Elements and Performance Criteria

Context
This unit of competency includes all such items of equipment and unit operations, which form part of the load-out and storage system.

For your facility this may include (select relevant items):
tanks
vessels
pumps
compressors
gauges
fire protection and deluge systems
gas detection systems and equipment
tank dipping and measurement equipment.

Product may include hydrocarbons, oil, gas or bulk liquid chemicals/petrochemicals.

Typical problems for your facility may include:
insufficient/inappropriate storage for product/material
interruptions to loading through adverse weather conditions
product surging
control of temperature and pressure
variations in feed
vibration
tank capacities and space.

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 platform or facility. 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 1 and 5). Simulation should be based on the actual plant or platform 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:
PMAOPS221A - Operate and monitor prime movers
PMAOPS223A - Operate and monitor valve systems
PMAOPS222A - Operate and monitor pumping systems and equipment
PMAOPS304A - Operate and monitor compressor systems and equipment.

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

Essential knowledge
Demonstration of competence in this unit must include knowledge of the following:
physics of operation
testing techniques
equipment isolation and purging
use and operation of safety equipment, including breathing apparatus
tank and product mixes
flow rates and measures
tank capacities and percentages
static electricity principles.

Sound knowledge of storage and transfer techniques required to transport oil, gas or water is expected.