Assessor Resource

RIIBLA401D
Manage blasting operations

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to manage blasting operations in the Resources and Infrastructure Industries.

This unit is appropriate for those working in supervisory roles.

No licensing, legislation or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

1. Manage compliance with legislation

1.1 Access, interpret and apply blasting operations documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant

1.2 Access, interpret and validate the blast design criteria

1.3 Identify and obtain relevant permits, licenses or authorities needed for blasting activities

1.4 Apply the legislative and site requirements and procedures for the purchase of explosives

1.5 Apply the procedures for the identification of potential hazards and the implementation and application of the site/organisation risk management system

1.6 Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the work activities

1.7 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency

1.8 Apply the procedures to monitor the setting up and security of explosives storage location in compliance with legislative and site requirements

1.9 Manage legislative and site blasting reporting requirements and procedures

1.10 Report any loss or theft of explosives

2. Manage the storage, handling and transport of explosives

2.1 Apply the legislative and site requirements and procedures for safe handling of explosives

2.2 Apply the legislative and site requirements, procedures and safety precautions for the transport of explosives

2.3 Apply the legislative and site requirements, procedures and safety precautions for the storage of explosives

2.4 Apply the legislative and site requirements and procedures for setting-up and maintaining secure explosives storage locations

3. Manage the implementation of blasting activities

3.1 Identify environmental hazards and analyse the risks associated with blasting

3.2 Implement the blast plan

3.3 Apply the blast monitoring system in accordance with site procedures

3.4 Apply site and legislative procedures to ensure that site inspections to confirm the blast plan are implemented

3.5 Confirm and manage the availability of the type and quantity of explosives and associated materials required for blasting

3.6 Manage the site procedures and legislative requirements for the coordination of support requirements including vehicles, personnel and other equipment

3.7 Apply site procedures for setting up and securing the blast area

3.8 Apply the special requirements for secondary blasting operations

3.9 Apply and manage post-blasting coordination and inspection requirements

3.10 Complete all written statutory and site-required documents

4. Manage special conditions

4.1 Identify potential hazards resulting from physical, biological or chemical situations which include heat, cold, climatic and electro-static condition

4.2 Control and monitor special conditions that may occur

4.3 Ensure that records and reports on special conditions are kept and maintained

5. Manage misfires

5.1 Apply site procedures for the re-assessment of the blast site for potential hazards and risks and ensuring work area is safe

5.2 Inspect blast area to identify misfires or potential misfires and identify cause of misfire

5.3 Secure the misfire area and communicate information to other personnel who may be affected

5.4 Apply procedures to for washing-out or re-charging, and manage refiring Communicate the area is now safe with other persons who may have been affected by blasting

5.5 Record and report misfires

6. Manage the disposal of explosives

6.1 Identify damaged or deteriorated explosives and accessories

6.2 Select an applicable disposal method for explosives and accessories

6.3 Plan for the disposal of the damaged, deteriorated or surplus explosives

6.4 Carry out the disposal of damaged, deteriorated and surplus explosives and detonators in accordance with legislative requirements and site procedures

6.5 Communicate disposal activities to site emergency services

7. Manage maintenance of blasting equipment

7.1 Identify the equipment necessary for use in preparing, initiating or monitoring blasting operations

7.2 Monitor maintenance and conduct routine inspection of blast and blast monitoring equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements and site procedures

7.3 Monitor the maintenance of blast monitoring instrumentation to ensure valid calibration as specified in manufacturers’ requirements and according to site procedures

7.4 Ensure that maintenance and inspection records are kept according to site, manufacturer’s or legislative requirements

Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:

locates and applies relevant legislation, documentation, policies and procedures

works effectively with others to plan, prepare and conduct blasting operations including:

complying with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions

provision of clear and timely instruction and supervision by the individual of those involved in blasting operations

demonstrates completion of managing blasting operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

validating the blast design criteria

obtaining relevant permits, licenses or authorities

applying the legislative and site requirements and procedures for:

the purchase of explosives

set-up and security of explosives

reporting

site access

handling, transport and storage of explosives

site inspections

type and quality of explosives used

coordination of support vehicles, personnel and other equipment

setting up and securing the blast area

secondary blasting

re-assessment of blast site

misfires or potential misfires

washing out or re-charging

disposal of explosives

identifying and analysing environmental risks

implementing the blast plan

monitoring blasts

coordinating post-blast inspection

monitoring maintenance and routine inspection of blast and blast monitoring equipment

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in managing blasting operations:

