Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:34 AM AWST
22/07/2026 11:34 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.
Monitor and operate low pressure compressors
Monitor and operate low pressure compressors
Unit of competency
National Code
PMAOPS234A
PMAOPS234A
State Code
WC253
WC253
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/03/2012
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
12/03/2012
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency covers the operation of low pressure compressors which are typically relatively simple to operate. The compressor may, or may not, have a high level of technical complexity. The compressor may have essential ancillary equipment but the operation of this ancillary equipment is largely integrated with the normal operation of the compressor unit itself. It includes the recognition and resolution of routine only problems.
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
2. Operate compressor
- 2.1. Identify type of compressor
- 2.2. Start up and shut down compressor according to compressor type and duty
- 2.3. Complete routine checks, reads and logs
- 2.4. Make adjustments as required
- 2.5. Identify problems and take appropriate action
- 2.6. Complete logs and reports as required
3. Isolate and de-isolate compressor
- 3.1. Isolate compressor
- 3.2. Make safe as required
- 3.3. Check plant is ready to be returned to service
- 3.4. Prepare plant for return to service
- 3.5. Complete logs and reports as required
RANGE STATEMENT
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 include:
all work instructions
standard operating procedures
formulas/recipes
batch sheets
temporary instructions
any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant
For the purposes of this Training Package, 'procedures' also includes good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice (e.g. Responsible Care) and government regulations
All work will comply with procedures
Routine check reads and logs
Routine check reads and logs may include:
lubricating oil levels
temperatures (inlet and outlet)
pressures (inlet and outlet)
speed
other items
Logs and reports
Logs and reports may be paper or electronic based and may also include verbal/radio reports
Reports include reporting items found which require action
Identified faults
Identified faults may include:
instrumentation failure/malfunction
electrical failure/malfunction
mechanical failure/malfunction
control system failure/malfunction
mismatch between flow rates and system requirements
wear, tear and corrosion of plant and equipment
Typical problems
Typical problems may include:
leakage
vibration
loss of control of pressure and/or flow
blockages
equipment failure
lack of water removal from gas
high differential pressure on lube oil filters
Start up/shut down as required
Start up/shut down as required includes:
start up and shut down to/from normal operating conditions
replacement of faulty units
start up and shut down to/from isolated, cold, empty
all other conditions experienced on the plant, i.e. from any condition to any condition experienced on the plant
Appropriate action
Appropriate action includes:
determining problems needing action
determining 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 to designated person
In this unit problem solving is restricted to routine problems only
Routine problems
Respond to routine problems means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'.
Typically such problems and their solutions are listed in the procedures
Health, safety and environment (HSE)
All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent HSE requirements, which may be imposed through state, territory 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
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 include:
all work instructions
standard operating procedures
formulas/recipes
batch sheets
temporary instructions
any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant
For the purposes of this Training Package, 'procedures' also includes good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice (e.g. Responsible Care) and government regulations
All work will comply with procedures
Routine check reads and logs
Routine check reads and logs may include:
lubricating oil levels
temperatures (inlet and outlet)
pressures (inlet and outlet)
speed
other items
Logs and reports
Logs and reports may be paper or electronic based and may also include verbal/radio reports
Reports include reporting items found which require action
Identified faults
Identified faults may include:
instrumentation failure/malfunction
electrical failure/malfunction
mechanical failure/malfunction
control system failure/malfunction
mismatch between flow rates and system requirements
wear, tear and corrosion of plant and equipment
Typical problems
Typical problems may include:
leakage
vibration
loss of control of pressure and/or flow
blockages
equipment failure
lack of water removal from gas
high differential pressure on lube oil filters
Start up/shut down as required
Start up/shut down as required includes:
start up and shut down to/from normal operating conditions
replacement of faulty units
start up and shut down to/from isolated, cold, empty
all other conditions experienced on the plant, i.e. from any condition to any condition experienced on the plant
Appropriate action
Appropriate action includes:
determining problems needing action
determining 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 to designated person
In this unit problem solving is restricted to routine problems only
Routine problems
Respond to routine problems means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'.
Typically such problems and their solutions are listed in the procedures
Health, safety and environment (HSE)
All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent HSE requirements, which may be imposed through state, territory 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
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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
This unit of competency requires an application of the knowledge contained in the use of the equipment, to the level needed to maintain control and recognise and resolve problems.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment for this unit of competency will be on a plant.
It is essential that the equipment be understood and that the importance of critical material properties, settings and readings is known. Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
appropriate checks are made
required readings are taken
early warning signs of equipment processes needing attention or with potential problems are recognised
necessary actions are completed.
Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this unit of competency.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this unit should include demonstrated competence on actual plant and equipment in a work environment. The unit will be assessed in as holistic a manner as is practical and may be integrated with the assessment of other relevant units of competency. Assessment will occur over a range of situations, which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.
Simulation may be required to allow for assessment of parts of this unit. Simulation should be based on the actual plant and include walk-throughs of the relevant competency components. Simulations may also include the use of case studies/scenarios, role plays and 3D virtual reality interactive systems. In the case of evacuation training or training for competencies practised in life-threatening situations, simulation may be used for the bulk of the training.
A bank of scenarios/case studies/what-ifs and questions will be required to probe the reasoning behind observable actions.
Method of assessment
In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with relevant teamwork and communication units.
Individual enterprises may choose to add prerequisites and co-requisites relevant to their processes.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
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
This unit of competency requires an application of the knowledge contained in the use of the equipment, to the level needed to maintain control and recognise and resolve problems.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessment for this unit of competency will be on a plant.
It is essential that the equipment be understood and that the importance of critical material properties, settings and readings is known. Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
appropriate checks are made
required readings are taken
early warning signs of equipment processes needing attention or with potential problems are recognised
necessary actions are completed.
Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this unit of competency.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this unit should include demonstrated competence on actual plant and equipment in a work environment. The unit will be assessed in as holistic a manner as is practical and may be integrated with the assessment of other relevant units of competency. Assessment will occur over a range of situations, which will include disruptions to normal, smooth operation.
Simulation may be required to allow for assessment of parts of this unit. Simulation should be based on the actual plant and include walk-throughs of the relevant competency components. Simulations may also include the use of case studies/scenarios, role plays and 3D virtual reality interactive systems. In the case of evacuation training or training for competencies practised in life-threatening situations, simulation may be used for the bulk of the training.
A bank of scenarios/case studies/what-ifs and questions will be required to probe the reasoning behind observable actions.
Method of assessment
In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with relevant teamwork and communication units.
Individual enterprises may choose to add prerequisites and co-requisites relevant to their processes.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXN32 | PMAOPS234 | Monitor and operate low pressure compressors | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J572 | PMA30113 | Certificate III in Process Plant Operations | Qualification |
| J570 | PMA20113 | Certificate II in Process Plant Operations | Qualification |
| J571 | PMA40113 | Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology | Qualification |