Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:11 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:11 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 wells and gathering systems
Monitor wells and gathering systems
Unit of competency
National Code
PMAOPS233A
PMAOPS233A
State Code
WC252
WC252
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/03/2012
Field of Education
030303 - Mining Engineering
Original Release Date
12/03/2012
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit of competency is an entry level competency for a field operator. It covers the basic skills required to monitor wells and associated equipment in the field and to recognise and report problems, but not necessarily to rectify problems or make adjustments.
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
- 1.4. Determine appropriate route/schedule for day's work
2. Complete site checks
- 2.1. Check equipment condition and operation
- 2.2. Check required levels
- 2.3. Top up levels as required
- 2.4. Complete logs and reports as required
3. Use well control systems as required
- 3.1. Check well control systems validity
- 3.2. Perform other required well control system tasks
- 3.3. Complete logs and reports as required
4. Take required readings
- 4.1. Complete all required readings for site
- 4.2. Compare all read values with the desired range
- 4.3. Compare read values with previous log sheet values
- 4.4. Complete logs and reports as required
5. Complete required lease maintenance
- 5.1. Inspect lease area for items requiring action
- 5.2. Complete required lease maintenance actions
- 5.3. Complete logs and reports as required
6. Finalise shift activities
- 6.1. Complete shift tasks as appropriate
- 6.2. Ensure identified faults are correctly logged/reported for action
- 6.3. Ensure incomplete tasks are scheduled for follow up
- 6.4. Ensure all logs and reports are complete and understood
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
Site
Site may be:
a well
a nominated area in the gathering system
another location where the operator is required to work
Equipment
Typical items of plant and equipment included in this unit of competency are:
wellheads
choke and control valves
meters
flow lines
high point vents
low point drains
valves including non-return and pressure/vacuum relief
pumps and their prime movers
product separation units
instrumentation and control systems (variable speed drive (VSD) and proportional integral derivative (PID))
testing equipment
power units
drive heads
flares
Equipment condition and operation
Equipment condition and operation may include:
chemical injection equipment
storage tanks
pumps and pump speed
autodumps
drains and drain points
vents and high points
leaks
other items
Levels
Levels may include:
chemical storage levels
lubricating oil levels
water and gas levels
battery levels
drain levels
other levels
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
Lease maintenance areas requiring action
Lease maintenance areas requiring action may include:
land erosion
fence and gate integrity
weeds and other growth
actions of feral or other fauna
other required items
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
solids (formation fines)
vibration
loss of control of pressure and/or flow
hydrate formation and blockages
liquid slugging
corrosion
erosion
sulphate reducing bacteria
scale formation
equipment failure
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
Site
Site may be:
a well
a nominated area in the gathering system
another location where the operator is required to work
Equipment
Typical items of plant and equipment included in this unit of competency are:
wellheads
choke and control valves
meters
flow lines
high point vents
low point drains
valves including non-return and pressure/vacuum relief
pumps and their prime movers
product separation units
instrumentation and control systems (variable speed drive (VSD) and proportional integral derivative (PID))
testing equipment
power units
drive heads
flares
Equipment condition and operation
Equipment condition and operation may include:
chemical injection equipment
storage tanks
pumps and pump speed
autodumps
drains and drain points
vents and high points
leaks
other items
Levels
Levels may include:
chemical storage levels
lubricating oil levels
water and gas levels
battery levels
drain levels
other levels
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
Lease maintenance areas requiring action
Lease maintenance areas requiring action may include:
land erosion
fence and gate integrity
weeds and other growth
actions of feral or other fauna
other required items
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
solids (formation fines)
vibration
loss of control of pressure and/or flow
hydrate formation and blockages
liquid slugging
corrosion
erosion
sulphate reducing bacteria
scale formation
equipment failure
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 inspections 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 inspections 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXN33 | PMAOPS233 | Monitor wells and gathering systems | 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 |