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 placement and moving of materials on stockpile

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation  relevant to operating plant /machinery  on live stockpiles

1.2. Obtain, interpret and clarify work requirements and shift change over details for the satisfactory completion of operations

1.3. Access, interpret and clarify geological and survey data  required to complete the allocated work

1.4. Inspect and assess state of stockpile slope stability 

1.5. Select Personal Protective Equipment appropriate for work activities

1.6. Arrange communications  with other relevant site personnel 

1.7. Identify, address and report potential hazards 

1.8. Identify, address and report environmental issues 

2. Push and place materials on the stockpile

2.1. Resolve coordination  requirements with others at the site prior to commencing and during work activities

2.2. Carry out plant/equipment pre -start checks 

2.3. Identify location, and build and maintain windrows to ensure safe operating distance from edges of stockpile

2.4. Continuously assess location of stockpile edge in relation to operating plant/equipment and stability of stockpile slope

2.5. Push materials perpendicular to and facing the slope edge and avoiding operation parallel to the stockpile edge

2.6. Continuously monitor and assess changes in ground conditions  and moderate activities to maintain safe operation

2.7. Operate at a speed consistent with the type of work being performed and the current ground conditions

3. Push and place materials around draw points and bridged materials

3.1. Inspect stockpile to identify the location of draw points/holes and suspected bridged materials and ensure that draw points/holes are clearly indicated

3.2. Continuously assess location of draw points/holes and bridged materials in relation to operating plant/equipment to maintain safe operation

3.3. Operate plant/machinery perpendicular to the edge of the draw hole or bridged material maintaining a safe distance from draw hole/bridge

3.4. Remain on machine and keep a safe distance away from draw holes and identified bridges

3.5. Communicate with relevant site personnel to determine the feeders being used and the amount of material being drawn from the stockpile

4. Finalise stockpile operations

4.1. Carry out plant/equipment shut-down procedures

4.2. Clean, inspect and store attachments and equipment

4.3. Clean and leave plant/equipment parked on stable, flat ground for use by next operator

4.4. Report location and state/condition of plant/equipment before going off shift

4.5. Complete all required records and documents

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 operate plant or machinery on live stockpiles:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
• access, interpret and apply technical and safety information
• apply diagnostic/faultfinding techniques
• apply environmental requirements
• apply procedures for working at heights

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 operate plant or machinery on live stockpiles:

• operational safety procedures when working on top of stockpiles
• worksite inspections
• plant/machine operation and controls
• communication procedures
• types of personnel involved in stockpile operations and their roles
• hazards associated with working on a stockpile
• monitoring stockpile conditions and slope stability
• working at heights
• siting and building windrows
• identifying draw holes and bridged materials
• start-up checks and procedures
• isolation and lock-out procedures
• shut-down procedures
• site recording and reporting systems

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 operating plant/machinery on live stockpiles
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient operation of plant/machinery on live stockpiles
• working with others to operate plant/machinery on live stockpiles and meet all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely operating of plant/machinery on live stockpiles 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 operate plant/machinery on live stockpiles

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

Plant /machinery  may include:

• dozer
• excavator
• bobcat/skid steer
• loader

Geological data  may include relevant site-specific information in relation to:

• material type and characteristics
• faults and joints
• water sources

Survey data  may include relevant site-specific information in relation to:

• floor heights/bench widths
• grades

Indications of slope stability  may include:

• cracks along the crest
• slumping on the slope
• over steeping
• undercutting
• overhangs

Communications  may include:

• 2- way radio
• telephone
• mobile phone
• visual signals
• ensuring all persons are clear on operations before starting job
• discussion of job dangers/hazards

Site personnel  may include:

• stockpile attendants
• reclaimer operators
• other mobile plant operators
• processing plant operators
• maintenance personnel
• supervisors

Potential hazards  may include:

• driving over the edge
• going through an inadequate windrow
• slope failure
• weak material around draw holes
• hidden voids
• bridged material
• material from above

Environmental issues  may include:

• drainage
• dust
• emissions
• flora and fauna
• hazardous chemicals
• noise
• run-off
• spills
• waste management and disposal
• water quality

Coordination  may be with:

• stockpile attendants
• reclaimer operators
• other mobile plant operators
• processing plant operators
• maintenance personnel
• supervisors

Pre-start checks  may include:

• external check of the machine
• checking and topping up fluid levels (including fuel)
• lubrication
• inspection of attachments to ensure security and defects
• instrument and control lever checks
• reporting defects and damage

Ground conditions  may be affected by weather condition including:

• rain
• sleet
• snow
• freezing
• thawing