Australian standards and codes

blast site procedures

explosives and safety and health legislation

emergency procedures

environmental procedures

equipment processes, technical capability and limitations

basic geological and technical information

blast plans

manufacturers’ instructions

types and characteristics of blasting agents, explosives and initiation systems

concepts such as density, velocity and relationships between variable

assimilation, interpretation and application of information and technical data

mathematical processes and applications

cause and management of misfires

identification of safety and environmental hazards

explosives disposal methods

An assessor of this unit must satisfy the requirements of the NVR/AQTF or their successors; and Industry regulations for certification and licensing; and,

this unit is best assessed in the context of this sector’s 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 this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills; and,

this unit must be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures, processes and operational manuals directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,

assessment may be conducted in conjunction with the assessment of other Units of Competency; and,

assessment must confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances; and,

assessors must demonstrate the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence as outlined in this Unit of Competency, and through the minimum years of current* work experience specified below in an Industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or,

where the assessor does not meet experience requirements a co-assessment or partnership arrangement must exist between the qualified assessor and an Industry subject matter expert. The Industry subject matter expert should hold the unit being assessed (or an equivalent unit) and/or demonstrate equivalence of skills and knowledge at the unit level. An Industry technical expert must also demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience specified below in the Industry sector, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed; and,

assessor and Industry subject matter expert requirements differ depending on the Australian Qualifications Framework Level (AQF) of the qualification being assessed and/or Industry Sector as follows:

Industry sector

AQF** Level

Required assessor or Industry subject matter expert experience

Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Construction

1

1 Year

2

2 Years

Drilling, Coal Mining and Extractive (Quarrying)

3-6

3 Years

Metalliferous Mining and Civil Construction

3-6

5 Years

Other sectors

Where this Unit is being assessed outside of the Resources and Infrastructure Sectors assessor and/or Industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no Industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation.

*Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within Industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the Unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to Industry by conducting frequent site assessments across various locations.

**Where a unit is being delivered outside of a Qualification the first numeric character in the Unit code should be considered to indicate the AQF level


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

1. Manage compliance with legislation

1.1 Access, interpret and apply blasting operations documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant

1.2 Access, interpret and validate the blast design criteria

1.3 Identify and obtain relevant permits, licenses or authorities needed for blasting activities

1.4 Apply the legislative and site requirements and procedures for the purchase of explosives

1.5 Apply the procedures for the identification of potential hazards and the implementation and application of the site/organisation risk management system

1.6 Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the work activities

1.7 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency

1.8 Apply the procedures to monitor the setting up and security of explosives storage location in compliance with legislative and site requirements

1.9 Manage legislative and site blasting reporting requirements and procedures

1.10 Report any loss or theft of explosives

2. Manage the storage, handling and transport of explosives

2.1 Apply the legislative and site requirements and procedures for safe handling of explosives

2.2 Apply the legislative and site requirements, procedures and safety precautions for the transport of explosives

2.3 Apply the legislative and site requirements, procedures and safety precautions for the storage of explosives

2.4 Apply the legislative and site requirements and procedures for setting-up and maintaining secure explosives storage locations

3. Manage the implementation of blasting activities

3.1 Identify environmental hazards and analyse the risks associated with blasting

3.2 Implement the blast plan

3.3 Apply the blast monitoring system in accordance with site procedures

3.4 Apply site and legislative procedures to ensure that site inspections to confirm the blast plan are implemented

3.5 Confirm and manage the availability of the type and quantity of explosives and associated materials required for blasting

3.6 Manage the site procedures and legislative requirements for the coordination of support requirements including vehicles, personnel and other equipment

3.7 Apply site procedures for setting up and securing the blast area

3.8 Apply the special requirements for secondary blasting operations

3.9 Apply and manage post-blasting coordination and inspection requirements

3.10 Complete all written statutory and site-required documents

4. Manage special conditions

4.1 Identify potential hazards resulting from physical, biological or chemical situations which include heat, cold, climatic and electro-static condition

4.2 Control and monitor special conditions that may occur

4.3 Ensure that records and reports on special conditions are kept and maintained

5. Manage misfires

5.1 Apply site procedures for the re-assessment of the blast site for potential hazards and risks and ensuring work area is safe

5.2 Inspect blast area to identify misfires or potential misfires and identify cause of misfire

5.3 Secure the misfire area and communicate information to other personnel who may be affected

5.4 Apply procedures to for washing-out or re-charging, and manage refiring Communicate the area is now safe with other persons who may have been affected by blasting

5.5 Record and report misfires

6. Manage the disposal of explosives

6.1 Identify damaged or deteriorated explosives and accessories

6.2 Select an applicable disposal method for explosives and accessories

6.3 Plan for the disposal of the damaged, deteriorated or surplus explosives

6.4 Carry out the disposal of damaged, deteriorated and surplus explosives and detonators in accordance with legislative requirements and site procedures

6.5 Communicate disposal activities to site emergency services

7. Manage maintenance of blasting equipment

7.1 Identify the equipment necessary for use in preparing, initiating or monitoring blasting operations

7.2 Monitor maintenance and conduct routine inspection of blast and blast monitoring equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements and site procedures

