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

RIIMCU602A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Establish and maintain the gas management system

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency RIIMCU602A - Establish and maintain the gas management system
Description This unit covers the establishment and maintenance of gas management systems in the coal industry. It includes identifying, analysing and evaluating gas and outburst hazards and risks, identifying, analysing and evaluating gas control options and measures, designing and developing gas management systems, establishing the gas management system, planning and preparing for the implementation of the gas management system, and auditing and reviewing the gas management system. 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.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit is appropriate for those working in a management or supervisory role at worksites within:Coal mining
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable. Not applicable.
Competency Field Refer to Unit Sector(s).
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: Identify, analyse and evaluate gas and outburst hazards and risks
  • Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity
  • Identify, evaluate and clarify coal seam characteristics and mine conditions, which contribute to flammable or irrespirable atmospheres or outbursts
  • Identify, analyse and evaluate hazards and risks relating to gas emissions and outbursts
  • Identify, analyse and evaluate the requirements for ventilation in relation to the types and amounts of gas emissions
  • Identify, analyse and evaluate gas hazards caused by disruption to the ventilation system and the impact on the mine atmosphere
  • Identify, analyse and evaluate the impacts of fire, ignition, outburst and explosion on the gas hazards
  • Identify, analyse and evaluate the impacts of water accumulations on gas management
       
Element: Identify, analyse and evaluate gas control options and measures
  • Identify, analyse and evaluate the types and advantages/disadvantages of gas control options and management methods including gas drainage
  • Identify, analyse and evaluate the method, purpose and uses of gas monitoring systems
  • Identify, analyse and evaluate methods to maximise the effectiveness of a gas management program
       
Element: Design and develop gas management systems
  • Access, interpret and clarify the legislative, and site requirements related to gas management systems
  • Establish gas management systems to satisfy the operational conditions of the mine
  • Establish surface infrastructure, which eliminates the risk of induced hazards in relation to potential gas emissions
  • Incorporate gas monitoring systems to minimise the potential hazards of gas
  • Incorporate ventilation systems and controls to minimise the risk of gas leakage
  • Incorporate contingency systems to mitigate the risks and hazards of gas
       
Element: Establish the gas management system
  • Establish gas management system objectives, descriptions and responsibilities and incorporate into the management system
  • Identify, develop and establish hazard control procedures associated with gas management
  • Establish gas management monitoring system installation, operation and maintenance procedures
  • Establish gas control device installation, operation and maintenance procedures
  • Establish gas management systems maintenance procedures
  • Establish gas management system information recording and reporting procedures
  • Determine and review action levels and responses to minimise the hazards of gas
  • Establish gas emergency and evacuation procedures
  • Establish a program, including systems and procedures, to satisfy identified gas management training requirements
  • Incorporate, audit, review and update procedures
       
Element: Plan and prepare for the implementation of the gas management system
  • Identify and interpret the legislative and site requirements related to gas management system
  • Access, interpret and clarify the gas management system
  • Identify, clarify and communicate to all personnel roles and responsibilities, as specified in the gas management system
  • Identify, forecast, obtain and allocate/schedule resources required for the implementation of the gas management system
  • Implement the gas management training program
  • Encourage, receive, review and, where appropriate, implement suggestions and recommendations for changes to gas management system implementation procedures
       
Element: Audit and review the gas management system
  • Audit mine gas monitoring systems operations for compliance with legislative and gas management system
  • Audit mine gas control devices for compliance with mine site requirements
  • Audit recording systems for compliance with the gas management system
  • Audit the maintenance program and procedures for compliance with the gas management system
  • Audit gas management training program for currency, relevance and compliance with the requirements of the gas management system
  • Establish procedures for response to instances of non-compliance or other discrepancies/deficiencies revealed by audit
  • Respond promptly to instances of non-compliance and other discrepancies/deficiencies revealed by audit and modify the management system where appropriate
  • Identify and evaluate future gas management requirements and incorporate into planning procedures as stipulated by the gas management system
       


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 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 establishing and maintaining the gas management system

implementation of procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient establishment and maintenance of the gas management system

the identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

the identification of viable options and the selection of gas management system elements that best meet the required outcomes

working with other to undertake and complete the establishment and maintenance of the gas management system

consistent successful establishment and maintenance of the gas management system

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.

