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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for design, develop and maintain pillar system and ground control
   • 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
2. Develop pillar system
   • 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
3. Extract pillars
   • 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
4. Plan and prepare for design, develop and maintain pillar system and ground control
   • 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
5. Develop pillar system
   • 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
6. Extract pillars
   • 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

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 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

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Knowledge Evidence

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

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