Unit of competency details

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan and prepare for operations

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation  relevant to the conduct of sand wash plant operations

1.2. Obtain, interpret and clarify work requirements  for the satisfactory completion of operations

1.3. Inspect and prepare work area  in coordination with others  to work requirements and legislative, site and manufacturer's requirements and procedures

2. Operate the sand wash plant

2.1. Resolve coordination requirements with others at the site prior to commencing and during work activities

2.2. Carry out pre -start , start -up and shutdown procedures 

2.3. Select and modify the operating technique  to appropriately meet changing work conditions 

2.4. Conduct, control and monitor operations within the equipment limitations, maintaining sand wash efficiency an effectiveness

2.5. Act on or report monitoring systems and alarms

2.6. Recognise and respond to hazardous and emergency situations 

2.7. Complete work in accordance with the agreed plan and outcomes

3. Carry out post-operational procedures

3.1. Inspect, fault find and report

3.2. Carry out operational maintenance , servicing , lubricating and housekeeping tasks 

3.3. Maintain, process and pass on records and reports

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to conduct sand wash plant operations:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
• apply operational safety requirements
• access, interpret and apply technical information
• applying the plant operating procedures
• apply production and equipment records maintenance requirements
• apply diagnostic techniques
• use relevant hand tools
• apply procedures for the disposal of environmentally sensitive fluids and materials
• apply chemical and fuel safety measures
• work wearing personal protective equipment

Required knowledge 

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to conduct sand wash plant operations:

• site hazard identification and response procedures
• site risk control procedures
• site and equipment health and safety procedures
• site environmental requirements and constraints
• site quality requirements
• site communication procedures
• site product characteristics
• site geological and survey data
• site operational procedures
• plant pre-start, start-up, operating and shutdown procedures and techniques
• plant components functions, characteristics, technical capability and limitations
• plant breakdown procedures
• plant isolation procedures
• site record keeping requirements
• site confine space work procedures
• site personal protective equipment requirements
• contaminant identification

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.

Overview of assessment 

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

• knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for the conducting of sand wash plant operations
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of sand wash plant operations
• working with others to undertake and complete sand wash plant operations that meets all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely completion of sand wash plant operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
• The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
• Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
• Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
• Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular work sites may differ due to site circumstances.
• 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.

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

• written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
• observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
• consistently achieving the required outcomes

• first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• working with others to undertake and complete the sand wash plant operations

Guidance information for assessment 

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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.

Relevant compliance documentation 

may include:

• legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
• manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
• Australian standards
• code of practice
• Employment and workplace relations legislation
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Work requirements  may come from briefings, handovers, and work orders and may include:

• product details
• nature and scope of tasks
• achievement targets
• operational conditions
• site layout and out of bounds areas
• work site inspection requirements
• lighting conditions
• plant or equipment defects
• hazards and potential hazards
• coordination requirements or issues

Inspect and prepare work area  may include:

• identification of hazards
• selection and implementation of control measures for the hazards identified
• safeguarding site and non-site personnel by:

• erection of barricades and posting of signs
• selection of appropriate equipment to ensure personnel safety and protection

Coordination with others  may include:

• yard persons
• laboratory personnel
• mobile plant operators
• dredge operator
• maintenance personnel

Pre-start , start-up and shutdown procedures  may include:

• walk around check of the plant
• checking and toping up fluid levels (including fuel)
• lubrication
• inspection of attachments to ensure security and identify defects
• instrument and control lever checks
• reporting defects and damage
• follow prescribed start-up sequence
• confirm plant is operational
• following prescribed shutdown sequence
• securing equipment

Operating technique  may include:

• feed control adjustments
• water flow adjustments in sprays, classifiers
• working safely around other machines and personnel

Changing work conditions  may include:

• feed grading
• feed contamination
• availability and cleanliness of water
• weather conditions
• day and night

Hazardous and emergency situation  may include:

• confined spaces
• working alone
• personal injury
• unplanned shutdown
• environmental
• chemical
• fire
• dust, noise and electrical

Operational maintenance , servicing , lubricating and housekeeping tasks  may include:

• scheduled servicing
• changing wear components
• greasing
• equipment adjustments
• cleaning