Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 8:04 AM AWST
23/07/2026 8:04 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.
Conduct artificial lift
Conduct artificial lift
Unit of competency
National Code
PMAOPS318
PMAOPS318
State Code
OCL01
OCL01
TGA Status
Current
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Approved
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/03/2021
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
09/03/2021
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to control the artificial lift of fluids from operating wells either onshore or offshore using pumps, valves and compressors. Fluids may be oil, condensate, gas or water.This unit applies to autonomous operators who are required to demonstrate a significant understanding of the process and the equipment operation in a plant with local control, or in liaison with the control-room operator in a plant with a centralised control panel. In the case of a large, complex plant, the operations technician would be part of a team during startup and shutdown procedures. This unit 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. It does not require the operation of a central control panel. No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Operate lifting and production equipment to produce product according to procedures
- 1.1 Receive and give shift handover
- 1.2 Communicate with personnel to identify and coordinate work requirements
- 1.3 Identify, control and report hazards
- 1.4 Check for recent work undertaken on artificial lift equipment and address outstanding and incomplete work
- 1.5 Check operational status of artificial lift equipment
- 1.6 Perform routine checks and complete logs and paperwork, taking action on unexpected readings
- 1.7 Adjust artificial lift equipment according to agreed operational parameters
2. Identify and respond to abnormal situations during operation
- 2.1 Monitor artificial lift equipment frequently and critically throughout shift using own senses, and measured and indicated data
- 2.2 Monitor field data and instrumentation to ensure that product remains on specification
- 2.3 Identify impacts of changes upstream and downstream
- 2.4 Identify actual and developing situations that may require action
- 2.5 Take action to remedy abnormal situations according to operating procedures
- 2.6 Complete required documents outlining abnormal situation management and corrective action taken
3. Shut down and prepare artificial lift equipment for maintenance
- 3.1 Prepare artificial lift equipment to be shut down according to operating procedures
- 3.2 Complete pre-shutdown checks according to operating procedures
- 3.3 Shut down artificial lift equipment according to operating procedures
- 3.4 Identify, control and report shutdown hazards
- 3.5 Monitor shutdown and identify abnormal situations that may require action
- 3.6 Take action to remedy abnormal situations according to operating procedures
- 3.7 Shut down and changeover duty and standby equipment according to operating procedures
- 3.8 Isolate artificial lift equipment from energy sources
4. Prepare and start up artificial lift equipment
- 4.1 De-isolate and prepare artificial lift equipment to be returned to standby or service
- 4.2 Complete pre-start checks according to operating procedures
- 4.3 Start up artificial lift equipment according to operating procedures
- 4.4 Identify, control and report startup hazards
- 4.5 Monitor startup and identify abnormal situations that may require action
- 4.6 Take action to remedy abnormal situations according to operating procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXN06 | PMAOPS320 | Conduct artificial lift | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BGB2 | PMA30120 | Certificate III in Process Plant Operations | Qualification |
| BAN0 | PMA40116 | Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology | Qualification |