Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:51 AM 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.

Operate a metalliferous kiln/furnace

Operate a metalliferous kiln/furnace

Unit of competency
National Code
PMAOPS360A
State Code
WG549
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
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
04/09/2013
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge needed to operate a metalliferous kiln/furnace for the high temperature treatment of ores.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for work
  • 1.1 Identify work requirements
  • 1.2 Identify and control hazards
  • 1.3 Coordinate with appropriate personnel
  • 1.4 Check for recent work undertaken on plant
  • 1.5 Note any outstanding/incomplete work
  • 1.6 Check operational status of the kiln/furnace against requirements
  • 1.7 Complete any required shift handover checks
2 Operate kiln/furnace
  • 2.1 Identify the type of kiln/furnace and ancillary equipment
  • 2.2 Monitor and adjust air flows and other critical variables, as required
  • 2.3 Change rate, grade or specification smoothly, as required
  • 2.4 Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork, taking appropriate action on unexpected readings and trends
  • 2.5 Liaise with others to ensure that the discharge product is appropriate
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
  • 3.3 Adjust feeds, composition and rate, gas flows and temperatures, as appropriate, to meet product requirements
  • 3.4 Take other appropriate actions on problems, as required
  • 3.5 Identify upstream and downstream impacts of any adjustment made or variation in conditions
4 Make plant safe for work and prepare for return to duty
  • 4.1 Take part in the preparations for maintenance or upgrade work on the kiln/furnace or ancillary equipment
  • 4.2 Shut down plant as required
  • 4.3 Make equipment and area safe for required work
  • 4.4 Check plant is ready to be returned to service
  • 4.5 Prepare plant for return to service
  • 4.6 Complete any pre-start checks
  • 4.7 Start up plant as required
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
formulas/recipes
batch sheets
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
accessing and applying relevant technical and plant data
applying appropriate problem solving techniques to determine possible fault causes
rectifying problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility
following through items initiated until final resolution has occurred
reporting problems outside area of responsibility/ability to designated person
Typical problems
Typical problems may include, but are not limited to:
variations in feed material
control of air flow
control of fuel flow
control of feed rates and composition of feeds
control of output product
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.
Start up/shut down as required
Start-up/shutdown as required includes:
start up and shut down to/from normal operating conditions
start up and shut down to/from isolated, cold or empty
all other conditions experienced on the plant (i.e. from any condition to any condition experienced on the plant)
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.
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
AXM93 PMAOPS360 Operate a metalliferous kiln/furnace Unit of competency