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

RIIBLA308D Mapping and Delivery Guide
Conduct electronic blasting operations

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency RIIBLA308D - Conduct electronic blasting operations
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to conduct electronic blasting operations in the metalliferous mining, coal mining and extractive sectors.This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles.Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.Unit SectorsMetalliferous miningCoal miningExtractive
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors; and industry regulations for certification and licensing; and,

this unit is best assessed in the context of this sector’s work environment;

where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills; and,

this unit must be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures, processes and operational manuals directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,

assessment may be conducted in conjunction with the assessment of other units of competency; and,

assessment must confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances; and,

assessors must demonstrate the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence as outlined in this unit of competency, and through the minimum years of current* work experience specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or,

where the assessor does not meet experience requirements a co-assessment or partnership arrangement must exist between the qualified assessor and an industry subject matter expert. The industry subject matter expert should hold the unit being assessed (or an equivalent unit) and/or demonstrate equivalence of skills and knowledge at the unit level. An industry technical expert must also demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience specified below in the industry sector, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed; and,

assessor and industry subject matter expert requirements differ depending on the Australian Qualifications Framework Level (AQF) of the qualification being assessed and/or industry sector as follows:

Industry sector

AQF** Level

Required assessor or industry subject matter expert experience

Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Construction

1

1 Year

2

2 Years

Drilling, Coal Mining and Extractive (Quarrying)

3-6

3 Years

Metalliferous Mining and Civil Construction

3-6

5 Years

Other sectors

Where this unit is being assessed outside of the Resources and Infrastructure Sectors, assessor and/or industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and, where no industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation.

*Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the Unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to industry by conducting frequent site assessments across various locations.
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: Plan and prepare to conduct electronic blasting operations
  • Access, interpret and apply shotfiring documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
  • Obtain, confirm and apply shotfiring requirements and work instructions before proceeding
  • Identify, manage and report all potential hazards, risks and environmental issues
  • Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the work activities
  • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency
  • Coordinate vehicle, equipment and personnel support requirements
  • Arrange and ensure assessment of blast area is complete, records are maintained and reported to appropriate personnel
  • Access, interpret and apply geological data required to complete the work
  • Carry out calculations to enable pattern design, loading and tying in of shots as per manufacturer specifications
  • Identify and confirm the explosives and accessories required for the work
  • Identify and manage the condition of electronic blasting system equipment required for charging and firing the blast
       
Element: Supervise the storage and transport of explosives and accessories
  • Ensure explosives and accessories are safely and correctly stored
  • Ensure inventory control systems are accurately and correctly maintained
  • Ensure firing keys and/or codes are kept secure
  • Ensure explosives and accessories are transported to blast area and segregate correctly
  • Ensure that explosives are not left unattended
  • Identify and dispose of any deteriorated or out of date explosives and accessories correctly
       
Element: Prepare for charging
  • Secure shot area in accordance with procedures and blast plan
  • Establish and communicate access routes to shot site for authorised persons and vehicles
  • Identify blasthole locations and any non-conforming conditions in preparation for charging
  • Establish stemming stockpile (if appropriate) and accessories on shot site
       
Element: Charge and stem blastholes
  • Supervise blast personnel during charging operations
  • Prime and charge blastholes in accordance with the blast plan and any non-conforming conditions
  • Ensure blastholes are stemmed in accordance with the blast plan
  • Inspect equipment and accessories used for charging
  • Maintain records
       
Element: Conduct tie-in of the electronic blasting system
  • Obtain and confirm electronic timing plan
  • Conduct scanning/logging/tagging of detonators
  • Connect to the harness/busline
  • Test for leakage
  • Diagnose and fault-find errors
  • Check system communications
       
Element: Conduct the blast
  • Carry out pre blasting procedures and establish exclusion zone
  • Supervise all personnel during initiation
  • Conduct final system checks
  • Initiate the blast safely
  • Carry out and record activities in accordance with the blast plan
       
Element: Complete post blast activities
  • Carry out post blast inspection
  • Deal with any identified misfires
  • Declare area safe for re-entry
  • Complete reports
       
Element: Carry out equipment maintenance
  • Carry out equipment inspection, care and maintenance after shotfiring operations
  • Maintain maintenance records
       
