This unit describes the skills required to prepare and fire explosives in support of explosive research and proofing. Firing of explosives is a process used in the research or proofing environment to determine research outcomes. It involves the setting up of scientific measuring and recording instruments, in order to record the results of the firing for scientific analysis.

This unit applies to personnel who are required to prepare and fire explosives in support of explosive research and proofing.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work individually or as part of a team, under indirect supervision, using discretion and judgement and taking responsibility for the quality of their outputs. They would conduct complex tasks in range of contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for firing

1.1

Identify and clarify requirements for firing of explosives and the tests to be conducted

1.2

Confirm explosives to be fired and firing methods

1.3

Liaise with and notify parties affected by the firing

1.4

Prepare site and equipment

1.5

Identify, calculate, and apply net explosive quantities and compatibility throughout the operation

1.6

Set up test equipment

2

Fire explosive

2.1

Prepare and test explosives and firing mechanisms

2.2

Conduct firings

2.3

Inspect residue to ensure all explosives have been fired

2.4

Take and record measurements

3

Finalise the firing process

3.1

Refurbish site and equipment

3.2

Maintain documentation and records

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and includes:

accessing, interpreting and applying technical information related to explosives

applying firing processes

applying testing protocols and techniques

conducting measuring and recording processes

identifying firing requirements and constraints

maintaining documentation and records

recording results in accordance with firing instructions

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and includes:

operational knowledge of:

characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations of explosives

firing processes

measuring and recording processes

organisational reporting and documentation requirements

testing protocols and techniques

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

acceptable means of simulation assessment

applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

relevant materials, tools, equipment and PPE currently used in industry.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable.

Explosive Ordnance