What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in preparing and using explosives requires evidence that explosives procedures including preparation mixing and detonation and clean up in the field have been safely carried out according to enterprise guidelines and industry best practice The skills and knowledge required to prepare and use explosives must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts For example this could include different explosives procedures locations and local conditions

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below

Fire precautions and prevention procedures

Appropriate explosives mixing procedures

The calculation of explosives quantities

Blast measurements

Explosives preparation placement firing and post firing procedures

The regulations relating to explosives use in the enterprise

Relevant standards issued by Standards Association of Australia

Related environmental issues and risks to livestock including poisoning

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria some complementary skills are required These skills include the ability to

Use explosives safely and effectively according to enterprise requirements

Dispose of surplus defective or unwanted detonators or explosives safely

Accurately complete usage and disposal reports

Correctly and uniformly mix explosives components

Apply the regulations relating to explosives use according to enterprise requirements

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Communicating with all personnel with regard to timing and blasting intentions

How can information be collected analysed and organised

In the organisation or preparation for conduct of blasting and post firing procedures

How are activities planned and organised

According to enterprise practices and procedures

How can team work be applied

Maximise the safety of all personnel involved by ensuring the safest possible usage of explosives

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Measuring andor estimating quantities

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Through identifying potential hazards in the planning and preparation work

How can the use of technology be applied

Electrical firing communicating and calculating with staff neighbours etc

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

For information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed refer to the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

Who is permitted to use explosives?

Which licence is required for electrical detonation?

What hazards to electrical firing may be included?

Under which procedures can explosives be used?

In which situation might control devices not be required?

How should surplus, unserviceable or defective explosives or components be destroyed?

Where would precautions and methods relating to use of explosives be found?

In what form should ammonium nitrate be?

What items may be used for mixing?

For what purpose should a colouring agent be used?

How should excess mix be stored?

For what purpose are colouring agents used?

Which explosives may be included in those for disposal?