Element: Plan and prepare to conduct electronic blasting operations
  • Access, interpret and apply shotfiring documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant
  • Obtain, confirm and apply shotfiring requirements and work instructions before proceeding
  • Identify, manage and report all potential hazards, risks and environmental issues
  • Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the work activities
  • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency
  • Coordinate vehicle, equipment and personnel support requirements
  • Arrange and ensure assessment of blast area is complete, records are maintained and reported to appropriate personnel
  • Access, interpret and apply geological data required to complete the work
  • Carry out calculations to enable pattern design, loading and tying in of shots as per manufacturer specifications
  • Identify and confirm the explosives and accessories required for the work
  • Identify and manage the condition of electronic blasting system equipment required for charging and firing the blast
       
Element: Supervise the storage and transport of explosives and accessories
  • Ensure explosives and accessories are safely and correctly stored
  • Ensure inventory control systems are accurately and correctly maintained
  • Ensure firing keys and/or codes are kept secure
  • Ensure explosives and accessories are transported to blast area and segregate correctly
  • Ensure that explosives are not left unattended
  • Identify and dispose of any deteriorated or out of date explosives and accessories correctly
       
Element: Prepare for charging
  • Secure shot area in accordance with procedures and blast plan
  • Establish and communicate access routes to shot site for authorised persons and vehicles
  • Identify blasthole locations and any non-conforming conditions in preparation for charging
  • Establish stemming stockpile (if appropriate) and accessories on shot site
       
Element: Charge and stem blastholes
  • Supervise blast personnel during charging operations
  • Prime and charge blastholes in accordance with the blast plan and any non-conforming conditions
  • Ensure blastholes are stemmed in accordance with the blast plan
  • Inspect equipment and accessories used for charging
  • Maintain records
       
Element: Conduct tie-in of the electronic blasting system
  • Obtain and confirm electronic timing plan
  • Conduct scanning/logging/tagging of detonators
  • Connect to the harness/busline
  • Test for leakage
  • Diagnose and fault-find errors
  • Check system communications
       
Element: Conduct the blast
  • Carry out pre blasting procedures and establish exclusion zone
  • Supervise all personnel during initiation
  • Conduct final system checks
  • Initiate the blast safely
  • Carry out and record activities in accordance with the blast plan
       
Element: Complete post blast activities
  • Carry out post blast inspection
  • Deal with any identified misfires
  • Declare area safe for re-entry
  • Complete reports
       
Element: Carry out equipment maintenance
  • Carry out equipment inspection, care and maintenance after shotfiring operations
  • Maintain maintenance records
       


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.

1. Plan and prepare to conduct electronic blasting operations

1.1 Access, interpret and apply shotfiring documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant

1.2 Obtain, confirm and apply shotfiring requirements and work instructions before proceeding

1.3 Identify, manage and report all potential hazards, risks and environmental issues

1.4 Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the work activities

1.5 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency

1.6 Coordinate vehicle, equipment and personnel support requirements

1.7 Arrange and ensure assessment of blast area is complete, records are maintained and reported to appropriate personnel

1.8 Access, interpret and apply geological data required to complete the work

1.9 Carry out calculations to enable pattern design, loading and tying in of shots as per manufacturer specifications

1.10 Identify and confirm the explosives and accessories required for the work

1.11 Identify and manage the condition of electronic blasting system equipment required for charging and firing the blast

2. Supervise the storage and transport of explosives and accessories

2.1 Ensure explosives and accessories are safely and correctly stored

2.2 Ensure inventory control systems are accurately and correctly maintained

2.3 Ensure firing keys and/or codes are kept secure

2.4 Ensure explosives and accessories are transported to blast area and segregate correctly

2.5 Ensure that explosives are not left unattended

2.6 Identify and dispose of any deteriorated or out of date explosives and accessories correctly

3. Prepare for charging

3.1 Secure shot area in accordance with procedures and blast plan

3.2 Establish and communicate access routes to shot site for authorised persons and vehicles

3.3 Identify blasthole locations and any non-conforming conditions in preparation for charging

3.4 Establish stemming stockpile (if appropriate) and accessories on shot site

4. Charge and stem blastholes

4.1 Supervise blast personnel during charging operations

4.2 Prime and charge blastholes in accordance with the blast plan and any non-conforming conditions

4.3 Ensure blastholes are stemmed in accordance with the blast plan

4.4 Inspect equipment and accessories used for charging

4.5 Maintain records

5. Conduct tie-in of the electronic blasting system

5.1 Obtain and confirm electronic timing plan

5.2 Conduct scanning/logging/tagging of detonators

5.3 Connect to the harness/busline

5.4 Test for leakage

5.5 Diagnose and fault-find errors

5.6 Check system communications

6. Conduct the blast

6.1 Carry out pre blasting procedures and establish exclusion zone

6.2 Supervise all personnel during initiation

6.3 Conduct final system checks

6.4 Initiate the blast safely

6.5 Carry out and record activities in accordance with the blast plan

7. Complete post blast activities

7.1 Carry out post blast inspection

7.2 Deal with any identified misfires

7.3 Declare area safe for re-entry

7.4 Complete reports

8. Carry out equipment maintenance

8.1 Carry out equipment inspection, care and maintenance after shotfiring operations

8.2 Maintain maintenance records

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 relevant documentation, policies and procedures

