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 conducting searches in underground metalliferous mines

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient conducting of searches in underground metalliferous mines

working with others to conduct searches in underground metalliferous mines that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely conducting of searches in underground metalliferous mines 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 conduct searches in underground metalliferous mines

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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 conduct searches in underground metalliferous mines:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

apply flexibility to change plans

apply adaptability and resourcefulness

apply problem solving and planning to organise an immediate response

apply questioning to determine accurate details concerning the situation

apply decision making to determine the best course of action

apply observations skills

navigate in underground mines

read maps and interpret symbols

apply call-outs response procedures

work as a member of a team

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 conduct searches in underground metalliferous mines:

search procedures and techniques

local communication systems

roles of external agencies

local hazards and environmental threats

operation of communication systems

legal requirements in the event of a death or accident

search equipment

navigating in underground mines

breathing apparatus

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

Factors to be considered may include:

timeframe for survival of search object

other time factors

ground/structural conditions

human resources

communications

capacity of the missing person/party

place and time last seen

size of search area

availability of food and water

availability of shelter

availability of respirable air

External agencies may include:

police search and rescue service

State Emergency Service

Ambulance service

mine rescue services (mutual aid agreements/arrangements)

Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) agencies

fire and rescue services

counselling agencies

Equipment may include:

communication systems and equipment

respiratory protection for team and casualty

First Aid equipment

casualty/equipment transport (stokes litter)

site/area map

telephone contact details

gas detection equipment

self rescuer

rope bag and contents

scaling bars

portable lights

PPE

guide lines

tag lines

vehicles

ropes

lights

breathing apparatus

search kits

Communications may include:

2-way radio

telephone

mobile phone

hand signals

runners

light signals

Search techniques may include:

line of sight

systematic coverage of area radiating from last point of contact of search object

link lines/guide lines

walking/crawling

sweep

grid patterns

feelings

Physical contact may include:

personal contact

link line/guide line

visual

radio communication

Route marking may include:

chemical light sticks

wall markings

barricades

luminous tape/guide lines or hoses

Unplanned event or change in circumstances may include:

route impassable

collapsed team member

unacceptable environment changes

communications failure

search team member equipment failure

directed withdrawal

team time expiry

team lost, withdrawal

notification to team from incident control

Incident Control:

has control and makes decisions on the operations associated with dealing with the incident

could be located at a fresh air base which can be defined as a continuously monitored station for dispatch or return of teams in close proximity to active zones in known fresh air

Conclusion of search may include:

object of search found

recommendation that search be called off

further search