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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for the control of underground fires
   • Access, interpret and apply control of underground fires documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
   • Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements
   • Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
   • Interpret data and reports to determine cause and location of fire and record on the mine plan
   • Assess type, size and spread of fire to determine risk
   • Identify and assess potential ignition sources for further fires to determine control measures and record on the mine plan
   • Assess secondary risks and recommend actions for control
   • Assess fire-fighting personnel’s exposure to fire and identify methods and equipment to control risks
   • Determine personnel numbers, equipment and personal protective equipment requirements
   • Determine fire-fighting strategy and procedures
2. Assess fire control equipment and fire-fighting media capability and quantity, and decide on the appropriate course of action
   • Communicate and assign activities to personnel
   • Identify and apply ventilation monitoring and control measures
   • Assess need for evacuation of personnel and take appropriate action
   • Prepare action plan
3. Control the fire
   • Isolate and barricade fire area/zone to prevent entry of non-involved personnel
   • Access, assemble and test equipment determined in the action plan
   • Apply fire-fighting techniques and methods determined in the action plan
   • Maintain communication with other fire-fighters and emergency control personnel on condition of fire and status of fire control operations
   • Continue to monitor fire and put controls in place to ensure the safety of personnel in the vicinity of the fire
   • Continue to reassess and apply ventilation control measures
   • Continue to monitor fire and fire-fighting activities to determine ability to continue to handle the situation and take action
   • Minimise damage and disruption to mine working during the fire control operation
   • Assess fire intensity and magnitude, withdraw from fire zone and relocate fire control equipment to a safe place if fire is uncontrollable
   • Bring fire safely under control and extinguish
   • Monitor fire site and take actions to prevent possible re-ignition
   • Report to emergency control personnel
   • Monitor for structural and ground support integrity
4. Restore and refurbish fire equipment to operational condition
   • Inspect equipment for any damage
   • Repair, replenish or replace defective/depleted equipment
   • Tag, record and quarantine unusable equipment
   • Return fire control system and equipment to operational readiness
   • Process written records and reports

Range Statement

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Performance Evidence

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 that the candidate:

locates and applies relevant documentation, policies and procedures

works effectively with others to undertake and complete the control of underground fires that meets all the required outcomes, including:

complying with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

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

communicating clearly and concisely with others to coordinate work activities

operating emergency communications systems

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

locating fire fighting equipment on mine site

navigating in an underground mine

reading maps and interpreting symbols

locating plant and fire suppression systems on a mine layout plan

locating and operating fixed and portable fire suppression equipment

selecting and using appropriate extinguishing media

using and troubleshooting water supply systems and identifying alternative systems

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the following in relation to controlling underground fires:

the types and causes of hazards and incidents in underground mines

accessing and interpreting geological and survey data

the effects of hot and humid atmospheres

the location and distribution of caches

the trigger points to initiate emergency response to alarms

the location and purpose of a place of safety

identifying and using guidance systems and markers

site emergency plans

location of escape routes and alternative escape routes

the functions of mine ventilation systems

the types and effects of mine gases

the rescue team structure, roles and responsibilities

operation and limitations of breathing apparatus

standby/emergency procedures for incident control

types of fire and associated risks and control measures

ventilation management techniques

the properties of extinguishing media and the selection of those appropriate to the situation

fire-ground management procedures

use of signals

refurbishing fire-fighting equipment and systems

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