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. Plan and prepare to implement the ground control management plan
   • Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements
   • Access, interpret and apply documentation required to implement the ground control management plan
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
   • Obtain and interpret historical and current ground control data to assess ground conditions
   • Identify and address potential hazards and environmental factors and prepare to implement control measures
   • Identify, obtain and allocate resources required for the implementation of the ground control management plan
   • Communicate the ground control management plan to relevant personnel
   • Identify training needs and develop training plans
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and prepare to respond to emergencies according to workplace procedures
2. Identify and evaluate the geotechnical design and control measures
   • Obtain and interpret site geotechnical design to identify appropriate control measures
   • Evaluate pit development plan and extraction method for compliance with geotechnical design
   • Evaluate pit operations to confirm appropriate measures to maintain ground control and slope stability
   • Evaluate stockpile and dump operations to confirm appropriate measures to maintain ground control and slope stability
   • Evaluate surface and ground water control systems to confirm appropriate measures to maintain ground control and slope stability
   • Develop, in consultation, workplace procedures and practices for the application of the ground control management plan
   • Define, allocate and document the responsibilities for implementing the ground control management plan
3. Implement and monitor the ground control management plan
   • Implement and monitor approved extraction method according to workplace procedures and approved geotechnical design
   • Implement monitoring systems of ground movement and slope stability systems to warn relevant personnel, control operations and record events
   • Monitor hazards and risks and the implementation of control measures according to site requirements
   • Record and report on activities, issues and corrective actions according to site requirements
   • Apply emergency response and evacuation plans and procedures as required
4. Investigate and respond to adverse ground conditions
   • Review geotechnical inspection reports to determine trends and identify adverse ground conditions
   • Inspect adverse work area to confirm inspection findings and suitability of controls
   • Conduct risk assessment with relevant team members to determine safe course of action including appropriate controls
   • Engage external consultants as required to assist with the risk assessment and control plan
   • Implement and monitor agreed controls
   • Update site procedure documents to reflect changed work practices
   • Communicate geotechnical risks and control measures to relevant personnel
5. Audit and review the ground control management review
   • Investigate and review the performance of the ground control management plan
   • Contribute to audit and review requirements for the ground control management plan
   • Submit recommendations to improve the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of the ground control management plan
   • Investigate and audit the emergency response and evacuation plans and procedures

Performance Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

implement the ground control management plan on at least two occasions, including:

conducting geotechnical inspection of work areas

monitoring and assessing the impact of operations, including blasting, on ground stability and making adjustments as required

identifying and evaluating hazards and risks associated with the ground controls and placement of plant and equipment

investigating and reviewing the performance of the ground control management plan

developing workplace procedures

identifying training needs of team members and preparing a training plan

assessing outcomes to make recommendations and writing reports.

During the above, the candidate must:

locates and applies relevant legislation, documentation, policies and procedures and confirm that the work activity is compliant

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for implementing the ground control management plan, including:

identifying hazards and risks, and implementing control measures

accessing and analysing archival and historical information related to ground control and batter stability issues

interpreting and applying pit and slope design criteria to minimise hazards and risk

conducting audits

interpreting and applying geological and geotechnical information to the ground control management plan

work with others to implement the ground management plan.

---

Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

key legislation, policies, procedures and documentation required implement the ground management plan

principles of geology, including:

rock types

geological processes

geological structures

rock mass properties

hydrogeological aspects

common survey and slope design terminology

the geotechnical assessment/design process, including:

field data collection

geotechnical models

geotechnical domains

types of analysis

factor of safety

operating characteristics, limitations and safe placement of plant equipment, including:

exclusion zones

catch troughs

catch bunds

cab placement

safe load and dump methods

types and mechanisms of ground instability, including:

blocky conditions

wedge/plane/toppling

adverse jointing

fault and shear orientation

factors impacting on slope stability, including:

material properties

fault zones

blasting

pit wall profile

surface and ground water

changes in ground temperature

presence of underground workings

location and loading of infrastructure

principles and techniques for controlling ground instability, including:

minimising blast damage

excavation control and scaling

waste dump and stockpile formation methodology

groundwater and surface water control

remedial and slope stabilisation methods

principles and techniques for inspection and monitoring, including:

role of the geotechnical engineer

types of inspection

visual warning signs

types and purpose of monitoring instrumentation

Trigger Action Response Plans

understanding the interpretation of monitoring data

determining when external geotechnical advice is required

planning and design criteria and techniques for constructing and maintaining, including:

waste dumps

stockpiles

drainage systems

haul roads

earth bunds

principles and techniques for applying risk management processes

principles and techniques for investigating and reviewing inspection, communication and reporting methodologies

principles and techniques for providing leadership and direction to teams

principles and techniques for conducting training needs assessments and preparing training plans.

---