Assessor Resource

RIIMSM306D
Design, develop and maintain pillar system and ground control

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to design, develop and maintain pillar system and ground control in Metalliferous Mining (Small Mines).

This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles.

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.

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. Plan and prepare for design, develop and maintain pillar system and ground control

1.1 Access, interpret and apply pillar system and ground control documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant

1.2 Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements

1.3 Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities

1.4 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency

1.5 Select, and check for faults, relevant tools/equipment for the activity

1.6 Determine location of materials/ore to determine design parameters

1.7 Identify the potential hazards which could have an effect on pillar design and layout

1.8 Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues, and implement control measures

1.9 Identify the characteristics and properties of the roof to determine the span that can stand unsupported

1.10 Identify ground conditions where secondary support will be needed

1.11 Evaluate the effect of any adjacent mines and incorporate in pillar design

2. Develop pillar system

2.1 Plan and prepare for pillar development according to pillar design parameters

2.2 Visually inspect work area to ensure safe access

2.3 Ensure work area is properly ventilated before entry

2.4 Inspect and assess site conditions and determine if scaling is required and take appropriate action

2.5 Ensure that dust suppression and/or extraction is prepared and ready for use

2.6 Arrange communications with other relevant personnel

2.7 Conduct pillar development safely and efficiently

2.8 Continuously monitor ground conditions and modify operation to maintain safe conditions

3. Extract pillars

3.1 Identify the strategic pillars which must not be removed for roof stability

3.2 Establish and observe a retreat system

3.3 Prop ground surrounding pillar before pillar removal

3.4 Extract selected pillars starting furthest from shaft, in a systematic manner

3.5 Prop ground area previously held by the removed pillars

3.6 Continuously monitor ground conditions and modify operation to maintain safe pillar removal

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 applicable legislation, documentation, policies and procedures

implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of designing, developing and maintaining pillar systems and ground control including:

installing secondary support devices

operating communications systems

operating extraction plant and machinery

works effectively with others to undertake and complete the designing, developing and maintenance of pillar systems and ground control that meets all of the required outcomes including:

communicating clearly and concisely with others to confirm instructions

organising and prioritising work activities

demonstrates completion of designing and maintaining pillar system and ground control that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

determining the appropriate pillar type and configuration

identifying and applying the appropriate design parameters for the location

identifying and assessing the effects of adjacent mines

identifying and assessing the characteristics and properties of the location

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in designing, developing and maintaining pillar systems and ground control through:

accessing, interpreting and applying legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for:

determining pillar configuration

assessment of mine ground conditions

pillar design and layout

dust suppression

pillar extraction

working underground

communication systems

emergency response

environmental issues

accessing, interpreting and applying information on hazards affecting pillar design and development

accessing, interpreting and applying secondary support methods and installation techniques

accessing, interpreting and applying characteristics and properties of roofs

being prepared for fire/accident/emergency

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 must be assessed in the context of this sector’s work environment; 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. Plan and prepare for design, develop and maintain pillar system and ground control

1.1 Access, interpret and apply pillar system and ground control documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant

1.2 Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements

1.3 Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities

1.4 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency

1.5 Select, and check for faults, relevant tools/equipment for the activity

1.6 Determine location of materials/ore to determine design parameters

1.7 Identify the potential hazards which could have an effect on pillar design and layout

1.8 Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues, and implement control measures

1.9 Identify the characteristics and properties of the roof to determine the span that can stand unsupported

1.10 Identify ground conditions where secondary support will be needed

1.11 Evaluate the effect of any adjacent mines and incorporate in pillar design

2. Develop pillar system

2.1 Plan and prepare for pillar development according to pillar design parameters

2.2 Visually inspect work area to ensure safe access

2.3 Ensure work area is properly ventilated before entry

2.4 Inspect and assess site conditions and determine if scaling is required and take appropriate action

2.5 Ensure that dust suppression and/or extraction is prepared and ready for use

2.6 Arrange communications with other relevant personnel

2.7 Conduct pillar development safely and efficiently

2.8 Continuously monitor ground conditions and modify operation to maintain safe conditions

3. Extract pillars

3.1 Identify the strategic pillars which must not be removed for roof stability

3.2 Establish and observe a retreat system

3.3 Prop ground surrounding pillar before pillar removal

3.4 Extract selected pillars starting furthest from shaft, in a systematic manner

3.5 Prop ground area previously held by the removed pillars

3.6 Continuously monitor ground conditions and modify operation to maintain safe pillar removal

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 applicable legislation, documentation, policies and procedures

implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of designing, developing and maintaining pillar systems and ground control including:

installing secondary support devices

operating communications systems

operating extraction plant and machinery

works effectively with others to undertake and complete the designing, developing and maintenance of pillar systems and ground control that meets all of the required outcomes including:

communicating clearly and concisely with others to confirm instructions

organising and prioritising work activities

demonstrates completion of designing and maintaining pillar system and ground control that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

determining the appropriate pillar type and configuration

identifying and applying the appropriate design parameters for the location

identifying and assessing the effects of adjacent mines

identifying and assessing the characteristics and properties of the location

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in designing, developing and maintaining pillar systems and ground control through:

accessing, interpreting and applying legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for:

determining pillar configuration

assessment of mine ground conditions

pillar design and layout

dust suppression

pillar extraction

working underground

communication systems

emergency response

environmental issues

accessing, interpreting and applying information on hazards affecting pillar design and development

accessing, interpreting and applying secondary support methods and installation techniques

accessing, interpreting and applying characteristics and properties of roofs

being prepared for fire/accident/emergency

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 must be assessed in the context of this sector’s work environment; 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 pillar system and ground control documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 
Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements 
Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities 
Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency 
Select, and check for faults, relevant tools/equipment for the activity 
Determine location of materials/ore to determine design parameters 
Identify the potential hazards which could have an effect on pillar design and layout 
Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues, and implement control measures 
Identify the characteristics and properties of the roof to determine the span that can stand unsupported 
Identify ground conditions where secondary support will be needed 
Evaluate the effect of any adjacent mines and incorporate in pillar design 
Plan and prepare for pillar development according to pillar design parameters 
Visually inspect work area to ensure safe access 
Ensure work area is properly ventilated before entry 
Inspect and assess site conditions and determine if scaling is required and take appropriate action 
Ensure that dust suppression and/or extraction is prepared and ready for use 
Arrange communications with other relevant personnel 
Conduct pillar development safely and efficiently 
Continuously monitor ground conditions and modify operation to maintain safe conditions 
Identify the strategic pillars which must not be removed for roof stability 
Establish and observe a retreat system 
Prop ground surrounding pillar before pillar removal 
Extract selected pillars starting furthest from shaft, in a systematic manner 
Prop ground area previously held by the removed pillars 
Continuously monitor ground conditions and modify operation to maintain safe pillar removal 
Access, interpret and apply pillar system and ground control documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 
Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements 
Select and wear appropriate personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities 
Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency 
Select, and check for faults, relevant tools/equipment for the activity 
Determine location of materials/ore to determine design parameters 
Identify the potential hazards which could have an effect on pillar design and layout 
Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues, and implement control measures 
Identify the characteristics and properties of the roof to determine the span that can stand unsupported 
Identify ground conditions where secondary support will be needed 
Evaluate the effect of any adjacent mines and incorporate in pillar design 
Plan and prepare for pillar development according to pillar design parameters 
Visually inspect work area to ensure safe access 
Ensure work area is properly ventilated before entry 
Inspect and assess site conditions and determine if scaling is required and take appropriate action 
Ensure that dust suppression and/or extraction is prepared and ready for use 
Arrange communications with other relevant personnel 
Conduct pillar development safely and efficiently 
Continuously monitor ground conditions and modify operation to maintain safe conditions 
Identify the strategic pillars which must not be removed for roof stability 
Establish and observe a retreat system 
Prop ground surrounding pillar before pillar removal 
Extract selected pillars starting furthest from shaft, in a systematic manner 
Prop ground area previously held by the removed pillars 
Continuously monitor ground conditions and modify operation to maintain safe pillar removal 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

RIIMSM306D - Design, develop and maintain pillar system and ground control
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

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

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

RIIMSM306D - Design, develop and maintain pillar system and ground control

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:

Date: