Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and select explosive products and suitable mixtures that can be used for blasting for agricultural or land management purposes.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work. This includes using discretion and judgement in the selection and use of available resources.
Licensing conditions apply to this unit. Specific determination should be sought through the relevant State or Territory.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify explosives applications | 1.1 Identify the job application requiring the use of explosives in consultation with the field manager or supervisor 1.2 Identify the site for blasting and check the surrounding area to confirm that all aspects of safety have been considered and actioned 1.3 Identify risks and potential side effects of the blast after consideration of all site characteristics and use information in the planning of blasting operations 1.4 Consider environmental implications of the intended explosives usage when planning blasting activities 1.5 Consider and utilise alternatives to the use of explosives when planning the application, as appropriate 1.6 Follow work health and safety policies and procedures when handling or using explosives to maintain own, fellow workers’ and public safety |
2. Select explosives components | 2.1 Select explosive products to match the application, site and identified hazards at the blasting site 2.2 Make sure explosives or components are not damaged or defective before use 2.3 Establish the quantity of explosive energy required in line with the site characteristics and the designated application 2.4 Ensure initiator device selection reflects industry best practice and matches explosives selection 2.5 Utilise safety fuses as required to suit the application 2.6 Make sure the use of explosives complies with relevant legislative requirements and Australian Standards |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must demonstrate that they can identify and select appropriate explosive products for the task.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can that they can:
establish the need to use explosives
identify the risks and environmental implications of using explosives
select explosives and initiator devices to match the application, site and identified hazards at the blasting site
utilise safety fuses as required
identify various components of explosive products
estimate the likely effect of explosives on structures, personnel and livestock in the site vicinity
apply work health and safety policies and procedures when working with explosives
apply policies and procedures to ensure the safety of the public
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
uses of various explosive products
performance of each explosive product used by the enterprise
the behaviour of the substrate material when subject to blasting
jobs that require the use of explosives in the context of own conservation and land management work
particular properties of explosives/blasting agents and their suitability for particular purposes
features that identify defective or damaged explosives
key concepts of the Australian standards relating to the storage, transportation and use of explosives as they apply to own work role
relevant State and Territory legislation
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Explosives (EXP)