and their solutions are listed in the procedures |
Health , safety and environment (HSE ) |
All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent HSE requirements, which may be imposed through state, territory or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between Performance Criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence |
Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Operational/technical |
Competency field
Competency field |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
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