Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:55 PM AWST
22/07/2026 9:55 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Read dials and indicators
Read dials and indicators
Unit of competency
National Code
PMAOPS101C
PMAOPS101C
State Code
W8838
W8838
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/09/2013
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
05/09/2013
Nominal Hours
15
Description
This competency covers making (or taking) readings/measurements in a variety of sites and locations, using common types of plant instrumentation. It also covers recording measurement results in a prescribed format, according to procedures and with the appropriate level of detail included in all reports.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Contribute to controlling hazards in work area.
- 1.1. Identify hazards in work area
- 1.2. Take appropriate action to control risks according to procedures.
2. Identify appropriate measuring device readings.
- 2.1. Explain the need for calibration and where appropriate, confirm the calibration of the measuring device
- 2.2. Select appropriate units on the measuring device
- 2.3. Select appropriate scale(s) on the measuring device.
3. Perform measurements.
- 3.1. Identify the range of results that could be obtained
- 3.2. Identify and take account of relevant external factors
- 3.3. Perform measurements using appropriate techniques
- 3.4. Identify measurements outside the range of expected results
- 3.5. Take action on measurements outside expected range according to procedures.
4. Record results
- 4.1. Record readings accurately in the appropriate format
- 4.2. Record the results to the appropriate level of detail.
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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Codes of practice/ standards
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.
Context
This unit applies to reading process instrumentation in any plant or related situation.
Readings may need to be made at heights, in wet or restricted conditions, or close to hot or moving equipment.
Dials and indicators
Typical dials and indicators include (select relevant items):
analogue dials, such as:
pressure gauge
rev counter
temperature dial
digital readouts, such as:
pH meter
temperature probe
ammeter
flow meter
weigh scales.
Calibration checks
Calibration checks could include:
checking the date that the next calibration is required, eg weigh scale, pressure gauge
using a calibration button on the instrument, eg zero button on an ammeter, calibration button on an electronic meter.
Appropriate action
Appropriate action includes:
determining problems needing action
determining possible fault causes
rectifying problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility
following through items initiated until final resolution has occurred
reporting problems outside area of responsibility to designated person.
Health, safety and environment (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.
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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Codes of practice/ standards
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.
Context
This unit applies to reading process instrumentation in any plant or related situation.
Readings may need to be made at heights, in wet or restricted conditions, or close to hot or moving equipment.
Dials and indicators
Typical dials and indicators include (select relevant items):
analogue dials, such as:
pressure gauge
rev counter
temperature dial
digital readouts, such as:
pH meter
temperature probe
ammeter
flow meter
weigh scales.
Calibration checks
Calibration checks could include:
checking the date that the next calibration is required, eg weigh scale, pressure gauge
using a calibration button on the instrument, eg zero button on an ammeter, calibration button on an electronic meter.
Appropriate action
Appropriate action includes:
determining problems needing action
determining possible fault causes
rectifying problem using appropriate solution within area of responsibility
following through items initiated until final resolution has occurred
reporting problems outside area of responsibility to designated person.
Health, safety and environment (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.
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
Assessment of this unit should include demonstrated competence on actual plant and equipment in a work environment. 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 assessment of parts of this unit. Simulation should be based on the actual plant and will include walk-throughs of the relevant competency components. Simulations may also include the use of case studies/scenarios and role plays.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action. While it is not expected that the operator will understand the full implications of readings outside the normal range, there should be awareness of the safety implications and the appropriate priority for response for such readings.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
readings which are out of range or unusual/unexpected signs of problems or potential problems with the equipment/processes are recognised
appropriate action is taken in a timely manner
hazards are recognised and appropriate action is taken to control risks arising from such hazards.
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. The assessment activities should include responding to a range of problems.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
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.
Method of assessment
In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with relevant teamwork and communication units.
It may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with units related to HSE.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.
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
Assessment of this unit should include demonstrated competence on actual plant and equipment in a work environment. 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 assessment of parts of this unit. Simulation should be based on the actual plant and will include walk-throughs of the relevant competency components. Simulations may also include the use of case studies/scenarios and role plays.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to recognise situations requiring action and then in implementing appropriate corrective action. While it is not expected that the operator will understand the full implications of readings outside the normal range, there should be awareness of the safety implications and the appropriate priority for response for such readings.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
readings which are out of range or unusual/unexpected signs of problems or potential problems with the equipment/processes are recognised
appropriate action is taken in a timely manner
hazards are recognised and appropriate action is taken to control risks arising from such hazards.
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. The assessment activities should include responding to a range of problems.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
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.
Method of assessment
In all plants it may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with relevant teamwork and communication units.
It may be appropriate to assess this unit concurrently with units related to HSE.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C7819 | PMAOPS101B | Read dials and indicators | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXN54 | PMAOPS101 | Read dials and indicators | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
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| W749 | PMC30110 | Certificate III in Manufactured Mineral Products | Qualification |
| J572 | PMA30113 | Certificate III in Process Plant Operations | Qualification |
| W516 | PMA30108 | Certificate III in Process Plant Operations | Qualification |
| J570 | PMA20113 | Certificate II in Process Plant Operations | Qualification |
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