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

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.

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 to apply in undertaking of the establishment and maintenance of the gas management system

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

identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

identification of viable options and the selection of gas management system elements that best meet the required outcomes

consistent achievement of required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete the establishment and maintenance of the gas management system

provision of clear and timely required support and advice on the establishment and maintenance of the gas management system

Guidance information for assessment

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

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

Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following, as required to establish and maintain the gas management system:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for establishing and maintaining the gas management system

access, interpret and apply technical information

access and analyse archival and historical gas information related to the mine

interpret and apply mathematical and scientific theorems / laws related to gas management

perform gas planning mathematical calculations

access, evaluate and apply design criteria for gas management

interpret computer spreadsheets and gas modelling / simulations

collect, collate and evaluate gas data

establish technical procedures relating to gas management

conduct enquiries / investigations and prepare reports

communicate effectively in the workplace

access, evaluate and apply data from monitoring systems and equipment

establish gas training requirements, programs, systems and procedures

apply risk management processes and techniques

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to establish and maintain the gas management system:

legislative requirements for including air quality, maximum values, control and distribution, flammable gas limits, ventilation fans, gas monitoring and inspections and recording/reporting

the methods of mine ventilation and their applications/limitations including exhaust/force, antitropal, homotropal, flank returns, ascensional/descensional, bleeder, Z/U/Y systems and other combinations

the methods of panel gas management and their applications/limitations including homotropal and antitropal (and in conjunction with these, the use of goaf bleed or back return), auxiliary fans, coursed ventilation (narrow side/wide side), machine mounted scrubber systems, compressed air venturis and bleeders

the impact of mining techniques and mine and panel design on gas management

the impact of coal characteristics and coal seam gradients on mine gas systems

mine gases; the types and their characteristics, sources, physiological effects and methods of detection

the use and calculation of specific gas emissions

mine fires; the types, sources of ignition and possible impacts of gas management

pressure changes; causes and the impacts on gas management

heat / humidity; the sources and factors which may impact on gas management

mine fans; fan laws, fan types, performance characteristics, configurations, application and limitations

gas control devices; the types, purposes, design criteria and specifications, distribution / placement criteria, hazards and limitations including gas drainage

de-gassing; methods of control - including brattice, auxiliary fans, compressed air venturis, sails, hurdles and bleeders

fixed gas monitoring systems, types, characteristics, uses and limitations

portable monitoring equipment, types, characteristics, uses and limitations

functions, capabilities, advantages, limitations and uses of computer modelling and simulation techniques for gas management

a basic knowledge of computer-based systems for mine gas analysis

Gas Management System development requirements and processes

gas surveys; the types, frequency and methods for conducting

processes and techniques for determining alarms and trigger points / levels

audit and review processes and techniques

emergency response and disaster planning processes and techniques

general uses and application of gas management theory, including:

gas laws including Charles and Boyle

natural ventilation

Coward's Triangle

Graham's Ratio

Ellicott Diagram

gas make

Morris' Ratio

Trickett's Ratio

leakage

psychrometry and heat

Hughe's and Raybould triangle

oxides of carbon ratio

Kirkoff's laws

geological data

principles of ventilation management

mine and goaf ventilation systems

underground water management principles

gas management drilling techniques

site environmental monitoring requirements

risk management procedures

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, organisational and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Coal Seam characteristics may include inherent factors such as:

rank

petrology

moisture

particle size

seam gas

pyrites

permeability

Geological conditions may include:

faults

dykes

intrusions

strata deformities

existing or induced stress or strain

Or depositional factors such as:

seam thickness

multiple and rider seams

seam dip

depth of cover

cleats

Hazard is defined as: a source of potential harm or a situation with a potential to cause loss (definition from AS/NZS 4360:1999 Risk Management).

