Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:23 PM AWST

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Operate an electrochemical process

Operate an electrochemical process

Unit of competency
National Code
PMAOPS364
State Code
AXM90
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
02/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/08/2016
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
05/08/2016
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate an electrochemical process in the metalliferous or chemical industry. This unit of competency applies to electrochemical processes for the extraction of metals from their ores, such as electrowinning of copper, zinc, nickel and other metals, where the metal is extracted from an ore solution and electrorefining of copper from blister copper, lead, nickel, silver and other metals, where the metal is purified by electroplating pure metal from an intermediate product. It may be applied to other metals and also processes, such as chlorine/caustic soda with appropriate contextualisation.This unit of competency applies to operations technicians who are required to demonstrate a significant understanding of the process and the equipment operation in order to identify and rectify operational problems, conduct start-up and shutdown and isolation of cells, and operate and monitor equipment.This unit of competency applies to an individual operating independently in a plant with local control or in liaison with the control room operator in a plant with a centralised control panel, such as distributed control system (DCS) type controls. In the case of large complex plant, the operations technician would be part of a team during start-up and shutdown procedures. This unit of competency applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team or group and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.This unit of competency does not require the operation of a central control panel. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for work
  • 1.1 Receive and give shift handover
  • 1.2 Identify work requirements
  • 1.3 Identify and control hazards
  • 1.4 Coordinate with appropriate personnel
  • 1.5 Check for recent work undertaken on electrochemical system
  • 1.6 Note any outstanding/incomplete work
  • 1.7 Check operational status of electrochemical system
2 Operate electrochemical process
  • 2.1 Describe the type of electrochemical system, the component plant items and their duties
  • 2.2 Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork taking action on unexpected reading
  • 2.3 Change rate, grade or specification smoothly as required.
  • 2.4 Adjust solution volume, feed quality, temperatures, electrical current, voltage and production rate, in accordance with procedures
  • 2.5 Adjust electrochemical system and its component plant items as appropriate to their type and duty to meet production requirements
  • 2.6 Pull and strip plates/electrodes in accordance with procedures
3 Diagnose and take action on abnormal situations in accordance with procedures
  • 3.1 Monitor electrochemical system and its component plant items frequently and critically throughout shift using measured/indicated data and senses
  • 3.2 Describe impacts of any changes upstream and downstream
  • 3.3 Recognise actual and developing situations which may require action.
  • 3.4 Apply operational knowledge to resolve problems
  • 3.5 Take other actions on abnormal situations which cannot be resolved during the shift to ensure safety and the resolution of the situation
  • 3.6 Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred
4 Isolate and de-isolate electrochemical system and its component plant items
  • 4.1 Complete any required pre-start checks
  • 4.2 Start up/shut down electrochemical system according to the electrochemical system type and duty in liaison with other personnel
  • 4.3 Start up/shut down/changeover component plant items within unit according to their type and duty in liaison with other personnel
  • 4.4 Isolate entire electrochemical system and/or any component plant item
  • 4.5 Make safe for required work
  • 4.6 Check electrochemical system /plant item is ready to be returned to service
  • 4.7 De-isolate and prepare electrochemical system/plant item for return to service
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WG552 PMAOPS364A Operate an electrochemical process Unit of competency