Unit of competency

Modification History

Release 1. New unit

Application

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to monitor continuous process plant as part of an operational team.

The operator will be required to identify requirements for the shift, monitor a plant/plant area, log and interpret readings and observations, take specified actions under identified circumstances, and complete documentation.

This unit of competency applies to an individual who may work alone although under the routine direction and supervision of a person who is competent to undertake the complete operation of the plant/plant area. They may work as part of a team or group and will work in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Competency Field

Operations

Unit Sector

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range of Conditions

Unit Mapping Information

Release 1. New unit

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=9fc2cf53-e570-4e9f-ad6a-b228ffdb6875

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Release 1. New unit

Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and demonstrate the ability to:

• give and receive an appropriate shift handover each shift
• complete checks and logs at the frequency required for the plant
• monitor the plant and process in the work area
• communicate plant/process information when required
• respond in a timely fashion to the changing needs of the plant/plant area.

Knowledge Evidence

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

• hazards and hazard controls specific to the plant and work area
• principles of operation of plant items within the work area:

• science (physics/chemistry/biology) relevant to plant/ process
• function of plant major components
• types and duties of plant
• process parameters and limits (e.g. temperature, pressure, flow and pH)
• effects of variations in process conditions and materials

• relevant alarms and actions
• types and causes of known problems for the plant area and its components
• corrective action appropriate to the identified problem cause.

Assessment Conditions

• The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.
• The collection of performance evidence:

• should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operation of an operating plant
• will typically include a supervisor/third-party report or other evidence, focusing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency
• must use an appropriate industrial item of equipment requiring demonstration of monitoring and responding to problems
• may use industry-based simulation for part only  of the unit (typically problem solving) where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue.

• Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible, or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment reflecting realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
• Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from one or more of:

• walk-throughs
• pilot plant operation
• demonstration of skills
• industry-based case studies/scenarios and/or ‘what ifs’.

• Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence (provided a record is kept) or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept).
• Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
• Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.
• Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
• The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.
• Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
• In addition the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment shall demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they shall assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.
• Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:

• relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment
• appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions
• appropriate workplace experience supervising/ evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

• Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:

• being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed
• being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures
• having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment
• conducting on-the-job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed
• being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=9fc2cf53-e570-4e9f-ad6a-b228ffdb6875