Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency includes the operation of various steam chambers for the curing of concrete products and pipes. It also includes operation of all ancillary equipment and operation of plant using programmable logic controllers (PLCs) where appropriate.

This competency unit may vary depending upon:
nature and type of plant configuration
nature of curing process (eg, hot water, low pressure steam, high pressure steam, autoclaving)
nature and type of steam chamber (eg, tarpaulin cover, steam chamber, autoclave)
nature and type of product to be cured
safe work practices and the use of protective clothing, hard hats and safety glasses.
The performance of this competency may be governed at times by strict specifications (eg, for construction of bridges in NSW refer to RTA's specification B80 - concrete work for bridges).

This competency includes checking equipment such as:
chamber doors and locking equipment
transfer cars to fill chambers
steam and pressure generation equipment
pressure and temperature gauges.

This competency includes the use of equipment such as:
instrument panels (local)
measuring and/or recording equipment
communication equipment
tarpaulins used to cover concrete.

Typical problems include:
equipment malfunctions
temperature or pressure fluctuations
product quality variations
material/feed variations
chamber pressure losses.
All operations are performed in accordance with standard procedures and work instructions.

OHS
All operations are subject to stringent OHS requirements and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and OHS requirements, the OHS requirements take precedence.

Assessment context and methods
Competence in this unit may be assessed by observation over time on an operating plant. Where this is done, the timeframe must allow for adequate assessment of operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions. Where this is not practical, additional assessment techniques must be used.
Competence may also be assessed by use of a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios. A combination of these techniques should be used to ensure the competency is adequately assessed.
In all cases it is expected that the practical assessment will be supported by targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in such a manner as is appropriate to the language and literacy levels of the operator and reflecting the requirements of the competency.

Critical aspects
It is essential that the equipment and the process be understood and that the importance of critical settings and readings are 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:

start up and shut down procedures are applied without variation
signals and alarms are responded to immediately
isolation procedures for maintenance are followed
all OHS requirements are followed.
Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this competency unit.

Resource implications
Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment which allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios will also be required where these form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunch room. No other special resources are required.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements
Knowledge and understanding of the plant and the equipment sufficient to recognise variances in the process conditions and the equipment which will lead to out of specification production.
Knowledge of the enterprise's standard procedures and work instructions and relevant regulatory requirements, along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the operation of the equipment.

Competence includes the ability to:


apply and/or explain:

isolation procedures
operational processes and functions, including start up and shut down processes
composition and nature of finished product
construction and limitations of the equipment
out of specification situations

distinguish between:

types of defects/faults
electrical/instrumental causes of malfunctions
as is relevant to the practical operation of the equipment.

Communicating ideas and information
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(1)

Planning and organising activities
(1)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(1)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(1)