Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
SCADA system
System Control and Data Acquisition is a general term applied to a number of systems which automatically collect critical process data, perform required mathematical manipulations on it and then make control decisions and/or give required information to personnel for action.
In the continuous manufacturing sector, the SCADA system may be integrated into other sophisticated computer control systems such as DCS (Distributed control system). Organisations may simply refer to their SCADA as the DCS or other similar term (such as the proprietary name of the computer system).
SCADA systems may provide information from outside of the process, such as stock/material levels in a location. This information may all be accessed by the SCADA system and the employee using it in order to make production rate and other control decisions (either automatically or human assisted) about their own process.
Metallurgical principles relate to
preparation and selection of raw materials
characteristics of iron ore
pelletising
sintering
iron blast furnace operations
blast furnace slags
principles of iron making
techniques for increasing blast furnace productivity

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to monitor blast furnace operations. Critical aspects for assessment and evidence are required to demonstrate competency in this unit.
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 OH&S practices
explain the general principles of iron making
monitor the operation of a blast furnace under direction and consistently achieve required furnace output specification
Relationship to other units
This unit may be assessed concurrently with other relevant units.
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, skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessors should gather sufficient, fair, valid, reliable, authentic and current evidence from a range of sources. Sources of evidence may include direct observation, reports from supervisors, peers and colleagues, project work, samples, organisation records and questioning. Assessment should not require language, literacy or numeracy skills beyond those required for the unit.
The assessee will have access to all techniques, procedures, information, resources and aids which would normally be available in the workplace.
The method of assessment should be discussed and agreed with the assessee prior to the commencement of assessment.
Resource implications
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.