This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to monitor and maintain electrical systems and equipment on systems used to carry products.

This unit of competency applies to operations technicians and those in similar roles who are required to test, repair and recommission electrical systems and equipment; issue permits to allow work to be undertaken; verify equipment and system operation; troubleshoot problems; and prepare reports related to the equipment/systems.

This unit of competency applies to a wide range of electrical equipment and systems. Examples include voltage regulators, alternators, generators and motors, battery banks, air conditioning systems, lighting, emergency shutdown systems (ESD), low voltage power systems, communications systems, single wire earth return (SWER) line systems, solar power systems, fire systems and control panels.

This unit of competency applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team or group and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.

Some jurisdictions may require the holder of this unit to be licensed or certified and users should check with the relevant authorities.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include the ability to:

test, repair, recommission and monitor the operational condition of instrument control systems

isolate and de-isolate equipment

read and interpret schematics, technical drawings and technical information

isolate the causes of problems and distinguish between causes of problems/alarm/fault indications, including:

instrument failure/malfunction

electrical failure/malfunction

mechanical failure/malfunction

equipment design deficiencies

product parameters (temperature, flows, pressure and levels)

process control system malfunction

power/utility failures

issue permits to allow work to be undertaken

verify equipment operation

prepare and analyse reports related to the equipment/systems.

Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:

company-specific work organisations and work flow

process and plant schematic and electrical schematic diagrams

types and application of test equipment typically used with electrical system repair or maintenance

types, operations and functions of electrical systems and equipment

types and application of test and calibration methods

short and long-term deviation control planning

organisation procedures, including those covering:

safety, emergency and hazard control

work permit systems

maintenance

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

hierarchy of control.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

The collection of performance evidence:

should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operations

will typically include a supervisor/third-party report focusing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency

must include the testing and repair of at least three (3) items of equipment, use of appropriate tools, equipment and safety gear requiring demonstration of preparation, operation, completion and responding to problems

may use industry-based simulation for all or part of the unit particularly where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue.

Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible, or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment reflecting realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from one or more of:

walk-throughs

pilot plant operation

demonstration of skills

industry-based case studies/scenarios

‘what ifs’.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence (provided a record is kept) or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept).

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.

The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

In addition, the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment must demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they must assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment

appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions

Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:

being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed

being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures

having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment

conducting on-the-job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed

being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

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