Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:38 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Conduct screening operations

Conduct screening operations

Unit of competency
National Code
PMAOPS260A
State Code
WG543
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
24/06/2013
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/09/2013
Field of Education
030305 - Materials Engineering
Original Release Date
04/09/2013
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge needed to conduct screening operations in metalliferous processing, extractive and other industries using screens to separate coarser from finer solids. It includes the planning and preparing for operations, conducting screening plant operations and carrying out post-operational procedures.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Plan and prepare for operations
  • 1.1 Identify work requirements
  • 1.2 Coordinate with appropriate personnel
  • 1.3 Check screen feed and discharge areas for obstructions and hazards
  • 1.4 Check operational status of equipment
  • 1.5 Complete any required pre-start checks
2 Operate screening plant
  • 2.1 Ensure start-up sequence for screen and ancillary equipment follows workplace requirements
  • 2.2 Start up and shut down screening equipment according to standard operating procedures
  • 2.3 Monitor feed and discharge rates to ensure efficient and safe screen operation
  • 2.4 Complete routine checks, taking appropriate action on unexpected operating conditions
3 Rectify routine problems
  • 3.1 Identify the range of faults that can occur during the operation
  • 3.2 Determine and rectify fault causes by procedures/work instructions
  • 3.3 Identify and rectify equipment failure causes in accordance with procedures/work instructions
  • 3.4 Ensure appropriate records and log books of equipment operations are maintained to meet procedures/work instructions
  • 3.5 Identify non-routine problems and report to designated person
4 Control hazards
  • 4.1 Identify hazards in the screening area
  • 4.2 Assess the risks arising from those hazards
  • 4.3 Implement measures to control those risks in line with procedures and duty of care
  • 4.4 Carry out basic maintenance and inspection practices
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.

Procedures
Procedures may be written, verbal, computer-based or in some other form. They may include, but are not limited to:
all work instructions
standard operating procedures
temporary instructions
any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant
good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice
Procedures would be expected to comply with any relevant government regulations.
Logs and reports
Logs and reports may include:
paper or electronic-based logs and reports
verbal/radio reports
reporting items found which require action
Appropriate action
Appropriate action includes, but is not limited to:
determining problems needing action
determining possible fault causes
rectifying predictable problems using appropriate solution from procedures
following through items initiated until final resolution has occurred
reporting problems outside area of responsibility/scope of procedures to designated person
Typical problems
Typical problems may include, but are not limited to:
feed or discharge blockages
blinding
screen cloth blockages
electro-static build-up
aggregate size contamination
Screening equipment types
Screening applications include:
wet screening
dry screening
Screening equipment covered by this unit includes:
moving screen
static screen
rotary screens
circle-throw vibrating equipment
high frequency vibrating equipment
gyratory equipment
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.
Work requirements
Work requirements may come from briefings, handovers, and work orders and may include:
compliance documentation
product specifications
nature and scope of tasks
achievement targets
operational conditions
geological data
site survey data
site layout and out of bounds areas
worksite inspection requirements
lighting conditions
plant or equipment defects
hazards and potential hazards
coordination requirements or issues
Appropriate personnel
Appropriate personnel may include:
other process operators
contractors
laboratory personnel
mobile plant operators
maintenance personnel
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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence are:
early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems are recognised
the range of possible causes can be identified and analysed and the most likely cause determined
appropriate action is taken to ensure a timely return to full performance
obvious problems in related plant areas are recognised and an appropriate contribution made to their solution.
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. It may be appropriate to consider assessment concurrently with the following units:
PMC552008B Operate crushing equipment
PMC562070B Move materials
PMAOPS210B Operate particulates handling equipment.
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.
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AXN24 PMAOPS260 Conduct screening operations Unit of competency