Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

Context
This competency includes all types of digestion equipment, including but not limited to:
autoclave digesters
tube digesters
Procedures
Procedures may be written, verbal, computer-based or in some other form. They may include, but are not limited to:
all work instructions
standard operating procedures
formulas/recipes
batch sheets
temporary instructions
any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant
good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice
Procedures would be expected to comply with any relevant government regulations.
Logs and reports
Logs and reports may include:
paper or electronic-based logs and reports
verbal/radio reports
reporting items found which require action
Appropriate action
Appropriate action includes, but is not limited to:
determining problems needing action
accessing and applying relevant technical and plant data
applying appropriate problem solving techniques to determine 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/ability to designated person
Typical problems
Typical problems may include, but are not limited to:
seal/gasket leaks
pressure loss/low flow
high pressure
blockages/build-up/fouling
erosion/wear
driver problems
temperature excursions (high or low)
Remedial actions
Remedial actions may include, but are not limited to:
making adjustments to the equipment (flow, pressure, etc)
carrying out minor maintenance within operator's skill level
identifying and reporting problems outside operator's scope of ability
identifying and controlling hazards related to digestion equipment and surrounding areas
Start up and shut down as required
Start up and shut down as required includes:
start up and shut down to/from normal operating conditions
start up and shut down to/from isolated, cold or empty
all other conditions experienced on the plant (i.e. from any condition to any condition experienced on the plant)
Health, safety and environment (HSE)
All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent HSE 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.
Work requirements
Work requirements may come from briefings, handovers and work orders and may include:
compliance documentation
product specifications
nature and scope of tasks
achievement targets
operational conditions
lighting conditions
plant or equipment defects
hazards and potential hazards
coordination requirements or issues

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence are:
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.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this competency will occur over a range of situations which will include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operation. This will require access to an operating plant over an extended period of time, or a suitable method of gathering evidence of operating ability. Where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue an industry-based simulation may be employed to assist the process.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, competency and safety requirements of the site and consistent with workplace systems or procedures.