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. Maintain familiarity with operational and safety activities

1.1. Access, interpret  and apply compliance documentation  relevant to examining and maintaining safety in open-cut coal mines

1.2. Obtain, analyse and confirm operational information  in the form of handover reports, work instructions and verbal briefings

1.3. Obtain and clarify operational forecast information related to the work area and confirm with appropriate management authorities

1.4. Access, interpret and apply geological and survey data to complete all allocated tasks in accordance with site procedures

1.5. Obtain, interpret and apply to all work activities, legislative and site requirements.

1.6. Access and apply safety information and procedures  throughout work

1.7. Coordinate  activities with others at site prior to commencement of, and during, the work activity

2. Examine operations

2.1. Conduct inspections  as detailed in legislative requirements and site procedures

2.2. Respond immediately to instances of non compliance to regulatory or other operational practices which endanger personnel

2.3. Discuss inspection findings with responsible parties and initiate a response to restore operational safety and site compliance

2.4. Record results of inspections and process records in accordance with legislative requirements and site procedures

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 examine and maintain mine safety:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
• read, explain and apply:

• technical information
• site/legislative requirements
• records and reports
• briefings and handover details
• job priorities

• apply geological and survey information
• apply procedures to recognise potential hazards and apply corrective measures according to site/legislative procedures
• apply feedback procedures
• apply technical reporting requirements
• apply investigation procedures
• apply reporting procedures

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 examine and maintain mine safety:

• site and equipment safety requirements
• legislative and site requirements and procedures
• site and legislative safety inspection requirements
• site geological, geographical and survey data
• shotfiring procedures and practices
• equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations
• operational and maintenance procedures
• risk management procedures

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 the examination and maintenance of mine safety
• implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient examination and maintenance of mine safety
• working with others to plan, prepare and conduct the examination and maintenance of mine safety
• provision of clear and timely instruction and supervision by the individual of those involved in mine safety
• evidence of the consistent successful examination and maintenance of mine safety

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 a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the 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 procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of the required outcomes
• consistently achieving the required outcomes

• first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• working with others to plan, prepare and conduct the examination and maintenance of mine safety
• provision of clear and timely instruction and supervision by the individual of those involved in the conduct of the mine safety

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.

Interpret  is defined as:

• the understanding needed by the person within their job role

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

Operational information  may include:

• mine layout and plan
• previous shift inspection reports
• personnel and equipment availability
• work and equipment locations
• production targets and other work requirements
• incidents
• hazards and potential hazards
• coordination requirements/issues

Safety information and procedures  may be contained in:

• legislation and regulations
• relevant Australian standards
• management plans
• OHS policy
• code of Practice
• manufacturer instructions
• safe working or job procedures (or equivalent)

Coordinate  may be to:

• plan activities
• set priorities for activities
• establish liaison channels with supervisors, management and workforce
• ensure work and safety requirements are passed to and reinforced safety with operational personnel and contractors

Inspections  required include all safety aspects of:

• working on or around high walls or low walls
• dumps
• roads
• working faces
• stockpiles