Unit of competency

Modification History

Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to PMAOPS364A Operate an electrochemical process

Application

This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate an electrochemical process in the metalliferous or chemical industry.

This unit of competency applies to electrochemical processes for the extraction of metals from their ores, such as electrowinning of copper, zinc, nickel and other metals, where the metal is extracted from an ore solution and electrorefining of copper from blister copper, lead, nickel, silver and other metals, where the metal is purified by electroplating pure metal from an intermediate product. It may be applied to other metals and also processes, such as chlorine/caustic soda with appropriate contextualisation.

This unit of competency applies to operations technicians who are required to demonstrate a significant understanding of the process and the equipment operation in order to identify and rectify operational problems, conduct start-up and shutdown and isolation of cells, and operate and monitor equipment.

This unit of competency applies to an individual operating independently in a plant with local control or in liaison with the control room operator in a plant with a centralised control panel, such as distributed control system (DCS) type controls. In the case of large complex plant, the operations technician would be part of a team during start-up and shutdown procedures.

This unit of competency 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 of competency does not require the operation of a central control panel.

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. Supersedes and is equivalent to PMAOPS364A Operate an electrochemical process

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. Supersedes and is equivalent to PMAOPS364A Operate an electrochemical process

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 include the ability to:

• use data and own senses to monitor plant and maximise performance
• adjust feeds, composition and rate, gas flows and temperatures to meet product requirements
• perform pre-start checks, start-up/shutdown procedures, and isolations and de-isolations
• identify early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems and take action
• identify hazards and risks and apply risk control procedures.

Knowledge Evidence

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

• all items on a schematic of the system and functions of each
• principles of operation of electrochemical process and ancillary equipment
• process-specific science (physics, chemistry and biochemistry) to the level of being able to interpret the science and extract factors controlling the process and product, and by-product production rate and quality (e.g. for chemistry interpret the equation for factors controlling rate and yield and also interfering reactions and by-products)
• systems’ operating parameters, integrity limits, product tolerances, limitations and specifications, temperature, flow and electrical parameters
• function and troubleshooting of major components and their problems
• hierarchy of control
• hazards that may arise in the job/work environment, and:

• their possible causes
• potential consequences
• appropriate risk controls.

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 operations
• will typically include a supervisor/third-party report 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 include the use of industrial type electrochemical processing equipment allowing for operation
• may use industry-based simulation for part of the unit particularly 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
• ‘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.
• The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.
• Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
• 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 must demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they must 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