PMAOPS390 — Operate a biochemical process

1 Prepare for work

• 1.1Receive and give shift handover
• 1.2Identify work requirements
• 1.3Identify and control hazards
• 1.4Coordinate with appropriate personnel
• 1.5Check for recent work undertaken on biochemical unit
• 1.6Note any outstanding/incomplete work
• 1.7Check operational status of biochemical unit

2 Operate the biochemical processes

• 2.1Describe the type of biochemical plant unit, the component plant items and their duties
• 2.2Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork
• 2.3Check performance of all ancillaries (such as mixing and heat exchange)
• 2.4Recognise and interpret trends in bioreactor data/appearance
• 2.5Recognise the signs of potential and actual problems
• 2.6Identify the consequences to the bioreactor processes of the identified changes, trends and problems
• 2.7Keep conditions within the optimum range
• 2.8Take action to minimise the impact on health, safety and environment (HSE) and the business of potential and actual problems

3 Ramp output up/down

• 3.1Predict from rates and schedule when a change will be required
• 3.2Give advanced notice of change to work team
• 3.3Prepare plant for the change
• 3.4Predict the required amount of adjustment to cause the required change
• 3.5Make the change in a controlled manner without excessive variation
• 3.6Monitor the progress of the change and make minor adjustments as required

4 Diagnose and take action on abnormal situations in accordance with procedures

• 4.1Monitor biochemical unit and its component plant items frequently and critically throughout shift using measured/indicated data and senses.
• 4.2Describe impacts of any changes upstream and downstream
• 4.3Recognise actual and developing situations which may require action
• 4.4Apply operational knowledge to resolve problems
• 4.5Take other actions on abnormal situations which cannot be resolved during the shift to ensure safety and the resolution of the situation.
• 4.6Follow through items initiated until final resolution has occurred

5 Isolate and de-isolate biochemical unit and its component plant items

• 5.1Complete any required pre-start checks
• 5.2Start up/shut down biochemical unit according to its type and duty in liaison with other personnel
• 5.3Start up/shut down/changeover component plant items within unit according to their type and duty in liaison with other personnel
• 5.4Isolate entire biochemical unit and/or any component plant item
• 5.5Make safe for required work
• 5.6Check biochemical unit/plant item is ready to be returned to service
• 5.7De-isolate and prepare biochemical unit/plant item for return to service

6 Clean reactors/vessels

• 6.1Identify cleaning requirements
• 6.2Clean to requirements according to procedures
• 6.3Retain microorganisms contained in the plant and prepare for reuse as appropriate
• 6.4Dispose of waste materials according to procedures

What does an assessment tool for PMAOPS390 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for PMAOPS390 needs to address all 50 unit components: 6 elements with 38 performance criteria, 5 performance evidence requirements, 7 knowledge evidence requirements, and the foundation skills. A coverage matrix mapping each question and task to these components is what an auditor looks for.

How does Auditori generate an assessment tool for PMAOPS390?

Auditori pulls the current release of PMAOPS390 from training.gov.au and generates a complete package: candidate assessment, assessor guide with model answers and observation criteria, and a coverage matrix mapping every component. A suitably qualified person then reviews and approves the draft in a built-in workflow — consistent with ASQA's guidance on AI use in VET — before export as branded PDF and editable Word.

Is the first assessment tool really free?

Yes. Every new account includes one free credit — enough to generate the complete assessment tool for PMAOPS390 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing PMAOPS390 assessment instead of generating a new one?

Yes — upload your existing assessment or learner guide and Auditori maps it against every element, performance criterion, PE and KE of PMAOPS390, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.