Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:32 AM AWST

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Respond to abnormal process situations

Respond to abnormal process situations

Unit of competency
National Code
PMAOPS402
State Code
AXM85
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
50
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to recognise and resolve abnormal process situations that are complex and/or not solvable by direct observation. The problem would normally impact an entire plant system or process. Examples include damage to/wear of tower trays, internal leaks of heat exchangers and collapse of/channelling in tower/column/vessel packing.This unit of competency applies to senior technicians, para-professionals or those in similar roles who are required to apply in depth knowledge of process and plant in order to methodically investigate process, plant and technical problems, determine the cause and initiate corrective action. This role is often performed using a small, usually ad hoc group, however, the person will take a lead technical role.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Recognise there is a problem
  • 1.1 Compare current performance with expected/historic performance
  • 1.2 Identify plant/process areas with poor performance
  • 1.3 Check the impact of routine adjustments to improve performance
  • 1.4 Identify problems not solved by the routine solutions
2 Define the problem
  • 2.1 Apply problem isolation techniques to isolate problem to a small part of the plant/process
  • 2.2 Quantify the effect of the problem in operational terms
  • 2.3 Postulate possible causes of the problem
  • 2.4 Identify types of evidence of each possible cause
  • 2.5 Investigate problem to accumulate evidence of cause type
  • 2.6 Analyse data to confirm cause of problem
  • 2.7 Determine the level of severity of the problem and priority of any required action
3 Develop solution
  • 3.1 Discuss possible solutions to cause with stakeholders and technical experts
  • 3.2 Determine whether a quick fix is needed
  • 3.3 Arrange for implementation of quick fix if required
  • 3.4 Check effectiveness of quick fix and take action to maintain stable, safe operation
  • 3.5 Agree required final solution with stakeholders and technical experts
  • 3.6 Arrange for required solution to be undertaken in appropriate timeframe
  • 3.7 Follow items initiated through until final resolution has occurred
  • 3.8 Check effectiveness of solution and take action to maintain or improve outcome
  • 3.9 Complete reports to procedure
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
W8888 PMAOPS402A Respond to abnormal process situations Unit of competency