works effectively with others to undertake and complete conducting electronic blasting operations that meet all of 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 resolve coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities

conducting pre-blast briefings

demonstrates consistent timely completion of blasts using electronic blasting systems that safely, effectively and efficiently meet the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

inspecting blast bench for hazards

transporting and supervising explosives and accessories

preparingand securing the shot area

unpacking, checking, laying out and priming blastholes according to the blast plan

charging blastholes, stemming blastholes and testing detonators using specialist equipment

identifying the blasting position, considering communication method

identifying and solving any errors or non-conforming conditions, communicating and escalating issues with responsible personnel

identifying potential misfires

programming and initiating the blast

conducting post-blast inspection, addressing misfires and communicating with team for safe re-entry

returning surplus explosives and detonators

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the following when conducting blasts using electronic blasting systems:

Australian Standards and Codes of Practice

site and equipment safety policies, procedures, legislative requirements and reporting requirements

site risk management processes and their applications

site specific management such as:

traffic management

road closures

rail closures

power-line shut-downs

site security management

magazine keeping rules and regulations

shotfiring terminology

interpreting blast plans

planning processes

analysis of site geological and survey data

selection of appropriate explosives to meet site/ground conditions

environmental requirements including: ground vibration; airblast; dust; fumes; wind speed and direction; chemicals

the operating specifications of the specific electronic blasting systems being used, including:

common errors

equipment characteristics

technical capabilities and their applications

system limits

fault-finding and diagnosis of faults

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.

1. Plan and prepare to conduct electronic blasting operations

1.1 Access, interpret and apply shotfiring documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant

1.2 Obtain, confirm and apply shotfiring requirements and work instructions before proceeding

1.3 Identify, manage and report all potential hazards, risks and environmental issues

1.4 Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the work activities

1.5 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency

1.6 Coordinate vehicle, equipment and personnel support requirements

1.7 Arrange and ensure assessment of blast area is complete, records are maintained and reported to appropriate personnel

1.8 Access, interpret and apply geological data required to complete the work

1.9 Carry out calculations to enable pattern design, loading and tying in of shots as per manufacturer specifications

1.10 Identify and confirm the explosives and accessories required for the work

1.11 Identify and manage the condition of electronic blasting system equipment required for charging and firing the blast

