Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Manage compliance with legislation
  2. Manage the storage, handling and transport of explosives
  3. Manage the implementation of blasting activities
  4. Manage special conditions
  5. Manage misfires
  6. Manage the disposal of explosives
  7. Manage maintenance of blasting equipment

Required Skills

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 manage blasting operations

apply legislative organisation and site requirements and procedures

apply legislative and site requirements and procedure for blasting activities

select and use PPE

read plans and documents

apply electronic radio and other means of communication

apply blasting preparation techniques

identify hazardsapply hazardous substances handling techniques

perform blasting mathematical calculations

apply diagnostic techniques

apply inspection and monitoring procedures for

storage handling and transport of explosives

charging

blast initiation

post blast activities

environmental impact monitoring

equipment maintenance management

explosives disposal

records maintenance

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 manage 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

equipment safety requirements

basic geological and technical information

blast plans

hazardous goods procedures handling and transport

isolation and lock out procedures

manufacturers instructions

management systems

preparation for and use of explosives

safe operating procedures

risk management including application of appropriate controls to identify risks

site procedures

transportation of explosives

job safety analysis

start up and shut down procedures

explosives storage procedures

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

record keeping requirements and formats

Evidence Required

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 the management of blasting operations

implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe effective and efficient management of blasting operations

working with others to plan prepare and conduct blasting operations

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

evidence of the consistent successful management of blasting operations

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 a resources and infrastructure sector environment Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances

Where applicable physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities

Access must be provided to appropriate learning andor 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 andor oral assessment of the candidates required knowledge

observed documented andor first hand testimonial evidence of the candidates

implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe effective and efficient achievement of the required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidates

working with others to plan prepare and conduct blasting operations

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

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.

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

Explosives may include:

high explosives (e.g. packaged and bulk high explosives)

low explosives (e.g. black powder)

deflagrating explosives (e.g. propellants used for secondary blasting)

detonators and detonator assemblies

detonating cords and accessories

fuses and igniter cords

Potential hazards may include:

broken detonator leads

dust and fumes

faulty equipment

faulty explosives

ground conditions

high air and water pressures

high voltage electricity

hydraulic oil pressure

lost holes

misfires

trespassers

radio frequencies and transmitters

EMF hazards (e.g. static electricity, lightning)

hot ground

Storage locations may include:

permanent licensed-to-store magazines

relocatable magazines

underground magazines

underground temporary storage

day boxes

on site temporary areas

designated transport vehicle

Environmental hazards may include:

the transmission of compression-tension elastic vibrations in both solids and gases

the generation and projection of elements, compounds and particulates from the site of explosion and related quantifiable damage

physical damage to the environment

damage to infrastructure

damage to fauna and flora

impact on human and domestic animal life and amenity

perceived and psychological-emotional disturbance

fluctuations and alterations of the hydrosphere

Blast plan requirements may include:

location

sleeping charges

equipment required

security measures and procedures

monitoring requirements

type and quantity of explosives and initiation methods

wet or dry holes

stemming material

Site inspections may include:

positioning stemming

cleaning up

weather check

fencing/signage and access routes

marking/hole identification

inspection

measuring holes

dewatering holes

Explosives and associated materials may include:

blasting agents

detonators

detonating cords

water gels or emulsions

bulk or packaged

shaped charges

permitted explosives

high explosives

propellants

pressure loaders (kettle)

detonation mechanisms including:

bell wire

delay mechanisms

initiators

meter readings

safety fuses and tapes

tape

exploders

circuit testers

connecting wire and cables

crimpers

approved chord cutters

stemming rods

loading poles

gas bags

decking

stemming

hole liner

blast monitoring equipment

firing cables/bell wire

remote firing equipment (e.g. PED)

Personnel may include:

shotfirers

magazine keepers

contractors

drillers

drivers

miners

visitors

trainees/apprentices

inspectors

licensed operators

maintenance staff

management

service personnel

supervisors

surveyors

tradespersons

Equipment may include:

vehicles approved for carrying dangerous goods and explosives

explosives mixers

pumps

plugs (to seal finished holes prior to loading)

measuring tape

cutting implements

blast monitoring systems

video cameras

Post-blast coordination may include:

withdrawal of sentries

return of unused explosives and equipment

removal of signs

turning off safety devices

ventilation of area

Site inspections may include:

positioning stemming

cleaning up

weather check

fencing/signage and access routes

marking/hole identification

inspection

measuring holes

dewatering holes

Documents, records, and reports may include:

records of purchase

records of carriage

records of consumption and disposal of explosives

cart notes

magazine records

blast designs

blast plans

shotfirer's reports

blast monitoring records

complaints, injury and accident reports

records of face profiling and bore tracking surveys, videotapes or photographs

records may be kept as papers, bound forms, field books, computer printouts, floppy disks, videotapes, digital recordings, specific or routine reports or logbooks

Misfires may be caused by:

faulty explosives or accessories

damaged or deteriorated explosives or accessories

improperly assembled explosives components

inappropriate or incomplete combinations of components

operator error or inexperience

inattention to detail or ignorance

environmental influences (e.g. wet weather or poor visibility)

Deteriorated explosives may show symptoms of:

exudation

efflorescence

sweating

liquefaction

hardening

softening

discoloration

crystallisation

staining

damage to wrappers and carcasses

damage to containers

physical wear and tear

kinking

abrasions and cuts

crushing

loss of identification labels and markings

exposure to the elements

Disposal methods may include:

burning by the shotfirers on site

detonation in a production drill hole

detonation in a controlled manner

return to supplier or delivery or surrender to an explosives inspector