Required skills

Required skills include

identifying features and functions of PLCs and control systems including

components

signal conditioning and power interfacing

networking and system supervision data acquisition and systems control options

ensuring safe electrical working practice including use of licensed personnel where required

investigating sustainability implications of PLC applications

evaluating safety condition efficiency and functionality of PLCs and associated applications including

controller functions and programming

network and interfacing including SCADA communications protocols standards and network topologies

suitability of HMIs and GUIs

compliance with WHS and regulatory requirements

applying WHS regulatory and automation safety requirements risk management and organisational procedures

reporting and documenting results of evaluation including layouts programs flow charts or state diagrams and files

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes

features of a range of PLC and related control system component applications used in engineering environments

effects of electricity on humans dangerous high currents and voltages and automated systems regulatory requirements related to extra low low and high voltage applications

relevant compliance requirements of WHS regulations codes of practice standards and risk assessment requirements for integrated manufacturing systems with particular emphasis on automation safety

hardware functions options and integration into PLC and related control systems

input devicessensors

output devicesactuators

PLCs

interfacing and signal conditioning

communications and networking options for devices

HMIs and GUIs

PLC architecture

InputOutput IO functions and arrangements

typical input signals and sensortransducers

shielding and twisted pairing for noise mitigation

calibration techniques

reading of discrete levels from analog input data other analog IO functions not required by this unit

input signal conditioning

digitally driven output devices and interface requirements power supply

programming techniques and options

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

Overview of assessment

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to evaluate PLCs and related control system component applications for safety efficiency and function

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently

identify and assess compliance with WHS and regulatory requirements and risk management procedures

review dangers and effects of electricity on humans

identify PLC related systems and components integrating principles and techniques

assess suitability of programming

investigate sustainability implications of PLC applications

assess and apply basic electrical and electronic control principles controller programming principles and techniques software basic analysis and graphics skills and techniques

evaluate components of applications against application specifications for safety economy and fitness for purpose

report and document results

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job off the job or a combination of both on and off the job Where assessment occurs off the job then a simulated working environment must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team

Where applicable reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity age gender demographics and disability

Access must be provided to appropriate learning andor assessment support when required Where applicable physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities

Method of assessment

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM Metal and Engineering Training Package

Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.

Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts together with application of underpinning knowledge

Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application

Assessment may be applied under projectrelated conditions real or simulated and require evidence of process

Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is not only able to be satisfied under the particular circumstance but is able to be transferred to other circumstances

Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed

PLC applications

PLC software

Appropriate technical and professional assistance

Standards and codes

Automation safety

Data and communications protocols and standards

Network topologies

Sustainability