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 the distribution of tailings

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the distribution of tailings

working with others to undertake and complete the distribution of tailings that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of the distribution of tailings 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 undertake and complete the distribution of tailings

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 distribute tailings:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

maintain, clean and operate, equipment

apply hazard identification procedures

apply hazardous goods handling requirements and procedures

interpret reports

apply lifting techniques (manual, cranes and loads)

apply records maintenance requirements

apply safe work practices

use hand and power tools

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 distribute tailings:

breakdown procedures

emergency procedures

environmental procedures

equipment processes, technical capability and limitations

equipment safety requirements

flushing lines

hazard identification and management

identifying repair requirements

isolation procedures

metallurgical and technical data (basic)

occupational health and safety procedures

operational procedures and checks

pumping system

reclaim ponds/dams

safety requirements

securing pipes

security procedures (e.g. shutting of gates)

site procedures

spillage procedures

tailings

wet and dry working 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, 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

Auxiliary equipment may be anything that is portable and mobile that is not part of the fixed infrastructure: These may include:

compressors

cyclones

hand and power tools

hoses (water and air)

lines and ropes

loaders, pontoons, boats

thickening agents (e.g. de-scaling)

Pre-start checks may include:

availability of equipment

detection of conditions that are unusual

drive through plant

personnel availability

Environmental issues may include:

drainage

dust

emissions

flora and fauna

hazardous chemicals

recycling (e.g. water)

run-off/spills

waste management and disposal

water quality

Start-up procedures may include:

checking interlocks

checks distribution control system (DCS)

chutes

drive belts

isolations

material transfer system condition (e.g. leaks, blockages)

pumping system

remote systems (e.g. telemetry)

valves

Plant may include:

decant towers and ponds

pumps and siphons

spigots

tailings pipeline

valves

Indicator readings may measure:

concentration (e.g. cyanide)

current

density

flow

levels

pressure

speed (e.g. pump)

unusual noises

Monitoring may include the checking of:

blockages

current draw

detecting noises and smells

flow rates

missing components (e.g. spigots)

overloads

pressures

spillages

wear and tear

Overflow areas may include:

collection dams

scour pits

Cleaning methods may include:

hosing with water

Materials may include:

reagents

slurry

tailings

water

Post-shutdown checks are:

beaching

density

location of discharge points

regulate decant water removal

relocation of spigots