Hazards may include:

irrespirable atmosphere

noxious atmospheres

flammable or explosive mixtures

induced outburst

Risk is defined as: the chance of something happening that will have an impact upon objectives. It is measured in terms of consequences and likelihood (definition from AS/NZS 4360:1999 Risk Management).

Ventilation methods may include:

exhaust/force

anistropal (antitropal)

homotropal

flank returns

ascensional/descensional

bleeder

Z/U/Y systems

overlapping systems

other combinations

Ignition sources may include:

electrical

static discharge

friction

contraband

spontaneous combustion

naked flame

chemical

explosives

Maintenance of the ventilation system may include:

inspection

servicing

repair

Action (alarm or trigger) level is a generic term used to describe a level determined at the mine site at which action is initiated or a response made.

Gas Management System establishes procedures for maintaining a safe environment and may include:

procedures for mine atmosphere monitoring

reporting requirements

auditing

ventilation system and usage

inertisation techniques

mine plan

action plans

response plans

emergency procedures

individual group responsibilities

training and education procedures

hazard identification and quantification

risk assessment

authority and responsibility

controls established to manage identified risks

reporting and communication

document control

audit and review

Gas Management Training applies to:

mine workers

tradespeople

permanent employees

contractors

mine officials

other special requirements

Audit is defined as: a systematic examination against defined criteria to determine whether activities and related results conform to planned arrangement, and whether these arrangements are implemented effectively and are suitable to achieve the organisation's policy and objectives (AS/NZS 4804: 2001).

Principles of mine design include:

recovery

reserve optimisation

mining direction

geological structures

ventilation

strata control

mining method

productivity

environmental considerations

access

Standard operating procedures (SOP) are also known as safe working procedures, safe operating procedures and standard working procedures.

Mine atmosphere refers to all areas in the general mine ventilation district and beyond into waste working and goafs/gobs in the mine.

Mine gases may include seam gases or gases from introduced sources and may include but not be limited to:

methane

carbon dioxide

oxides of nitrogen

hydrogen

carbon monoxide

sulphur dioxide

hydrogen sulphide

hydrocarbons

combinations

Ventilation devices may include:

stoppings

overcasts

regulators

preparation seals

ventilation doors

bulk heads

goaf seals

final seals

pressure chambers

air locks

Explosive control devices may include:

water barriers

stone dust barriers

trickle dusters

calcium chloride

stone dust

triggered barriers

Gas management devices and options may include:

gas drainage

infusion

scrubbers

automatic gas detectors

tube bundle systems

gassing device on auxiliary fans and gas monitoring systems

inertisation techniques - high, medium and low

Mine atmosphere monitoring may include:

continuous monitoring

portable (hand held) monitoring

collection of bag samples

gas chromatography

ventilation measurements from all area of the mine including sealed areas and waste workings

Infrastructure may include:

pipes

valves

hoses

pumps

drainage plant

flame arresters

power supply to bore holes

cleaning equipment

Types of fires may include:

solid

liquid

gas

metals

Disruptions/ventilation pressure changes may include those resulting from:

planned disruptions

changes in barometric pressure

fall of ground

fan changes/failure

ventilation control device changes/failure

outburst

holing into previous workings

re-circulation

ventilation circuit changes

natural ventilation pressure changes

explosions

changes in ambient temperature/humidity

fires

equipment moves

flooding of roadways

Effect of re-circulation may include:

build up of contaminant concentration (gas, fumes, dust, heat)

decrease in oxygen

Criteria for safe mine ventilation may include:

statutory and regulatory requirements

mine ventilation management plan

measures to reduce and/or control seam gas

introduced gas

fumes and dust

temperature/humidity and maximum/minimum velocity specifications

ventilation efficiency

Monitoring devices may include:

