This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to diagnose and repair instrumentation systems and all ancillary equipment including, but not limited to, PC operating systems, distributive control systems, programmable logic control systems and process control systems.

An instrumentation system is a collection of instruments used to measure, monitor, and control processes. Diagnosing and repairing faults is the practice of optimising an instrumentation system through regular inspections and verification of operational efficiency.

Competency in this unit requires the ability to plan work, testing wiring systems, testing piping and tubing systems, testing instrumentation equipment, commissioning instrumental equipment and to report on all completed work tasks. Individuals will, in general, work under supervision in an electrical, electronic and/or mechanical equipment repair workshop or on site.

Power generation maintenance personnel are typically trained and authorised to receive permits to work.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Note: Workplace practice

The application of the skills and knowledge described in this unit of competency may require a licence or training permit to practice in the workplace, where work is carried out on gas and electrical installations. Additional and/or other conditions may apply under state and territory legislative and regulatory licensing requirements.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Plan and prepare for work

1.1

Requirements including scope of work and assigned roles are identified and confirmed with appropriate personnel or by site inspection, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.2

Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations, legislative requirements, industry standards, codes of practice, manufacturers’ specifications, environmental obligations and workplace procedures are reviewed in preparation for work

1.3

Resources are obtained and inspected for compliance with job specification

1.4

Relevant plans, drawings and manuals are selected and used, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.5

Correct materials and components for work are obtained and inspected, in accordance with workplace procedures, for compliance with job specification

1.6

Work is planned, sequenced and prioritised, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.7

Potential hazards are identified, and risk control measures are selected and implemented, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.8

Work area is prepared, in accordance with workplace procedures

2

Diagnose instrumentation systemfault

2.1

Normal performance and function of instrumentation system is ascertained, in accordance with workplace procedures

2.2

Fault indicators, appropriate technical information and diagnostic techniques are identified and used, in accordance with workplace procedures, to diagnose faults

2.3

Faults are reproduced and monitored, if possible, in accordance with workplace procedures

3

Find instrumentation system fault

3.1

Isolations are confirmed, where appropriate, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2

Instrumentation system equipment, components, wires, cables, terminations and support fixings are inspected, in accordance with workplace procedures, for faults

3.3

Diagnostic techniques are used, in accordance with workplace procedures, to determine the fault

3.4

Components are disconnected, in accordance with workplace procedures, to enable test measurements of suspected faulty components without back feed readings occurring

3.5

Test and measurement instruments are used, in accordance with workplace procedures, manufacturers' specifications and job requirements

4

Determine cause of instrumentation systemfault

4.1

Appropriate personnel are consulted about faults, if required, in accordance with workplace procedures

4.2

Use is made of information from fault indicators and maintenance records, in accordance with workplace procedures

4.3

Conclusions about the nature and cause of the fault from analysis of available evidence is used, in accordance with workplace procedures

5

Repair instrumentation system fault

5.1

Isolations are confirmed, where appropriate, in accordance with workplace procedures

5.2

Faulty, worn or damaged equipment and components are repaired, in accordance with workplace procedures

5.3

Parts and components are replaced, as required, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers' specifications

5.4

Instrumentation system equipment and components are disconnected for testing and are reconnected, in accordance with workplace procedures, and terminations are then checked to ensure they are electrically and mechanically sound

5.5

Faults are repaired, in accordance with workplace procedures

5.6

Final inspection is performed, in accordance with workplace procedures

6

Complete work

6.1

Work is completed and appropriate personnel are notified, in accordance with workplace procedures

6.2

Work area is cleared of waste, cleaned, restored and secured in accordance with workplace procedures

6.3

Tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained and stored, in accordance with workplace procedures

6.4

Work completion details are finalised, in accordance with workplace procedures

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

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Electricity generation

Maintenance