Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:11 AM AWST

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Operate and troubleshoot process control systems

Operate and troubleshoot process control systems

Unit of competency
National Code
PMAOPS315
State Code
OCK74
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
16/11/2020
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
09/03/2021
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
09/03/2021
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate a centralised control panel, such as distributed control system (DCS) type controls, to control and monitor multiple vessels, plant items and/or products. It is typically located on-site but off-plant in a control room, but may also be off-site. It may use a range of control algorithms and multiple control loops and include other local controllers that are integral to its operation.This unit applies to autonomous operators who have overall responsibility for the operation of all units of equipment covered by the control system/portion of the control system they operate. They would take a leading role in liaising and cooperating with other members of the team, including ‘outside operators’. However, this unit does not preclude the situation where the panel operator may also undertake 'outside' functions.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Operate process control system according to procedures
  • 1.1 Receive and give shift handover
  • 1.2 Communicate with personnel to identify and coordinate work requirements
  • 1.3 Identify, control and report hazards
  • 1.4 Check for recent work undertaken on plant units being controlled and address outstanding and incomplete work
  • 1.5 Check operational status of process control system
2. Use operator interface
  • 2.1 Use human interface devices (HIDs) to access control system
  • 2.2 Monitor the process using the operator interfaces
  • 2.3 Select controller modes
  • 2.4 Acknowledge messages and alarms
3. Access control information
  • 3.1 Obtain current and historical data and information from the control system by applying systems knowledge
  • 3.2 Identify the status of individual pieces of equipment from the control panel and use information to identify potential faults
  • 3.3 Minimise fluctuations and variations in process through the interpretation of existing trends and control schematics
  • 3.4 Record process variations and irregularities to procedures
4. Control process variations and monitor operations
  • 4.1 Use historical data to assist in the identification of abnormal situations
  • 4.2 Process available information to identify potential faults
  • 4.3 Undertake required set point and output changes to meet plant and process requirements
  • 4.4 Optimise plant operating conditions in accordance with guidelines
  • 4.5 Adjust production in response to test results and control panel information
  • 4.6 Monitor key process and environmental variables and take action
  • 4.7 Adjust controller settings in accordance with procedures
  • 4.8 Use fine-tuning software according to operating procedures
  • 4.9 Coordinate with upstream and downstream units
  • 4.10 Record adjustments and variations to specifications and schedules
5. Identify and respond to abnormal situations during operation
  • 5.1 Monitor process control system frequently and critically throughout shift using own senses, and measured and indicated data
  • 5.2 Monitor field data and instrumentation to ensure that product remains on specification
  • 5.3 Identify impacts of changes upstream and downstream
  • 5.4 Identify actual and developing situations that may require action
  • 5.5 Take action to remedy abnormal situations according to operating procedures
  • 5.6 Complete required documents outlining abnormal situation management and corrective action taken
6. Shut down and prepare process control system for maintenance
  • 6.1 Prepare process control system to be shut down according to operating procedures
  • 6.2 Complete pre-shutdown checks according to operating procedures
  • 6.3 Shut down process control system according to operating procedures
  • 6.4 Identify, control and report shutdown hazards
  • 6.5 Monitor shutdown and identify abnormal situations that may require action
  • 6.6 Take action to remedy abnormal situations according to operating procedures
  • 6.7 Shut down and changeover duty and standby equipment according to operating procedures
  • 6.8 Isolate process control system from energy sources
7. Prepare and start up process control system
  • 7.1 De-isolate and prepare process control system to be returned to standby or service
  • 7.2 Complete pre-start checks according to operating procedures
  • 7.3 Start up process control system according to operating procedures
  • 7.4 Identify, control and report startup hazards
  • 7.5 Monitor startup and identify abnormal situations that may require action
  • 7.6 Take action to remedy abnormal situations according to operating procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
AXN12 PMAOPS305 Operate process control systems Unit of competency