This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate, inspect and monitor auxiliary steam systems in a power generation facility.

The function of an auxiliary steam system is to deliver ancillary steam, as required, to ensure the smooth operation of plant and equipment. Auxiliaries serve to keep steam water cycles safely circulating, and to return it to its thermodynamic starting point.

Competency in this unit requires the ability to plan work, operate auxiliary steam system plant, test auxiliary steam system plant, analyse auxiliary steam system plant faults, monitor and inspect auxiliary steam system plant and the completion of all documentation. Individuals will, in general, work under supervision, in a power generation facility as an operator.

Power generation plant operators are typically trained and authorised to isolate, prepare plant and issue 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 may require a licence or training permit to practice in the workplace where work is carried out on gas and electrical installations. Additional 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 preparefor auxiliary steam system plant operation

1.1

Safety issues related to operating and monitoring auxiliary steam system plant are identified, in accordance with workplace procedures and Work, Health and Safety (WHS)/Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations and legislative requirements

1.2

Work requirements including permits to work are identified, in accordance with workplace procedures, and from relevant personnel and documentation

1.3

Documentation to determine auxiliary steam system plant status is assessed and evaluated, in accordance with workplace procedures

1.4

Inspection, preoperational checks and field preparation for auxiliary steam system plant service are carried out, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers' recommendations

1.5

Auxiliary steam system plant operational prerequisites are established, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers' recommendations

1.6

Sequence for recommissioning of auxiliary steam system plant is determined, in accordance with workplace procedures and site requirements

2

Operate auxiliary steam systemplant

2.1

Auxiliary steam system plant is operated, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers' operating recommendations

2.2

Auxiliary steam system plant is monitored and observed, in accordance with workplace procedures, to detect deviations from normal operating conditions

2.3

Corrective actions are taken to rectify auxiliary steam system plant abnormalities, in accordance with workplace procedures, industry standards and site requirements

3

Test auxiliary steam systemplant operation

3.1

Operational tests are performed, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2

Auxiliary steam system plant is observed for correct operational response, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3

Corrective action is taken when response does not meet with documentation, auxiliary steam system plant integrity or personnel safety requirements

3.4

Auxiliary steam system plant is returned to required operational status upon completion of testing, in accordance with workplace procedures

4

Analyse auxiliary steam systemplant faults

4.1

Causes of abnormal auxiliary steam system plant operating conditions are identified, in accordance with workplace procedures, and by analysing technical and operational information

4.2

Corrective action is taken, in accordance with workplace procedures

4.3

Auxiliary steam system plant integrity and personnel safety is maintained, in accordance with workplace procedures, and in consultation with appropriate personnel and technical and operational documentation

5

Monitor and inspect auxiliary steam systemplant

5.1

Auxiliary steam system plant to be monitored and inspected is physically identified, in accordance with workplace procedures

5.2

Auxiliary steam system plant is monitored and inspected, in accordance with workplace procedures, to detect deviations from normal operating conditions of the plant

5.3

Corrective action is taken, in accordance with workplace procedures

5.4

Appropriate personnel are notified, in accordance with workplace procedures, when defects are detected

6

Complete documentation

6.1

Auxiliary steam system plant problems, movements, and status are reported, in accordance with workplace procedures

6.2

Documentation is updated, 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

Operations