This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to operate and monitor an in-service boiler unit capable of supplying steam.

Boilersare used to createsteamby applyingheat towater, the steam expands and turns the turbines and these in turn drive the generators in power generation facilities.

Competency in this unit requires the ability to plan work, operate boiler unit plant, test boiler unit plant, analyse boiler unit plant faults, monitor and inspect boiler unit and complete 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 prepare work

1.1

Safety issues related to operating and monitoring boiler unit 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 are identified, in accordance with workplace procedures, from relevant personnel and documentation

1.3

Preoperational checks are carried out on boiler unit plant, in accordance with workplace procedures, manufacturers' recommendations and site requirements

2

Operate boiler unitplant

2.1

Combustion is established and fuel consumption at minimum levels is supported, in accordance with workplace procedures, manufacturers' recommendations and site requirements

2.2

Fuel and air feed flows are adjusted to achieve required steam conditions and demand, in accordance with workplace procedures, and observation of operating requirements

2.3

Boiler unit plant is operated within the limits of its' design, in accordance with workplace procedures and site requirements

2.4

Boiler unit plant is monitored and observed, in accordance with workplace procedures, to detect deviations from required operating conditions

2.5

Corrective actions are taken to rectify boiler unit abnormalities, in accordance with workplace procedures and manufacturers' recommendations

3

Test boiler unitplant operation

3.1

Operational tests are performed, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.2

Boiler unit plant is observed for correct operational response, in accordance with workplace procedures

3.3

Corrective action is taken, in accordance with workplace procedures, when response does not meet with documentation, boiler unit plant integrity or personnel safety requirements

3.4

Boiler unit plant is returned to required operational status upon completion of test, in accordance with workplace procedures

4

Analyse boiler unitplantfaults

4.1

Causes of abnormal boiler unit 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

Boiler unit plant integrity and personnel safety is maintained, in accordance with workplace procedures, and in consultation with appropriate personnel and technical and operational documentation

4.4

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

5

Monitor boiler unitplant

5.1

Boiler unit plant to be monitored is identified, in accordance with workplace procedures

5.2

Boiler unit plant is monitored for normal operation or to detect deviations, in accordance with workplace procedures

5.3

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

6

Complete documentation

6.1

Boiler unit plant problems, movements, abnormalities and status is 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