Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for site rehabilitation

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation  relevant to the rehabilitation of an exploration sites

1.2. Access, interpret and apply the rehabilitation plan and Environmental Work Procedures (EWP)

1.3. Identify, address and report potential hazards  and risks

1.4. Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment 

1.5. Obtain map of area and identify location of sites to be rehabilitated

1.6. Establish communication system and protocols

1.7. Carry out rehabilitation plant and equipment pre-start checks

2. Rehabilitate exploration site

2.1. Assess hydrocarbon  spills at drill site and deal with according to legislation, environmental policies and procedures and company requirements

2.2. Ensure saline or contaminated water sumps are completely dry

2.3. Push waste materials resulting from exploration operations into sumps, and back fill, compact and cover with topsoil

2.4. Operate plant and machinery , following EWPs, to scarify all cleared areas

2.5. Retrieve cleared vegetation and put back onto rehabilitated site

2.6. Remove and dispose of all rubbish

2.7. Re -vegetate  area if required under the rehabilitation plan

2.8. Record rehabilitation details

2.9. Inspect  rehabilitated site for compliance with environmental and legislative requirements and safe entry

3. Cap drill holes

3.1. Excavate hole collar to suitable depth

3.2. Pour excess drill chips into drill hole

3.3. Select and insert appropriate hole plug firmly into hole opening or collar, such that water ingress and future erosion is prevented

3.4. Backfill excavated soil onto plug and compact firmly ensuring that sufficient compacted soil is left on hole to allow for subsidence and encourage run off

3.5. Peg hole site and mark with ID number

4. Rehabilitate access tracks

4.1. Remove all windrows

4.2. Scarify tracks

4.3. Retrieve as much as possible cleared vegetation and restore to access track

4.4. Block or disguise the entrance to the track with any available materials 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to rehabilitate exploration sites:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
• apply communication and recording skills
• apply manual and mechanical handling techniques
• apply maintenance requirements and procedures
• apply procedures to acquire required licences and permits
• apply diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures
• use hand tools
• apply problem solving techniques

Required knowledge 

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to rehabilitate exploration sites:

• provisions of the Workplace Health and Safety Acts, their regulations and code of practice
• particular State or Territory regulations relating to rehabilitation
• relevant OHS requirements associated with rehabilitation activities
• rehabilitation principles and practices
• rehabilitation planning
• environmental work procedures
• hazards associated with rehabilitation work
• types and operational characteristics of plant/equipment used in rehabilitation operations
• basic maintenance
• environmental principles and practices
• re-vegetation methods and types
• hole-capping methods
• recording and reporting

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

• knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for rehabilitating exploration sites
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the rehabilitation of exploration sites
• working with others to undertake and complete the rehabilitation of exploration sites that meet all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely completion of the rehabilitation of exploration sites that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
• The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
• Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
• Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
• Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.
• Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
• Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

• written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
• observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
• consistently achieving the required outcomes

• first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• working with others to undertake and complete the rehabilitation of exploration sites

Guidance information for assessment 

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant compliance documentation 

may include:

• legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
• manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
• Australian standards
• code of practice
• Employment and workplace relations legislation
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Potential hazards  may include:

• disturbance or interruption of services
• solar radiation
• dust
• noise
• air- and soil-borne micro-organisms
• chemicals and hazardous substances
• sharp hand tools and equipment
• manual handling
• moving machinery and machinery parts
• slippery and uneven surfaces
• dehydration
• stings

Personal protective equipment  may include:

• hat
• boots
• overalls
• gloves
• goggles
• respirator or face mask
• face guard
• hearing protection
• drinking water
• sunscreen lotion
• hard hat

Hydrocarbons  may include:

• diesel/petrol
• hydraulic fluid

Plant and machinery  may include:

• hydraulic excavators
• wheel loaders
• crawler dozers
• crawler loaders
• motor graders and scrapers
• dump trucks
• backhoes
• log skidders

Re-vegetation  methods may include:

• hand sowing
• direct seeding
• tube planting
• hand or machine assisted planting of seedlings
• planting of divisions
• transplanting
• assisted regeneration
• natural regeneration

Inspections  may include:

• checking that access paths are clear of debris, waste material, tools, equipment and machinery
• ensuring that equipment and machinery is disabled after use
• ensuring that signage and safety barriers are removed
• removing debris and waste from the work area swiftly and efficiently

Materials  may include:

• cleared vegetation
• dead logs
• boulders