Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. 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.

Context
This competency includes all flare system components from the safety relief valve to the flare inclusive. It may include but is not limited to:
elevated flare
ground flare
vents (sometimes called ‘cold flare’)
Flare system components
Flare system components may include but are not limited to:
safety relief devices
headers (warm/cold, high pressure/low pressure (HP/LP) and wet/dry)
knock out drum
flare tip (single point, multipoint and enclosed)
stack seals
pilot system
blowers
steam systems
monitoring instrumentation
recovery systems
drains
pumps
pilot fuel/emergency fuel systems
purge systems
interlocks and other safety systems
ignition systems
liquid burners/systems, as relevant
Hazards
Flare system hazards may include but are not limited to:
access and exclusion zone
heat
blow backs
leaks/loss of containment (LOC)
ineffective isolations
inadequate ventilation
air ingress
liquid carryover
high liquid levels in knock out pots/separation vessels
contraction and expansion (cold vapours)
dislodgement of burning coke
noise
cryogenic temperatures
radiation
liquid hammer
Visual inspection
Visual inspection may include but is not limited to:
pilot flame condition
burn pattern
ice on header lines
vessel levels
damage or deterioration
smoke density
Required actions
Required actions arising from an inspection may include but are not limited to:
checking and adjusting pilot fuel/air ratio
ensuring complete combustion
finding and rectifying sources of liquid in header line
draining/pumping out pots
making a maintenance request
environmental reporting
Prepare for shutdown
Prepare for shutdown may include but is not limited to:
notification to other relevant plants/units of planned shutdown
bringing standby flare on line
isolation of system at appropriate points
purging of systems
shutting down relevant components
Prepare for start-up
Preparing for start-up may include but is not limited to:
notification to other relevant plants/units of planned start-up
checking integrity of components
valves correctly lined up
deisolating of system
purging of system
pilot fuel system ready
Abnormal conditions
Abnormal conditions may include but are not limited to:
weather
loss of pilot fuel
loss of utilities
flame out
high flare system back pressure
cross connection between dissimilar systems
Flare system problems
Flare system problems may include but are not limited to:
iced lines
high levels in pots/vessels
smoke from flare
flame out
lack of header purge flow
flash back
inconsistent header composition
blockage
cold feed to warm header
Procedures
Procedures may be written, verbal, computer-based or in some other form. They may include but are not limited to:
all work instructions
standard operating procedures
checklists
formulas/recipes
batch sheets
temporary instructions
any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant
good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice
Procedures would be expected to comply with any relevant government regulations.
Logs and reports
Logs and reports may include:
paper or electronic based
verbal/radio reports
reporting items found which require action
Appropriate action
Appropriate action includes but is not limited to:
determining problems needing action
accessing and applying relevant technical and plant data
applying appropriate problem solving techniques to determine 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/ability to resolve to designated person
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 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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence include:
monitoring flare systems
shutting down/starting up flare systems
recognising and solving flare system problems.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this competency will occur over a range of situations which will include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operation. This will require access to a plant over a period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability. Where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue, an industry-based simulation may be employed to assist the process.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, competency and safety requirements of the site and consistent with workplace systems or procedures.