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 establishing and operating from fresh air base in underground metalliferous mines

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient establishing and operating from fresh air base in underground metalliferous mines

working with others to establish and operate from fresh air base in underground metalliferous mines that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely establishing and operating from fresh air base 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 establish and operate from fresh air base 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 establish and operate from fresh air base in underground metalliferous mines:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

work as a team member

apply procedures to assess a situation and make effective, safe decisions

plan and apply contingency plans

apply basic life support

read mine plans and orientate in the underground mine

apply requirements and procedures for locating and setting up a fresh air base

use communications and signals

establish search patterns and mark underground routes

identify ground conditions

brief and de-brief team members and Incident Control

apply report writing techniques

apply risk assessments processes

select and use appropriate PPE

apply procedures for the use of escape and relevant breathing apparatus

read and interpret mine plan symbols

apply procedures for monitoring and interpreting atmospheric conditions

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 establish and operate from fresh air base in underground metalliferous mines:

role and responsibilities of the fresh air base controller

standby / emergency procedures for fresh air base

entrapment procedures

underground environment

underground transport systems

ignition sources

gas testing and monitoring instruments - types, limitations, function and operation

types of fire and fire control methods

detection, effects and contingencies with explosions

call-out procedures

equipment requirements for rescue operations

rescue team procedures and equipment

standby/emergency procedures for fresh air base

effects on people working in hot and humid atmospheres

atmospheric monitoring

types of breathing apparatus, their construction, operating principles and limitations

factors affecting oxygen / air consumption

fresh air base procedures and communications

structure, role and responsibilities of Incident Control

extrication methods

ground support types and construction

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

Fresh air base may be defined as:

a continuously monitored station for dispatch or return of rescue teams in close proximity to irrespirable zones in known fresh air

Atmospheric testing may include:

hand-held instruments

tube detectors

telemetric remote sampling

Fresh air base resources may include:

tradespeople

doctors

paramedics

clergy

gas monitoring

communications

technicians

mine officials

Monitoring equipment refers to portable:

electronic / chemical instruments

ventilation measuring instruments

Communications may include:

telephones

radios

runners

2-way radio

computer

Information may be logged by:

log books

duty cards

tape recorder

Atmosphere conditions may include:

temperature

humidity

noise

gas levels

dust air-borne contaminations

Incident Control:

has overall planning, approval and control of an incident

Instructions may include:

tradespeople

doctors

paramedics

clergy

gas monitoring

communications

technicians

mine officials

Ancillary personnel may include:

tradespeople

doctors

paramedics

clergy

gas monitoring

communications

technicians

mine officials