Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 10:10 AM AWST

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Operate local control system

Operate local control system

Unit of competency
National Code
PMAOPS216
State Code
AXN44
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
02/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/08/2016
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
05/08/2016
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate a local control panel. These controllers use simple control algorithms and only a limited number of control loops. Typically it will be located on the plant, but may be located off-plant. This unit of competency also applies to simple panels in a control room which are not part of the main control panel. This unit of competency applies to operators who are required to start up and shut down equipment using the local control system; monitor and control process variables, such as temperature or pressure; operate valves and pumps to add raw materials and/or additives; and discharge product. The operator is expected to be capable of performing all parts of this unit of competency. Generally the operator would be part of a team during start-up and shutdown procedures. At all times they would be liaising and cooperating with other members of the team.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for work
  • 1.1 Receive and give shift handover
  • 1.2 Identify work requirements
  • 1.3 Identify and control hazards
  • 1.4 Coordinate with appropriate personnel
  • 1.5 Check for recent work undertaken on plant units being controlled
  • 1.6 Note any outstanding/incomplete work
  • 1.7 Check operational status of plant units being controlled
2 Interface with the control panel
  • 2.1 Monitor the process using the operator interfaces and keep appropriate personnel informed on developments
  • 2.2 Select appropriate controller modes to ensure the effective control of the process
  • 2.3 Undertake required set point/output changes to optimise plant and process requirements
  • 2.4 Access historical data and information
  • 2.5 Acknowledge messages and alarms
3 Control the process using the local control system
  • 3.1 Obtain relevant data and information from the control system by applying systems knowledge
  • 3.2 Identify the status of individual pieces of equipment from the control panel and use information to identify potential faults
  • 3.3 Interpret alarms and prioritise steps to ensure control of system is maintained
  • 3.4 Minimise fluctuations and variations in process through the interpretation of existing trends and control schematics
  • 3.5 Make required set point/output changes to meet plant and process requirements
  • 3.6 Take other appropriate action as required
  • 3.7 Record process variations/irregularities in accordance with procedures
4 Facilitate planned and unplanned process start-ups and shutdowns
  • 4.1 Respond to all alarms and take appropriate action
  • 4.2 Maintain coordination with all outside services and operations in order to assist in the correct identification and reporting of faults
  • 4.3 Conduct planned start-up and shutdown processes to procedures
  • 4.4 Conduct unplanned start-up and shutdown processes to procedures
  • 4.5 Communicate with all operational areas and personnel affected by unplanned events to ensure safety is maintained during the process
  • 4.6 Implement all required and stated emergency responses and ensure the outcomes of these responses are communicated to all affected areas
  • 4.7 Log all required information for further action to provide a historical record of all events
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
W8851 PMAOPS216B Operate local control system Unit of competency