PROFESSIONAL STANDARD Biogas Plant Operator, level 5 Professional standard is a document that describes the activities of the professional competency or set of the skills, knowledge and competencies to work successfully Uses of professional standards 1. Compilation of training programs and curricula which meet labour market requirements 2. Evaluation of human competence including self-evaluation and conformity assessment of professional award 3. Professional description and demonstration 4. Personal career planning and the basis for lifelong learning 5. Identification of training needs and planning training 6. Preparation of job descriptions and employee recruitment 7. Comparison of professions and qualifications

Professional Title Biogas plan operator, level 5

Estonian Qualification Framework Level (EKR) 5

Part A PROFESSIONAL DESCRIPTION A1 Work description

Biogas plant operator runs, observes and turns/ propels the operating device of biogas production process to produce biogas from biodegradable raw material and help the conversion of heat and/or electrical power or motor fuel. Work includes activities connected with biogas production from receiving the raw materials to launch the final products. Biogas plant operator usually works alone. He is responsible for his work resulting with dangerous situations and environmental damages whilst operating the plant. The operator is able to solve problems connected with everyday work and acts in difficult situations in a proactive way for finding the best solutions. This work requires communication with partner companies. * unit/ entity containing equipment for raw material supply, fermenters, biogas storage and cleaning equipment and equipment for combined heat and power production or for motor fuel transfer. ** agricultural by-products, energy cultures and green biomass, bio waste, waste water sediment etc.

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A2 Working part Mandatory set of works

A.2.1 Observing the processes A.2.1.1 Daily observation of production processes A.2.1.2 Daily observation of working equipment A.2.1.3 Observing the quality and raw material supply A.2.1.4 Observing the production capacity and quality A.2.2 Optimizing and operating the processes A.2.2.1 Engaging in the process of production and activating the equipment the first time A.2.2.2 Operating the work of equipment A.2.2.3 ensuring the stability in production process A.2.2.4 Receiving, supplying and using raw materials A.2.3 Maintaining the equipment A.2.3.1 Regular maintaining of equipment A.2.3.2 Arranging repairing

A.3 Work environment and specificity

Work operations take place both in indoor and outdoor conditions. Biogas plant is operated whether by stationary/ fixed or remote control There is possible some danger of explosion, noise and vibration in the biogas plant work station. Contact with different poisonous substances, chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms is possible, which can cause health risks( allergy, poisoning, infections). Work requires following the safety rules for gas- power- and environmental environments. Working time is flexible and working rhythm is variable. A.4 Work equipment

Basic work equipment includes hand tools and special tools, protective equipment (e.g. gas detectors), equipment for observing and measuring the processes, computer, loading gears and other gadgets. A.5 Personal qualities required for work

Supporting skills for a biogas plant operator are: analytical aptitude, decision making, focusing, adaptability, consequence, emotional stability and team work. Working performance requires good physical endurance, precise and co-ordinated movements, ability to work in heights, good eyesight, hearing and olfactory perception. 2

A.6 Professional preparation

Biogas plant operator has vocational secondary education in required field with work experience secondary education with practical professional skills. Work requires basic knowledge in chemistry, mechanics, power- and heat energetics and logistics. These base knowledge will provided by continuing education courses. The knowledge connected with in use production process is got through training courses organized by suppliers. A.7 Regulations for operating in professional field

According to Employment Contracts Act the operator must be at least 18 years old. According to regulation of Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications „Requirements for control of an electrical installation and electrical work“, is required electrical safety certificate for de-energized job operations and switching. According to the safety regulations for gaseous fuel the training for gas appliance safety is required.

Part B COMPETENCIES B.1 Necessary competences for applied profession

Applying for profession of biogas plant operator are required documents to approve competences B.2.1- B.2.5. B.2 Competences EQF level 5

B.2.1 Observing processes

Indicators:

1) Observes in accordance with instructions process indications from graphs and measuring gadgets (e. g. temperature, pressure, gas content, intensity of current, tension). Saves immediate information of equipment using suitable indication saving methods 2) Is able to use electronic or computer-based control panel in central control space and work from distance with data communication equipment in connection with processes observation remote equipment. 3) Controls, assesses and analyses work of appliances and equipment in conformity with 3

instructions. Detects explosion risks, noise, leaks and other problems/ abnormalities/ deviations with the help of external inspection and/ or installed sensors. Detects technical reasons and finds solutions and methods for eliminating them. 4) Saves data, writes periodical log with information about plant operations, maintenance and safety operations (e.g. disturbances in safety systems). 5) Draws up or fills in the documentation for quality indicator reports of raw materials, processes and products (plant diaries, reports); 6) Analysis data, detects disturbances/ abnormalities, defects and irregularities). 7) Observes visually and with the help of measuring equipment volume and indicators of produced biogas and fermentation residue (digestate) and raw materials needed for plant operations. 8) Determines the need of raw material reserves and controls its quality requirements. 9) Determines capacity and quality indicators of production Assessment methods: Observation of working place or a test or interview or a case study. EQF level 5

B.2.2 Controlling and optimizing processes Indicators:

1) Switches equipment, regulates operational index of equipment (e.g. operates pumps, valves, carriage systems, mixers and gadgets), to secure effective work of equipment. Consults with representatives of maintenance services companies if needed. 2) To secure stabilized production process, verifies the accordance of raw materials with certified type and characteristics not to contain any foreign substances. 3) Controls biogas plant production process, being guided by manuals, work orders and results of the plant production processes analysis. 4) Handles, stores and issues bio plant raw materials and final products safely and in accordance with requirements. 5) Operates warehousing equipment and other equipment for handling raw materials or biogas processing waste. Knowledge

