Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

AHCEXP303A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Prepare and use explosives

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency AHCEXP303A - Prepare and use explosives
Description This unit covers carrying out explosive procedures including preparation, mixing, detonation and clean up safely in the field and defines the standard required to: obtain the appropriate permits and licenses for blasting; inform neighbours and post notices for blasting; prepare the blast site to place the explosive; prepare explosives and the initiator device according to best safety practice and regulations; place and fire charges according to best safety practice and regulations; conduct post-firing procedures for misfires; site checks; the disposal of surplus, unserviceable and defective explosives; recording procedures.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application The preparation and use of explosives is likely to be under limited supervision with checking related to overall progress. Responsibility for the notification of others, and the duty of care for their safety, is also involved.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare for blasting
  • Permits/ licences are obtained and approved warning signs installed and prominently displayed according to legislative requirements.
  • Property manager and relevant controlling authorities are notified of blasting plans and timing as required by legislation.
  • The area where the charges are to be used is cleared of stones and other potential missiles.
  • The blast site is cleared and made safe prior to charges being placed.
  • All explosive products are placed at the required safety distance from any identified hazards.
  • Appropriate holes are drilled/dug to place the charge(s) in line with blasting plans.
  • Drilling/digging equipment is removed to the prescribed safe distance in accordance with Australian Standards, Acts and Regulations.
  • Neighbours and members of the public likely to be concerned or disturbed by shock effects are advised of the blasting program.
       
Element: Prepare explosives
  • Quantities of explosives components required are calculated to match the application and prevailing conditions.
  • Required explosives are assembled on site, or an explosives mix (of homogenous composition) is calculated precisely to ensure minimum residual mix to be destroyed, and is prepared in accordance with defined requirements.
  • Required fusing and detonating components are assembled to match the established explosive requirements in preparation for blasting.
       
Element: Place charges
  • Explosives elements are placed in holes or packed using safe working procedures and methods and in accordance with Australian Standards, Acts and Regulations.
  • All holes are stemmed and tamped prior to the attachment of the firing system to maximise safety to all personnel and the efficiency of the blasting.
  • Electrical firing circuits or fire fuses are checked for continuity and/or earthing as required.
  • All extraneous materials are cleared from the site to safe distances in accordance with enterprise standards.
  • Routine re-checks of the site and surrounds are performed to ensure that no non-essential personnel are endangered.
  • Blasting mats or other control devices are placed as appropriate according to the blasting plan.
  • Blast area is guarded according to legislative requirements and enterprise practices.
       
Element: Fire charges
  • Prescribed warning notification procedures are carried out in accordance with enterprise and industry standards.
  • The blasting site is re-checked to ensure correct placement of explosives and ensure that all safety procedures have been implemented according to supervisor or shot firer's instructions.
  • Warning signals including audible and visual signals are issued to ensure that the site is clear.
  • Firing procedures are initiated through manual or electric firing systems.
       
Element: Conduct post-firing procedures
  • Charges are counted as they fire or are inspected safely post blasting to ensure that misfires are readily identified prior to all clear signals being given.
  • Misfire procedures are implemented after prescribed timing and/or practice drills conducted using water jets or additional charges in accordance with Australian Standards, Acts and Regulations.
  • Site checks are carried out to ensure that the site is safe and the all-clear signal is given in line with industry practice and legislative requirements.
  • Surplus, unserviceable and defective explosives and detonators are destroyed or discarded or stored in line with prescribed procedures and in consideration of the environmental impact.
  • Accurate records are completed and kept in line with enterprise and legislative requirements.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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 workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

obtain the appropriate permits and licenses for blasting

inform neighbours and post notices for blasting

prepare the blast site to place the explosive

prepare explosives and the initiator device according to best safety practice and regulations

place and fire charges according to best safety practice and regulations

conduct post-firing procedures for misfires, site checks, the disposal of surplus, unserviceable and defective explosives, and recording procedures.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

use explosives safely and effectively according to enterprise requirements

dispose of surplus, defective or unwanted detonators or explosives safely

correctly and uniformly mix explosives components

apply the regulations relating to explosives use according to enterprise requirements

use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record accurately and legible information collected and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

fire precautions and prevention procedures

appropriate explosives mixing procedures

the calculation of explosives quantities

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).

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Requirements and scope may include:

the Australian Standard relating to preparing and using explosives (AS 2187, Part 2 1993) which includes:

operations prior to charging

charging

preparation for firing

firing

misfires

preparation of primers.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Permits/ licences are obtained and approved warning signs installed and prominently displayed according to legislative requirements. 
Property manager and relevant controlling authorities are notified of blasting plans and timing as required by legislation. 
The area where the charges are to be used is cleared of stones and other potential missiles. 
The blast site is cleared and made safe prior to charges being placed. 
All explosive products are placed at the required safety distance from any identified hazards. 
Appropriate holes are drilled/dug to place the charge(s) in line with blasting plans. 
Drilling/digging equipment is removed to the prescribed safe distance in accordance with Australian Standards, Acts and Regulations. 
Neighbours and members of the public likely to be concerned or disturbed by shock effects are advised of the blasting program. 
Quantities of explosives components required are calculated to match the application and prevailing conditions. 
Required explosives are assembled on site, or an explosives mix (of homogenous composition) is calculated precisely to ensure minimum residual mix to be destroyed, and is prepared in accordance with defined requirements. 
Required fusing and detonating components are assembled to match the established explosive requirements in preparation for blasting. 
Explosives elements are placed in holes or packed using safe working procedures and methods and in accordance with Australian Standards, Acts and Regulations. 
All holes are stemmed and tamped prior to the attachment of the firing system to maximise safety to all personnel and the efficiency of the blasting. 
Electrical firing circuits or fire fuses are checked for continuity and/or earthing as required. 
All extraneous materials are cleared from the site to safe distances in accordance with enterprise standards. 
Routine re-checks of the site and surrounds are performed to ensure that no non-essential personnel are endangered. 
Blasting mats or other control devices are placed as appropriate according to the blasting plan. 
Blast area is guarded according to legislative requirements and enterprise practices. 
Prescribed warning notification procedures are carried out in accordance with enterprise and industry standards. 
The blasting site is re-checked to ensure correct placement of explosives and ensure that all safety procedures have been implemented according to supervisor or shot firer's instructions. 
Warning signals including audible and visual signals are issued to ensure that the site is clear. 
Firing procedures are initiated through manual or electric firing systems. 
Charges are counted as they fire or are inspected safely post blasting to ensure that misfires are readily identified prior to all clear signals being given. 
Misfire procedures are implemented after prescribed timing and/or practice drills conducted using water jets or additional charges in accordance with Australian Standards, Acts and Regulations. 
Site checks are carried out to ensure that the site is safe and the all-clear signal is given in line with industry practice and legislative requirements. 
Surplus, unserviceable and defective explosives and detonators are destroyed or discarded or stored in line with prescribed procedures and in consideration of the environmental impact. 
Accurate records are completed and kept in line with enterprise and legislative requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

AHCEXP303A - Prepare and use explosives
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

AHCEXP303A - Prepare and use explosives

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: