Elements and Performance Criteria

The application of this competency will vary according to the batch requirements, range of equipment, technology and the varied range of process procedures within an enterprise.

This competency unit includes the use of equipment and storage facilities such as:
motorised rail and road vehicles
mechanical handling equipment including front end loaders
computers
hand tools and safety equipment
mechanical and computerised measuring devices
bunkers, silos, bins/hoppers, weigh bins, tanks and portable tanks
flammable stores.

Materials may include:
materials supplied from an external source
materials/chemical mix produced internally for secondary process.

Typical problems include:
material specifications
contamination of stored stock
quality of received materials
equipment failure.
This competency includes the operation of all ancillary equipment and the operation of plant using PLCs where appropriate.
All operations are performed in accordance with standard procedures and work instructions.

OHS
All operations are subject to stringent OHS requirements and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and OHS requirements, the OHS requirements take precedence.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements
Knowledge and understanding of the materials and equipment sufficient to recognise variance from specifications and then to determine an appropriate action that is consistent with operating guidelines.
Knowledge of the enterprise's standard procedures and work instructions and relevant regulatory requirements, along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the operation of the process.

Competence includes the ability to:


apply and/or describe:

principles of safe and efficient storage
material characteristics
impact of contamination
hazard identification
transfer system
testing procedures

distinguish between causes of faults such as:

different materials
equipment (electrical, mechanical and manual)
contamination
as is relevant to the practical operation of the process.

Critical aspects
It is essential that the process be understood and that the importance of critical material properties is known. Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise and analyse potential situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:

materials are safely and efficiently stored to specification
problems (eg, supply and demand of materials, contamination) are anticipated and appropriate action is taken.
Competence must be demonstrated in the operation of all ancillary equipment to the level required for this competency unit.

Assessment method and context
Competence in this unit may be assessed by observation over time on an operating plant. Where this is done, the time-frame must allow for adequate assessment of operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions. Where this is not practical, additional assessment techniques must be used.
Competence may also be assessed by use of a range of case studies/scenarios.
In all cases it is expected that the practical assessment will be supported by targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in such a manner as is appropriate to the language and literacy levels of the operator and reflecting the requirements of the competency.

Other assessment advice
It would be desirable to assess this unit concurrently with

Resource implications
Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment which allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios will also be required where these 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 lunch room. No other special resources are required.

Communicating ideas and information
(1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(1)

Planning and organising activities
(1)

Working with others and in teams
(1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(1)

Solving problems
(1)

Using technology
(1)