1) Knowledge got in training courses organized by equipment suppliers: character of 4

production process in use and the principles of starting and maintaining the equipment involved in the process. Assessment: Observation of working place or a test or interview or a case study. EQF level 5

B2.3 Maintaining equipment Performance:

1) 1) Makes smaller regular repair works according to rules, maintenance requirements and safety requirements (e.g. changing oil, play detecting) to avoid defects on equipment or stabilize their technical conditions. 2) 2) Finds the methods and tools to eliminate detected malfunctions. Follows the accident instructions and reports from detected malfunctions and defects if needed. 3) 3) Arranges equipment repair- and maintenance work according to the repair plan. Involves maintaining services companies if needed. 4) 4) Prepares the equipment for repairing work as required. 5) 5) Evaluates technical condition of equipment after repairing work and communicates with other workers to get the full details about equipment conditions. 6) 6) Handles tools, mechanisms and gadgets in accordance with safety rules and application. 7) 7) Draws up reports about preventing measures for equipment 8) 8) Determines purchase need of raw materials and accessories taking in account the reserves and other conditions, draws up and forwards purchase orders for raw materials in accordance with general contract conditions between suppliers. Assessment methods: Observation of working place or a test or interview or a case study.

EQF level 5

B.2.4 General competences of operator

Work indicators: 1) Takes care of work station and safety; 2) Prepares for work the tools, accessories and personal protective equipment as required. 3) Evaluates the technical conditions of equipment by taking over the shift, consults with co-workers or specialists if needed; 4) Has an overview about laws and regulations connected with biogas production; 5) Comprehends his role in company’s activities, acts and operates in working situations quickly, deals with conflicts and adapts with variable situations; 6) Performs parallel many work operations, determines his acting priorities, works effectively also in critical and tense situations, analysis his activities; 7) Controls his emotions, understand positive criticism, learns from both successful and unsuccessful situations; asks for feedback from his colleagues and clients about his actions. 8) Uses both written and spoken Estonian; 9) Is able to read and understand instructions in foreign languages; 5

10) Draws up correct and understandable documents in accordance with principles of technical documentation; 11) Uses communication appliances and computer.

Knowledge: 1) professional terminology and units of measurements 2) SI-system units, simple conversion and comparative calculation tasks 3) raw material types and fields of usage 4) usage fields and quality indicators of most used bio fuels 5) specific character of biogas plant protection technology, equipment installation and technical 6) gas products (incl. Biogas products), their fields of usage and quality standards 7) basic knowledge in electrical engineering, mechanics, automation, logistics, gas production and usage of gas products 8) programs required in operational work and basic word processing and spread sheet programs 9) principles of environmental protection and sustainable development EQF level 5

B.2.5 Occupational and environmental safety

Work indicators: 1) Follows all the rules of occupational health and safety, environmental protection and electrical safety fixed with legislation in all working processes 2) Can act in emergency situations: give first aid, forward information etc.; 3) Counts in his work environment with possible risks (explosion risk and fire risk); uses 4) Technical- and personal safety protection, wears special safety clothing if needed. 5) Uses fire-extinguishing appliances and ensures their perfect work conditions. 6) Follows requirements for handling and storing chemicals, knows the risks by handling the chemicals; 7) Intended use of resources and environment.

Knowledge: 1) production and usage impact of biogas and fermentation residue for the environment 2) limit reference point of gas explosions 3) classification and fields of usage of fire safety and fire-extinguishing appliances 4) basic administrational requirements in Electrical Safety Act and its legal subinstruments. 5) principles of waste handling 6) basic knowledge in first aid safety requirements for usage of work equipment

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Part C GENERAL INFORMATION AND APPENDICES

C.1. Information about composing, endorsement and issuer of professional standards, location references to professional standards in classifications. 1. Mark of identification for a professional standard in register of professions 2. Profession and professional vocation

07-15022012-2.1/1k

3. Comparable professions

Handler of heat equipment, operator of chemical processes

4. Composers of the vocational standard

Õnne-Ly Reidla, Estonian power and heat association Henry Uljas, Baltic Biogas Kai Pank, Kredex Katrin Tammjärv, National Examination and Qualification Centre Ahto Oja, Mõnus Minek LLC. Jaan Allem, Estonian Association of Electrical Enterprises (EAEE) Mati Perker, Tallinna Vesi PLC. Peep Pitk, TTÜ Department of Chemistry Preparation of Professional Standard was done by: Aleksander Maastik, Estonian University of Life Sciences Anne Menert, TTÜ Department of Chemistry Kalle Kahu, MTÜ Estonian Biogas Association Tõnis Kukk, Estonian Gas Association Taavi Malmre, LLC. BiEnTe Ennu Papper, Saare Economics LLC. 7

Handling and observing the biogas production equipment

5. Endorsement of the professional standard

Energy and Mining Industry Professional Council

6. Resolution number of the decision made by the Professional Council 7. Date of the resolution number issued by the Professional Council 8. Validity of the professional standard

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9. Professional standard version number

1

10. Reference to International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO 08)

313 Industrial process control technicians

11. Reference to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) 12. Is the base for curriculum (a)

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15th February 2012 14th February 2017

Vocational education on the base of secondary education; continuing education.