Elements and Performance Criteria

Context
This competency is typically performed by all operators. It includes items of equipment such as:
pumps (including various types of centrifugal, positive displacement, acid egg, etc.)
valves (such as globe, needle, gate, butterfly, plug cock, wedge plug, ball cock, non-return, diaphragm, pneumatic globe, pneumatic butterfly)
piping systems and components (including bends and elbows, tee pieces, expansion mechanisms, pipe joints, reducers, nipples, orifices, in-line filters and strainers, flexible hoses and couplings, etc.)
shaft seals (such as stuffing boxes, mechanical seals, fluid seals, labyrinth seals).

The effect of pipe fittings on pump performance and problems/problem analysis is also included.

Typical problems include:
cavitation
seal leaks
head loss/low flow
bearing problems.

All operations are performed to procedures.

HSE
All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environment requirements, which may be imposed through State 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.

Assessment context and methods
Assessment for this unit of competency will be on an operating plant. 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 timely assessment of parts of this unit of competency (e.g. elements 4 and 5). Simulation should be based on the actual plant and will include walk throughs of the relevant competency components. Simulations may also include the use of case studies/scenarios and role plays.

This unit of competency requires a significant body of knowledge which will be assessed through questioning and the use of what if scenarios both on the plant (during demonstration of normal operations and walk throughs of abnormal operations) and off the plant.

Critical aspects
Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action. The emphasis should be on the ability to stay out of trouble rather than on recovery from a disaster.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems are recognised
the range of possible causes can be identified and analysed and the most likely cause determined
appropriate action is taken to ensure a timely return to full performance
obvious problems in related plant areas are recognised and an appropriate contribution made to their solution.

These aspects may be best assessed using a range of scenarios/case studies/what ifs as the stimulus with a walk through forming part of the response. These assessment activities should include a range of problems, including new, unusual and improbable situations which may have been generated from the past incident history of the plant, incidents on similar plants around the world, hazard analysis activities and similar sources.

Resource implications
Assessment will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability over a range of situations. A bank of scenarios/case studies/what ifs will be required as will a bank of questions which will be used to probe the reasoning behind the observable actions.

Other assessment advice
In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with relevant teamwork and communication units. Consider co-assessment with:
PMAOPS101A - Make measurements
PMAOPS102A - Undertake housekeeping operations
PMACOM100A - Relay and respond to information.

In a major hazard facility, it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with:
PMAOHS200 - Participate in workplace safety procedures.

The assessment should cover at least one type of centrifugal pump and one type of positive displacement pump, as well as at least two different types of valves for the operator to be regarded as competent.

Essential knowledge
Competence includes an understanding of the fluid flow system and its integral equipment to a level needed to control the system, and recognise and resolve operational problems. In particular it includes a knowledge of:
all items on a schematic of the fluid flow system and describe the function of each
principles of operation of fluid flow equipment
physics of operation
correct methods of starting, stopping, operating and controlling flow
causes of head loss in piping systems (including comparison of fittings using Le/d concept, fluid and pipe material properties, flow geometry, etc.)
corrective action appropriate to the problem cause
function and troubleshooting of major internal components and their problems (such as impellors, seals or bearings)
types and causes of fluid flow problems within operator's scope of skill level and responsibility.