barograph

tube bundle

real time telemetry

portable (hand held) monitoring

bag samples

gas chromatography

Monitoring includes that related to:

atmospheric pressures

temperature

fire

condition monitoring of ventilation devices

Alarm systems and action plans may include those for:

gas concentration/make

spontaneous combustion (physical and gaseous)

combustion indicators

condition monitoring for fans (vibration/temperature/current/failures)

ventilation devices

monitoring hardware

Procedures required to support the gas management plan may include those for:

construction

action response

permit to work

condition monitoring

auditing

maintenance

document control

atmosphere monitoring

ventilation system control

communication systems

survey procedures

sealing procedures

changes

training and recording/reporting

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 compliance documentation relevant to the work activity 
Identify, evaluate and clarify coal seam characteristics and mine conditions, which contribute to flammable or irrespirable atmospheres or outbursts 
Identify, analyse and evaluate hazards and risks relating to gas emissions and outbursts 
Identify, analyse and evaluate the requirements for ventilation in relation to the types and amounts of gas emissions 
Identify, analyse and evaluate gas hazards caused by disruption to the ventilation system and the impact on the mine atmosphere 
Identify, analyse and evaluate the impacts of fire, ignition, outburst and explosion on the gas hazards 
Identify, analyse and evaluate the impacts of water accumulations on gas management 
Identify, analyse and evaluate the types and advantages/disadvantages of gas control options and management methods including gas drainage 
Identify, analyse and evaluate the method, purpose and uses of gas monitoring systems 
Identify, analyse and evaluate methods to maximise the effectiveness of a gas management program 
Access, interpret and clarify the legislative, and site requirements related to gas management systems 
Establish gas management systems to satisfy the operational conditions of the mine 
Establish surface infrastructure, which eliminates the risk of induced hazards in relation to potential gas emissions 
Incorporate gas monitoring systems to minimise the potential hazards of gas 
Incorporate ventilation systems and controls to minimise the risk of gas leakage 
Incorporate contingency systems to mitigate the risks and hazards of gas 
Establish gas management system objectives, descriptions and responsibilities and incorporate into the management system 
Identify, develop and establish hazard control procedures associated with gas management 
Establish gas management monitoring system installation, operation and maintenance procedures 
Establish gas control device installation, operation and maintenance procedures 
Establish gas management systems maintenance procedures 
Establish gas management system information recording and reporting procedures 
Determine and review action levels and responses to minimise the hazards of gas 
Establish gas emergency and evacuation procedures 
Establish a program, including systems and procedures, to satisfy identified gas management training requirements 
Incorporate, audit, review and update procedures 
Identify and interpret the legislative and site requirements related to gas management system 
Access, interpret and clarify the gas management system 
Identify, clarify and communicate to all personnel roles and responsibilities, as specified in the gas management system 
Identify, forecast, obtain and allocate/schedule resources required for the implementation of the gas management system 
Implement the gas management training program 
Encourage, receive, review and, where appropriate, implement suggestions and recommendations for changes to gas management system implementation procedures 
Audit mine gas monitoring systems operations for compliance with legislative and gas management system 
Audit mine gas control devices for compliance with mine site requirements 
Audit recording systems for compliance with the gas management system 
Audit the maintenance program and procedures for compliance with the gas management system 
Audit gas management training program for currency, relevance and compliance with the requirements of the gas management system 
Establish procedures for response to instances of non-compliance or other discrepancies/deficiencies revealed by audit 
Respond promptly to instances of non-compliance and other discrepancies/deficiencies revealed by audit and modify the management system where appropriate 
Identify and evaluate future gas management requirements and incorporate into planning procedures as stipulated by the gas management system 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

RIIMCU602A - Establish and maintain the gas management system
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

RIIMCU602A - Establish and maintain the gas management system

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: