Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:05 PM AWST
22/07/2026 3:05 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.
Operate programmable logic control systems
Operate programmable logic control systems
Unit of competency
National Code
RIIPRO203A
RIIPRO203A
State Code
WB382
WB382
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
21/01/2011
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
21/01/2011
Nominal Hours
25
Description
This unit covers the operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in extractive industries. It includes the preparation for and the operation and monitoring of operations using programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for operations
- 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the operation of programmable logic controllers
- 1.2. Identify and apply the functions of the PLC in accordance with site procedures and instructions
- 1.3. Identify and locate the plant's equipment by name, number/code and function
2. Monitor and control operations
- 2.1. Carry out pre-start, start-up and shutdown of the plant completely or partially in the sequence necessary to avoid plant or equipment damage or injury to personnel
- 2.2. Monitor and control operations within the equipment limitations, maintaining plant efficiency and effectiveness
- 2.3. Act on or report monitoring systems and alarms
- 2.4. Recognise and respond to hazardous and emergency situations
- 2.5. Maintain, process and pass on records and reports
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
Functions of the PLC may include:
control levels
densities
torque
pressures
sequence of operations
alarms
production records
motor amps
interlocks
Pre-start and start-up procedures may include:
walk around check of the plant
instrument and control lever checks
reporting defects and damage
follow prescribed start-up sequence
confirm plant is operational
Shutdown procedures may include:
following prescribed shutdown sequence
securing equipment
Monitoring may be by:
computer screen
dials and gauges
lights
closed circuit TV
alarms
Control may be made by:
keyboard input
switches and buttons
dials and gauges
Hazardous and emergency situations may include:
confined spaces
working alone
personal injury
unplanned shutdown
environmental
chemical
fire
electrical
dust
noise
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
Functions of the PLC may include:
control levels
densities
torque
pressures
sequence of operations
alarms
production records
motor amps
interlocks
Pre-start and start-up procedures may include:
walk around check of the plant
instrument and control lever checks
reporting defects and damage
follow prescribed start-up sequence
confirm plant is operational
Shutdown procedures may include:
following prescribed shutdown sequence
securing equipment
Monitoring may be by:
computer screen
dials and gauges
lights
closed circuit TV
alarms
Control may be made by:
keyboard input
switches and buttons
dials and gauges
Hazardous and emergency situations may include:
confined spaces
working alone
personal injury
unplanned shutdown
environmental
chemical
fire
electrical
dust
noise
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 operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
working with others to undertake and complete the operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of the operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) 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 worksites 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 operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.
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 operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
working with others to undertake and complete the operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of the operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) 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 worksites 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 operation of programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W1638 | MNQOPS225A | Operate programmable logic control systems | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WH593 | RIIPRO203D | Operate programmable logic control systems | Unit of competency |