7.3 Monitor the maintenance of blast monitoring instrumentation to ensure valid calibration as specified in manufacturers’ requirements and according to site procedures

7.4 Ensure that maintenance and inspection records are kept according to site, manufacturer’s or legislative requirements

Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:

locates and applies relevant legislation, documentation, policies and procedures

works effectively with others to plan, prepare and conduct blasting operations including:

complying with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions

provision of clear and timely instruction and supervision by the individual of those involved in blasting operations

demonstrates completion of managing blasting operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

validating the blast design criteria

obtaining relevant permits, licenses or authorities

applying the legislative and site requirements and procedures for:

the purchase of explosives

set-up and security of explosives

reporting

site access

handling, transport and storage of explosives

site inspections

type and quality of explosives used

coordination of support vehicles, personnel and other equipment

setting up and securing the blast area

secondary blasting

re-assessment of blast site

misfires or potential misfires

washing out or re-charging

disposal of explosives

identifying and analysing environmental risks

implementing the blast plan

monitoring blasts

coordinating post-blast inspection

monitoring maintenance and routine inspection of blast and blast monitoring equipment

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in managing blasting operations:

Australian standards and codes

blast site procedures

explosives and safety and health legislation

emergency procedures

environmental procedures

equipment processes, technical capability and limitations

basic geological and technical information

blast plans

manufacturers’ instructions

types and characteristics of blasting agents, explosives and initiation systems

concepts such as density, velocity and relationships between variable

assimilation, interpretation and application of information and technical data

mathematical processes and applications

cause and management of misfires

identification of safety and environmental hazards

explosives disposal methods

An assessor of this unit must satisfy the requirements of the NVR/AQTF or their successors; and Industry regulations for certification and licensing; and,

this unit is best assessed in the context of this sector’s 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 this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills; and,

this unit must be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures, processes and operational manuals directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,

assessment may be conducted in conjunction with the assessment of other Units of Competency; and,

assessment must confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances; and,

assessors must demonstrate the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence as outlined in this Unit of Competency, and through the minimum years of current* work experience specified below in an Industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or,

where the assessor does not meet experience requirements a co-assessment or partnership arrangement must exist between the qualified assessor and an Industry subject matter expert. The Industry subject matter expert should hold the unit being assessed (or an equivalent unit) and/or demonstrate equivalence of skills and knowledge at the unit level. An Industry technical expert must also demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience specified below in the Industry sector, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed; and,

assessor and Industry subject matter expert requirements differ depending on the Australian Qualifications Framework Level (AQF) of the qualification being assessed and/or Industry Sector as follows:

Industry sector

AQF** Level

Required assessor or Industry subject matter expert experience

Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Construction

1

1 Year

2

2 Years

Drilling, Coal Mining and Extractive (Quarrying)

3-6

3 Years

Metalliferous Mining and Civil Construction

3-6

5 Years

Other sectors

Where this Unit is being assessed outside of the Resources and Infrastructure Sectors assessor and/or Industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no Industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation.

*Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within Industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the Unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to Industry by conducting frequent site assessments across various locations.

**Where a unit is being delivered outside of a Qualification the first numeric character in the Unit code should be considered to indicate the AQF level

