Modification History
New unit – Replaces PMAOPS206B - Equivalent
Unit Descriptor
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge needed to operate typical stand-alone dual phase separation equipment as used in a chemical, oil/hydrocarbons or metalliferous minerals processing plant, and solving problems with separation processes.
Application of the Unit
This unit applies to a person who has the responsibility for starting up and shutting down separation operations in accordance with procedures, and making adjustments to flow rate and pressure, depending on the type of separation equipment.
This unit applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team or group and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.
This unit does not cover powered separation equipment (e.g. centrifuge), or chemical separation equipment, which are instead covered by:
- PMAOPS247A Operate powered separation equipment
- PMAOPS208B Operate chemical separation equipment.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
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
1 |
Prepare for work |
1.1 |
Identify work requirements |
1.2 |
Identify and control hazards |
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1.3 |
Coordinate with appropriate personnel |
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1.4 |
Check for recent work undertaken on plant |
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1.5 |
Note any outstanding/incomplete work |
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1.6 |
Check operational status of separation plant/equipment |
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1.7 |
Complete any required pre-start checks |
2 |
Operate separation equipment |
2.1 |
Identify the type of separation equipment |
2.2 |
Start up and shut down separation equipment according to the separation equipment type and duty |
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2.3 |
Adjust flow and pressure as appropriate to type of separation equipment |
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2.4 |
Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork, taking appropriate action on unexpected readings and trends. |
3 |
Recognise problems and take appropriate action |
3.1 |
Monitor plant frequently and critically throughout shift using measured/indicated data and senses (e.g. sight and hearing), as appropriate |
3.2 |
Recognise developing situations which may require action |
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3.3 |
Make appropriate adjustments to separation equipment and duty |
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3.4 |
Take other appropriate actions on separation problems, as required |
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3.5 |
Identify upstream and downstream impacts of any adjustment made or variation in conditions |
4 |
Isolate and de-isolate plant. |
4.1 |
Isolate plant |
4.2 |
Make safe for required work |
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4.3 |
Check plant is ready to be returned to service |
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4.4 |
Prepare plant for return to service |
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 of separation equipment principles and typical problems to a level needed to control the operation, includes:
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Evidence Guide
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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Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence are:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
Assessment of this competency will occur over a range of situations which will include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operation. This will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability. Where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue an industry-based simulation may be employed to assist the process. |
Guidance information for assessment |
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, competency and safety requirements of the site and consistent with workplace systems or procedures. |
Range Statement
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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Context |
This competency includes all types of stand-alone separation equipment for gaseous, liquid and solids separation where the separation process is physical and the separator is not powered or motor driven. Separation equipment covered by this competency includes, but is not limited to:
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Procedures |
Procedures may be written, verbal, computer-based or in some other form. They may include but are not limited to:
Procedures would be expected to comply with any relevant government regulations. |
Logs and reports |
Logs and reports may include:
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Appropriate action |
Appropriate action includes, but is not limited to:
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Typical problems |
Typical problems may include, but are not limited to:
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Start up and shut down as required |
Start up and shut down as required includes:
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Health, safety and environment (HSE) |
All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent HSE requirements, which may be imposed through state 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(s) |
Operational/technical |
Competency field |
Custom Content Section
Not applicable.