2. Supervise the storage and transport of explosives and accessories

2.1 Ensure explosives and accessories are safely and correctly stored

2.2 Ensure inventory control systems are accurately and correctly maintained

2.3 Ensure firing keys and/or codes are kept secure

2.4 Ensure explosives and accessories are transported to blast area and segregate correctly

2.5 Ensure that explosives are not left unattended

2.6 Identify and dispose of any deteriorated or out of date explosives and accessories correctly

3. Prepare for charging

3.1 Secure shot area in accordance with procedures and blast plan

3.2 Establish and communicate access routes to shot site for authorised persons and vehicles

3.3 Identify blasthole locations and any non-conforming conditions in preparation for charging

3.4 Establish stemming stockpile (if appropriate) and accessories on shot site

4. Charge and stem blastholes

4.1 Supervise blast personnel during charging operations

4.2 Prime and charge blastholes in accordance with the blast plan and any non-conforming conditions

4.3 Ensure blastholes are stemmed in accordance with the blast plan

4.4 Inspect equipment and accessories used for charging

4.5 Maintain records

5. Conduct tie-in of the electronic blasting system

5.1 Obtain and confirm electronic timing plan

5.2 Conduct scanning/logging/tagging of detonators

5.3 Connect to the harness/busline

5.4 Test for leakage

5.5 Diagnose and fault-find errors

5.6 Check system communications

6. Conduct the blast

6.1 Carry out pre blasting procedures and establish exclusion zone

6.2 Supervise all personnel during initiation

6.3 Conduct final system checks

6.4 Initiate the blast safely

6.5 Carry out and record activities in accordance with the blast plan

7. Complete post blast activities

7.1 Carry out post blast inspection

7.2 Deal with any identified misfires

7.3 Declare area safe for re-entry

7.4 Complete reports

8. Carry out equipment maintenance

8.1 Carry out equipment inspection, care and maintenance after shotfiring operations

8.2 Maintain maintenance records

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
Access, interpret and apply shotfiring documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 
Obtain, confirm and apply shotfiring requirements and work instructions before proceeding 
Identify, manage and report all potential hazards, risks and environmental issues 
Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the work activities 
Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency 
Coordinate vehicle, equipment and personnel support requirements 
Arrange and ensure assessment of blast area is complete, records are maintained and reported to appropriate personnel 
Access, interpret and apply geological data required to complete the work 
Carry out calculations to enable pattern design, loading and tying in of shots as per manufacturer specifications 
Identify and confirm the explosives and accessories required for the work 
Identify and manage the condition of electronic blasting system equipment required for charging and firing the blast 
Ensure explosives and accessories are safely and correctly stored 
Ensure inventory control systems are accurately and correctly maintained 
Ensure firing keys and/or codes are kept secure 
Ensure explosives and accessories are transported to blast area and segregate correctly 
Ensure that explosives are not left unattended 
Identify and dispose of any deteriorated or out of date explosives and accessories correctly 
Secure shot area in accordance with procedures and blast plan 
Establish and communicate access routes to shot site for authorised persons and vehicles 
Identify blasthole locations and any non-conforming conditions in preparation for charging 
Establish stemming stockpile (if appropriate) and accessories on shot site 
Supervise blast personnel during charging operations 
Prime and charge blastholes in accordance with the blast plan and any non-conforming conditions 
Ensure blastholes are stemmed in accordance with the blast plan 
Inspect equipment and accessories used for charging 
Maintain records 
Obtain and confirm electronic timing plan 
Conduct scanning/logging/tagging of detonators 
Connect to the harness/busline 
Test for leakage 
Diagnose and fault-find errors 
Check system communications 
Carry out pre blasting procedures and establish exclusion zone 
Supervise all personnel during initiation 
Conduct final system checks 
Initiate the blast safely 
Carry out and record activities in accordance with the blast plan 
Carry out post blast inspection 
Deal with any identified misfires 
Declare area safe for re-entry 
Complete reports 
Carry out equipment inspection, care and maintenance after shotfiring operations 
Maintain maintenance records 
Access, interpret and apply shotfiring documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 
Obtain, confirm and apply shotfiring requirements and work instructions before proceeding 
Identify, manage and report all potential hazards, risks and environmental issues 
Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate to the work activities 
Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency 
Coordinate vehicle, equipment and personnel support requirements 
Arrange and ensure assessment of blast area is complete, records are maintained and reported to appropriate personnel 
Access, interpret and apply geological data required to complete the work 
Carry out calculations to enable pattern design, loading and tying in of shots as per manufacturer specifications 
Identify and confirm the explosives and accessories required for the work 
Identify and manage the condition of electronic blasting system equipment required for charging and firing the blast 
Ensure explosives and accessories are safely and correctly stored 
Ensure inventory control systems are accurately and correctly maintained 
Ensure firing keys and/or codes are kept secure 
Ensure explosives and accessories are transported to blast area and segregate correctly 
Ensure that explosives are not left unattended 
Identify and dispose of any deteriorated or out of date explosives and accessories correctly 
Secure shot area in accordance with procedures and blast plan 
Establish and communicate access routes to shot site for authorised persons and vehicles 
Identify blasthole locations and any non-conforming conditions in preparation for charging 
Establish stemming stockpile (if appropriate) and accessories on shot site 
Supervise blast personnel during charging operations 
Prime and charge blastholes in accordance with the blast plan and any non-conforming conditions 
Ensure blastholes are stemmed in accordance with the blast plan 
Inspect equipment and accessories used for charging 
Maintain records 
Obtain and confirm electronic timing plan 
Conduct scanning/logging/tagging of detonators 
Connect to the harness/busline 
Test for leakage 
Diagnose and fault-find errors 
Check system communications 
Carry out pre blasting procedures and establish exclusion zone 
Supervise all personnel during initiation 
Conduct final system checks 
Initiate the blast safely 
Carry out and record activities in accordance with the blast plan 
Carry out post blast inspection 
Deal with any identified misfires 
Declare area safe for re-entry 
Complete reports 
Carry out equipment inspection, care and maintenance after shotfiring operations 
Maintain maintenance records 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

RIIBLA308D - Conduct electronic blasting operations
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

RIIBLA308D - Conduct electronic blasting operations

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: