Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
This unit covers the conduct of digestion processes in the metalliferous mining industry. It includes planning and preparing for digestion operations, starting up equipment in sequence, operating and monitoring equipment, conducting housekeeping operations, and shutting down in sequence and/or isolating equipment. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.
Application of the Unit
This unit is appropriate for those working in an operational role at worksites within:
- Metalliferous mining
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Refer to Unit Descriptor.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Plan and prepare for digestion operations |
1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity 1.2. Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details 1.3. Communicate with other personnel using approved communication methods 1.4. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities 1.5. Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment for work activities 1.6. Perform equipment pre -start checks to ensure equipment is ready for operation 1.7. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards 1.8. Identify, address and report environmental issues 1.9. Adhere to emergency procedures to ensure safety of personnel and plant 1.10. Use approved dust suppression and extraction methods 1.11. Ensure area is well ventilated before entry into work area |
2. Start-up equipment in sequence |
2.1. Carry out start -up procedures and completes start-up checks according to plant configurations and system requirements 2.2. Confirm plant is operational |
3. Operate and monitor equipment |
3.1. Read and interpret data from equipment indicators to determine efficiency 3.2. Continuously inspect and monitor operations/plant and catchment areas to digestion process defects and potential problems 3.3. Adjust equipment to approved operating parameters to optimise and maintain efficient digestion and to meet product quality targets 3.4. Add reagents to approved operating parameters 3.5. Carry out minor maintenance to maintain condition of equipment 3.6. Complete all required documentation clearly, concisely and on time 3.7. Pass on end of shift information to oncoming shift |
4. Conduct housekeeping activities |
4.1. Clean plant to maintain condition of all equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations 4.2. Manage and report hazards to maintain a safe working environment |
5. Shutdown in sequence and/or isolate equipment |
5.1. Shutdown or isolate equipment based on process and safety requirements 5.2. Perform post shutdown or isolation checks |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following, as required to conduct the digestion process:
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Required knowledge |
Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to conduct the digestion process:
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Evidence Guide
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. |
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Overview of assessment |
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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:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
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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:
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Guidance information for assessment |
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues. |
Range Statement
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. |
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Relevant compliance documentation may include: |
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Legislation may include Acts and regulations dealing with: |
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Auxiliary equipment may be anything that is portable and mobile that is not part of the fixed infrastructure, and may include: |
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Pre-start checks may include: |
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Environmental issues may include: |
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Start-up procedures may include: |
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Plant may include: |
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Indicator readings may measure: |
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Monitoring the drying process may include: |
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Equipment and plant cleaning methods may include: |
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Post-shutdown checks are like pre-start checks. |
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The methods used to optimise the plant may include: |
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Materials may include: |
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Contaminants are anything other than the ore. Common contaminants may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Beneficiation
Competency field
Refer to Unit Sector(s).
Co-requisite units
Not applicable.