Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency applies to operators new to the job or operators at any level using equipment where significant understanding of the equipment or process is not required. It applies to any item of equipment which may be used in any sector. It may include:
compressors (packaged plant)
refrigeration (packaged plant)
fans
blowers
other equipment with similar operating requirements.

Packaged plant includes all items of equipment which come in a 'ready to use' form, and are often skid mounted, portable or designed for use by untrained and inexperienced people.

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

Typical hazards include:
rotatating components
drive chains or belts
hot or cold equipment parts
dust, vibration, noise or fumes
oil spills
fuel leaks

Taking appropriate corrective action includes reporting to the appropriate people or such other specific actions which have been previously defined for specific occurrences.

Key variables to be monitored include
equipment production outputs
equipment operating conditions
operating temperatures and pressures

Overview of assessment
Assessment will occur on an appropriate item of equipment and will be undertaken in a work like environment.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:

use the equipment for the specified purpose
operate the equipment within the prescribed operating limits
identify when the equipment is not operating as prescribed
correctly monitor the equipment's operation
report equipment malfunctions or problems according to procedures
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that
standard procedures are followed
deviations from desired conditions are recognised
action specified in the standard procedures is carried out
work is carried out safely.

Assessment method and context
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed
on an operating plant allowing for operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions
in a situation allowing the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems
by use of a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
by a combination of these techniques.
In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.

Specific resources for assessment
This section should be read in conjunction with the range of variables for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they 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 lunchroom. No other special resources are required.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.