Australian Bureau of Statistics
Celebrating the International Year of Statistics 2013

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UNIT GROUP 3992 CHEMICAL, GAS, PETROLEUM AND POWER GENERATION PLANT OPERATORS

CHEMICAL, GAS, PETROLEUM AND POWER GENERATION PLANT OPERATORS control the operation of chemical production equipment, pump gas and oil from wellheads, refine and process petroleum products, and operate boilers, turbogenerators and associated plant to generate electrical power.

Indicative Skill Level:
Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.

In Australia:

AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Level 4 qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 3)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Tasks Include:

• controlling equipment performing continuous and batch processes to process chemicals and natural gas, manufacture refined petroleum products, and blend petroleum base stocks to produce commercial fuels, lubricating oils and asphalt
• controlling the preparation, measuring and feeding of raw material and processing agents such as catalysts and filtering media into plant
• patrolling and inspecting equipment to ensure proper operation and setting operating controls on equipment
• analysing samples and readings and recording test data
• controlling records of production, quantities transferred and details of blending and pumping operations
• checking equipment for malfunctions and arranging maintenance
• operating power generation plant controls to produce required load
• monitoring operation of power generation plant and interpreting instrument readings
• authorising procedures to isolate high-voltage and low-voltage electrical apparatus and plant
• writing reports and maintaining records on equipment performance, instrument readings and switching operations
• carrying out routine operating tests

Occupations:
399211 Chemical Plant Operator
399212 Gas or Petroleum Operator
399213 Power Generation Plant Operator

Controls the operation of chemical production plant.

Skill Level: 3

Specialisations:

Chemicals Distiller
Chemicals Fermentation Operator
Industrial Gas Production Operator
Paint Maker
Pharmaceutical Plant Operator
Pilot Plant Operator

Alternative Titles:
Oil and Gas Well Treatment Operator
Oil, Gas and Pipe Tester
Petroleum and Gas Refining and Pumping Operator

Operates equipment to pump oil and gas from wellheads, and refine and process petroleum products.

Skill Level: 3

Specialisations:

Gas Compressor Turbine Operator
Petroleum Blending Plant Operator
Petroleum Terminal Plant Operator
Refinery Pipeline Operator

Operates boilers, turbogenerators and associated plant to generate electrical power. Registration or licensing is required.

Skill Level: 3

Specialisations:

Hydro-electric Station Operator
Power Generation Turbine Room Operator