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 worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for controlling fires in underground metalliferous mines

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient controlling of fires in underground metalliferous mines

working with others to control fires in underground metalliferous mines that meet all of the required outcomes

consistent timely controlling of fires in underground metalliferous mines that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the 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 workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to control fires in underground metalliferous mines

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to control fires in underground metalliferous mines:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

locate fire fighting equipment on mine sites

interpret emergency preparedness plans

navigate in underground mines

read maps and interpret symbols

apply fires call-outs response procedures

work as a member of a team

handle and control hazardous substances in a fire situation

locate plant and fire suppression systems on a mine layout plan

locate and operate fixed and portable fire suppression equipment

locate and demonstration the correct use of ladders and other approved devices

select appropriate extinguishing media for fire control and extinguishment

operate emergency communications systems

carry out effective fire-ground management procedures

utilise and troubleshoot water supply systems and identify alternative systems

interpret and use signals

access, interpret and apply technical and safety information

apply diagnostic/faultfinding techniques

comply with environmental requirements

apply isolation procedures

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to control fires in underground metalliferous mines:

the location of fire fighting equipment on mine sites

interpretation of emergency preparedness plans

response to call-outs to fires

types of fire and associated risks and control measures

mine plant and fire suppression systems

ventilation management during fire situations

operation of fixed and portable fire suppression equipment

the correct use of ladders and other devices

interpretation of Hazchem labels and signs

hazard/risk management principles and practices (including assessment and control)

the hazards associated with hazardous chemicals and how to handle them in a fire situation

identification, selection and operation of appropriate equipment

identification and application of appropriate personal safety equipment

identification of the properties of extinguishing media and the selection of those appropriate to the situation

communications systems' types and protocols

fire-ground management procedures

utilisation and troubleshooting of water supply systems and identification of alternative systems

interpretation and use of signals

refurbishment of fire-fighting equipment and systems

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant compliance documentation

may include:

legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

code of practice

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Fires may include:

A, B, C, D, F class fires and E rated fires (International Standard-check name)

accessible

inaccessible

uncontrolled fires

mobile plant

structural fires

Potential ignition sources may include but limited to:

ignition sources associated with friction eg belt conveyors

ignition sources associated with fuel and oil storage/service bays

ignition sources associated with electricity eg battery charging stations, shorting of cables

frictional ignition sources at the mining face eg explosives, gases

static electricity as an ignition source

ignition sources associated with the combustion of synthetic materials

hot materials/surfaces

Secondary risks may include:

environmental

electrical

smoke

toxic gases

loss of visibility

volatile substances (oxidising agents)

heat illness

secondary explosions

burns

spillage

structural collapse

Fire-fighting is limited to:

fires within the capability of the rescue team members

Personal protective equipment may include:

industrial clothing

thermal suits

face shields

eye protection

respiratory protection

safety footwear

head protection

hand protection

Fire control equipment may include:

fire hoses and fittings

extinguishers

mine water supply systems

hydrants

foam generators

water turbine

vehicles

fixed and mobile fire suppression plant

ladders

Fire fighting media may include:

water

low expansion foam

high expansion foam

dry chemical powder

Carbon Dioxide

vaporising liquid

alcohol rated foam

dry agents

Action plans may include:

RECEO VS - (rescue exposures control/contain extinguish overhaul - ventilate and salvage) International Response

fire control equipment requirements

fire fighting capability

personnel numbers and experience

duties assigned to fire control and support personnel

fire fighting strategy and procedures

PPE requirements

communications methods and protocols

risk assessment requirements

ventilation management

emergency and First Aid procedures

contingency plans

Communications may include:

reports

2- way radio

telephone

mobile phone

hand signals

runners

light signals

Incident Control has:

overall planning, approval and control of an incident

Structural integrity may include:

stability of walls and backs in underground

stability of major structures on surface

Returning equipment to operational readiness may include:

inspection

cleaning

repair

replacement

re-fill