Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:12 AM AWST

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Evaluate programmable logic controller and related control system component applications

Evaluate programmable logic controller and related control system component applications

Unit of competency
National Code
MEM23116
State Code
OEW86
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
19/12/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/04/2023
Field of Education
030703 - Industrial Engineering
Original Release Date
19/04/2023
Nominal Hours
55
Description
This unit of competency defines the skills and knowledge required to evaluate automated devices, machines and processes controlled by programmable logic controllers (PLCs). It includes basic PLC architecture, associated control system components and programming techniques, work health and safety (WHS) compliance requirements, risk management, automation safety, networking for data sharing and remote control, and broad implications of wiring rules.This unit applies to evaluations of PLCs and their use in engineering applications. The evaluation can be undertaken as part of a PLC selection process or to assess PLC and control system condition or efficiency.It is suitable for people working as automation, mechatronics or maintenance technicians or for those pursuing qualifications or careers in those disciplines.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine scope of evaluation
  • 1.1 Confirm and apply safe electrical working practice
  • 1.2 Review the currents and voltages present in the PLC applications and check for regulatory requirements and dangerous high currents and voltages, including effects on humans and on application equipment and components
  • 1.3 Identify WHS and regulatory requirements codes of practice, standards, risk management and organisational procedure, including those for automation safety
  • 1.4 Determine requirement for PLC and related control system components
  • 1.5 Ensure appropriate support, including licensed electrical, technical and professional assistance, is available
  • 1.6 Determine software and software techniques for analysis and graphics required by the evaluation task
  • 1.7 Identify stakeholders to be consulted on evaluation
  • 1.8 Investigate sustainability implications of PLC applications
2. Establish existing features of PLC applications
  • 2.1 Review the functions and features of devices, machines and processes controlled by PLCs
  • 2.2 Identify features and functions of PLC systems and components
  • 2.3 Review PLC programming and functions
  • 2.4 Identify system integrating principles and techniques, signal conditioning and power interfacing
  • 2.5 Identify networking and system supervision, data acquisition and supervisory control options
3. Evaluate PLC applications
  • 3.1 Determine suitability of components of application including sensor or transducers, PLC and output devices, signal conditioning and interfacing
  • 3.2 Establish suitability of controller functions, PLC software and programming
  • 3.3 Determine suitability of network, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) communications protocols, standards and network topologies, human-machine interfaces (HMIs) and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) used by applications
  • 3.4 Evaluate compliance of application with WHS and regulatory requirements, codes of practice, standards and risk management procedures
4. Report results
  • 4.1 Record results of evaluation in accordance with procedures
  • 4.2 Provide documentation including layouts, programs and flow charts or state diagrams and files
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WE931 MEM23116A Evaluate programmable logic controller and related control system component applications Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BOY9 MEM80125 Graduate Diploma of Engineering Qualification
BIW5 MEM60122 Advanced Diploma of Engineering Qualification