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Access, interpret and apply blasting operations documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 
Access, interpret and validate the blast design criteria 
Identify and obtain relevant permits, licenses or authorities needed for blasting activities 
Apply the legislative and site requirements and procedures for the purchase of explosives 
Apply the procedures for the identification of potential hazards and the implementation and application of the site/organisation risk management system 
Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the work activities 
Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency 
Apply the procedures to monitor the setting up and security of explosives storage location in compliance with legislative and site requirements 
Manage legislative and site blasting reporting requirements and procedures 
Report any loss or theft of explosives 
Apply the legislative and site requirements and procedures for safe handling of explosives 
Apply the legislative and site requirements, procedures and safety precautions for the transport of explosives 
Apply the legislative and site requirements, procedures and safety precautions for the storage of explosives 
Apply the legislative and site requirements and procedures for setting-up and maintaining secure explosives storage locations 
Manage the implementation of blasting activities 
Identify environmental hazards and analyse the risks associated with blasting 
Implement the blast plan 
Apply the blast monitoring system in accordance with site procedures 
Apply site and legislative procedures to ensure that site inspections to confirm the blast plan are implemented 
Confirm and manage the availability of the type and quantity of explosives and associated materials required for blasting 
Manage the site procedures and legislative requirements for the coordination of support requirements including vehicles, personnel and other equipment 
Apply site procedures for setting up and securing the blast area 
Apply the special requirements for secondary blasting operations 
Apply and manage post-blasting coordination and inspection requirements 
Complete all written statutory and site-required documents 
Identify potential hazards resulting from physical, biological or chemical situations which include heat, cold, climatic and electro-static condition 
Control and monitor special conditions that may occur 
Ensure that records and reports on special conditions are kept and maintained 
Apply site procedures for the re-assessment of the blast site for potential hazards and risks and ensuring work area is safe 
Inspect blast area to identify misfires or potential misfires and identify cause of misfire 
Secure the misfire area and communicate information to other personnel who may be affected 
Apply procedures to for washing-out or re-charging, and manage refiring Communicate the area is now safe with other persons who may have been affected by blasting 
Record and report misfires 
Identify damaged or deteriorated explosives and accessories 
Select an applicable disposal method for explosives and accessories 
Plan for the disposal of the damaged, deteriorated or surplus explosives 
Carry out the disposal of damaged, deteriorated and surplus explosives and detonators in accordance with legislative requirements and site procedures 
Communicate disposal activities to site emergency services 
Identify the equipment necessary for use in preparing, initiating or monitoring blasting operations 
Monitor maintenance and conduct routine inspection of blast and blast monitoring equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements and site procedures 
Monitor the maintenance of blast monitoring instrumentation to ensure valid calibration as specified in manufacturers’ requirements and according to site procedures 
Ensure that maintenance and inspection records are kept according to site, manufacturer’s or legislative requirements 
Identify environmental hazards and analyse the risks associated with blasting 
Implement the blast plan 
Apply the blast monitoring system in accordance with site procedures 
Apply site and legislative procedures to ensure that site inspections to confirm the blast plan are implemented 
Confirm and manage the availability of the type and quantity of explosives and associated materials required for blasting 
Manage the site procedures and legislative requirements for the coordination of support requirements including vehicles, personnel and other equipment 
Apply site procedures for setting up and securing the blast area 
Apply the special requirements for secondary blasting operations 
Apply and manage post-blasting coordination and inspection requirements 
Complete all written statutory and site-required documents 
Access, interpret and apply blasting operations documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 
Access, interpret and validate the blast design criteria 
Identify and obtain relevant permits, licenses or authorities needed for blasting activities 
Apply the legislative and site requirements and procedures for the purchase of explosives 
Apply the procedures for the identification of potential hazards and the implementation and application of the site/organisation risk management system 
Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the work activities 
Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency 
Apply the procedures to monitor the setting up and security of explosives storage location in compliance with legislative and site requirements 
Manage legislative and site blasting reporting requirements and procedures 
Report any loss or theft of explosives 
Apply the legislative and site requirements and procedures for safe handling of explosives 
Apply the legislative and site requirements, procedures and safety precautions for the transport of explosives 
Apply the legislative and site requirements, procedures and safety precautions for the storage of explosives 
Apply the legislative and site requirements and procedures for setting-up and maintaining secure explosives storage locations 
Identify environmental hazards and analyse the risks associated with blasting 
Implement the blast plan 
Apply the blast monitoring system in accordance with site procedures 
Apply site and legislative procedures to ensure that site inspections to confirm the blast plan are implemented 
Confirm and manage the availability of the type and quantity of explosives and associated materials required for blasting 
Manage the site procedures and legislative requirements for the coordination of support requirements including vehicles, personnel and other equipment 
Apply site procedures for setting up and securing the blast area 
Apply the special requirements for secondary blasting operations 
Apply and manage post-blasting coordination and inspection requirements 
Complete all written statutory and site-required documents 
Identify potential hazards resulting from physical, biological or chemical situations which include heat, cold, climatic and electro-static condition 
Control and monitor special conditions that may occur 
Ensure that records and reports on special conditions are kept and maintained 
Apply site procedures for the re-assessment of the blast site for potential hazards and risks and ensuring work area is safe 
Inspect blast area to identify misfires or potential misfires and identify cause of misfire 
Secure the misfire area and communicate information to other personnel who may be affected 
Apply procedures to for washing-out or re-charging, and manage refiring Communicate the area is now safe with other persons who may have been affected by blasting 
Record and report misfires 
Identify damaged or deteriorated explosives and accessories 
Select an applicable disposal method for explosives and accessories 
Plan for the disposal of the damaged, deteriorated or surplus explosives 
Carry out the disposal of damaged, deteriorated and surplus explosives and detonators in accordance with legislative requirements and site procedures 
Communicate disposal activities to site emergency services 
Identify the equipment necessary for use in preparing, initiating or monitoring blasting operations 
Monitor maintenance and conduct routine inspection of blast and blast monitoring equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s requirements and site procedures 
Monitor the maintenance of blast monitoring instrumentation to ensure valid calibration as specified in manufacturers’ requirements and according to site procedures 
Ensure that maintenance and inspection records are kept according to site, manufacturer’s or legislative requirements 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

RIIBLA401D - Manage blasting operations
Assessment task 1: [title]

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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

RIIBLA401D - Manage blasting operations

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

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