Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:47 AM 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.

Operate process control systems

Operate process control systems

Unit of competency
National Code
PMAOPS305
State Code
AXN12
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
02/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/08/2016
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
05/08/2016
Nominal Hours
60
Description
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to operate and monitor the plant using a centralised control panel, such as distributed control system (DCS) type controls. The panel controls multiple vessels/plant items and or products. It will typically be located on-site but off plant in a control room, but may also be off-site.This unit of competency applies to operations technicians 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 are required to identify, correct and report operational problems, operate, monitor and maintain equipment using relevant procedures, take appropriate action following an alarm or out-of-specification condition developing, and contribute to safe operations.The control system will typically use a range of control algorithms and multiple control loops. The control system may include other local controllers which are integral to its operation.This unit of competency applies to an individual operating as part of a team during start-up, shutdown and normal operating conditions. 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.The operations technician is expected to be capable of performing all parts of this unit of competency. No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for work
  • 1.1 Receive and give shift handover
  • 1.2 Identify work requirements
  • 1.3 Identify and control hazards
  • 1.4 Coordinate with appropriate personnel
  • 1.5 Check for recent work undertaken on plant units being controlled
  • 1.6 Note any outstanding/incomplete work
  • 1.7 Check operational status of plant units being controlled
2 Use operator interface
  • 2.1 Use human interface devices to access control system/panel
  • 2.2 Monitor the process using the operator interfaces
  • 2.3 Select appropriate controller modes
  • 2.4 Access historical data and information
  • 2.5 Acknowledge messages and alarms
3 Access control information
  • 3.1 Obtain relevant 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/irregularities to procedures
4 Control process variations and monitor operations
  • 4.1 Use historical data to assist the identification of problems
  • 4.2 Process available information to identify potential faults
  • 4.3 Undertake required set point/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 appropriate action
  • 4.7 Adjust controller settings in accordance with procedures
  • 4.8 Use fine tuning software as appropriate.
  • 4.9 Coordinate with upstream and downstream units as appropriate
  • 4.10 Record adjustments and variations to specifications/schedules
  • 4.11 Communicate to appropriate personnel as required
5 Facilitate planned and unplanned process start-ups and shutdowns
  • 5.1 Select and apply procedures to planned start-up and shutdown processes
  • 5.2 Select and apply procedures to unplanned shutdown processes
  • 5.3 Implement all required emergency responses
  • 5.4 Communicate necessary information to all personnel affected by events
  • 5.5 Log all required information
6 Respond to alarms or out of specification conditions
  • 6.1 Identify system(s) affected by the alarm or condition
  • 6.2 Interpret alarms and prioritise actions to be taken
  • 6.3 Take appropriate action to respond to the alarm or incident
  • 6.4 Deal with any out-of-specification material in accordance with procedures
  • 6.5 Communicate the problem/solution to appropriate personnel
  • 6.6 Record the information as required
  • 6.7 Provide details of the alarm and action taken to the next shift at changeover
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
W8869 PMAOPS305B Operate process control systems Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OCK74 PMAOPS315 Operate and troubleshoot process control systems Unit of competency