Elements and Performance Criteria

Range description
Work is carried out according to company policies and procedures, regulatory and licensing requirements, legislative requirements, and industrial awards and agreements
When applied to the pharmaceutical industry, relevant GMP codes apply and reference to food safety is replaced by GMP
Workplace information may include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), specifications, production schedules and instructions, manufacturers' advice, standard forms and reports
Pumps may include but are not limited to centrifugal pumps, reciprocating or positive displacement pumps, diaphragm pumps, helical screw pumps and electrical submersible pumps
Related equipment may include valves, gauges and flow meters, pipework, screens and filters
Pump operation may require use of process control screens and systems

Ability to:
Access workplace information to identify pumping requirements
Select, fit and use personal protective clothing and/or equipment
Confirm supply of materials to be pumped and necessary services
Conduct pre-start checks. This may involve inspecting pump flanges, gaskets and seals to identify any signs of wear; checking related valve assemblies to identify any signs of leaks; cancelling isolation or lockouts as required. Where pumps have variable settings, this involves selecting appropriate settings and confirming that related pipework is correctly configured for pumping requirements
Monitor and adjust pump operation as required. This may include identifying variation in amperage and adjusting pump speeds/flow rates to meet pumping requirements
Monitor supply and flow of materials to and from the pump
Follow isolation and lock out/tag out procedures as required to take pumps and related equipment off-line in preparation for cleaning and/or maintenance within level of responsibility. Preparation of equipment may include flushing or pigging related lines and pipework, and removal of faceplate
Respond to and/or report pump equipment failure within level of responsibility
Locate stop and reset functions on pumps
Maintain work area to meet housekeeping standards

May include ability to:

Operate pumps using process control systems
Conduct routine pump maintenance
Clean pumps and related equipment

Knowledge of:
Basic operating principles of pumps and related equipment. This includes an understanding of main pump components; status and purpose of guards; pump system configuration including valves, taps and pipework; and the effect of pumping system design on operating performance including flow resistance, pressure and head
Operating capacities of pumps used in the work area. This includes an awareness of different pump types as required to perform pumping operations where relevant
Effect of raw material characteristics on pump performance. This may include variables such as soluble solids, temperature and viscosity
Effect of pump operating parameters on product/materials pumped
Corrective action required where pump operation is outside specified operating parameters
Typical equipment faults and related causes. This includes recognition of signs and symptoms of faulty equipment and early warning signs of potential problems
Services required
Isolation, lock out and tag out procedures and responsibilities
OHS hazards and controls
Procedures and responsibility for reporting problems
Environmental issues and controls. This includes action required in the event of significant leaks or spills

May include knowledge of:

Basic operating principles of process control where relevant. This includes the relationship between control panels and systems and the physical equipment
Routine pump maintenance requirements and procedures
Cleaning procedures

Relationship with other standards
Pre-requisite units
There are no pre-requisite units for this competency standard.
Co-assessment of related units

This unit should be assessed together with core units and other units of competence relevant to the function or work role. In addition, the following optional or ancillary units may be relevant:

FDFZPRCI2A Operate a process control interface
FDFZMHLT2A Operate a bulk liquid transfer process
FDFOPTCRM2A Conduct routine maintenance
FDFZCSCS2A Clean and sanitize equipment

Resources required for assessment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:

Personal protective clothing and equipment
Work procedures including advice on safe work practices, food safety, quality and environmental requirements
Information on equipment capacity and operating parameters
Pumps, related equipment and services
Materials to be pumped
Routine preventative maintenance schedule as required
Cleaning procedures, materials and equipment as required

Assessment requirements
For information on how to assess this competency standard and who can assess, refer to the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.