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. Plan and prepare to break oversize rocks

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation  relevant to the breaking of oversize rock

1.2. Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details

1.3. Identify, address and report potential hazards and risks 

1.4. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities

1.5. Select appropriate type of equipment and/or attachments according to site requirements

1.6. Identify and locate oversized rocks  in designated location

1.7. Assess rock and determine the correct method to break rock  according to dimensions, location and grade of rock

1.8. Communicate with other personnel  using approved communication methods

1.9. Adhere to emergency procedures to ensure safety of personnel, plant and equipment

2. Break rocks

2.1. Notify relevant personnel of rock breaking process

2.2. Apply correct techniques to achieve required rock size

3. Clean up site

3.1. Prepare and remove broken rocks

3.2. Remove or manage contaminants  upon identification

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 break oversize rock:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
• apply ancillary equipment operating, maintenance and cleaning requirements and procedures
• apply diagnostic techniques
• apply hazard identification procedures
• apply record maintenance requirements
• apply operational monitoring techniques
• apply defect reporting requirements and procedures
• use communications equipment
• apply protective equipment
• use hand and power tools

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 break oversize rock:

• dust suppressant characteristics and limitations
• emergency procedures
• environmental and heritage procedures
• equipment processes, technical capability and limitations
• equipment safety requirements
• isolation procedures
• material placement procedures
• mine operational system
• OHS procedures
• rock breaking procedures, methods and limitations

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 breaking oversize rock
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient breaking of oversize rock
• working with others to break oversize rock and meet all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely completion of breaking of oversize rock 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 breaking of oversize rock

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
• codes of practice
• Employment and Workplace Relations legislation
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Potential hazards and risks  may include:

• abandoned equipment
• adjoining pit walls
• adverse weather conditions (electrical storms, floods, fires)
• contaminants
• equipment
• fences
• holes
• materials
• over-hanging rocks, unstable faces and other unsafe ground conditions
• personnel
• pot holes
• vehicles

Oversize rock  may include:

• rock that cannot be moved/transported (either by hauling vehicle or conveyor)
• rock that is too large to fit through the primary crusher opening

Rock breaking methods  may include:

• dropping
• pounding
• utilising a rock breaking machine

Personnel  may include:

• supervisors
• contractors
• drillers
• drivers
• holders of appropriate tickets/licensed operators
• maintenance staff
• personnel authorised by mine management
• service personnel
• tradesperson

Notifying  relevant personnel may include:

• face-to-face advice
• phone or radio
• erection of barricades or signs, such as:

• cones
• tapes
• danger signs
• sprayed signs

Contaminants  may include:

• consumables
• ear plugs
• plastic
• timber
• explosives