RIIBHD501D
Manage blast hole drilling operations


Application

This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to manage blast hole drilling operations in the Resources and Infrastructure Industries.

This unit is appropriate for those working in management or technical specialist roles.

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


Elements and Performance Criteria

1 Prepare for blast hole drilling operations

1.1 Access, interpret and apply blast hole drilling documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant

1.2 Confirm the geological and survey data relevant to the planning and implementation of blast hole drilling operations

1.3 Access, interpret, clarify and confirm the blast design parameters

2 Plan the blast hole drilling program

2.1 Involve internal and external stakeholders in the planning process in a way that uses their contribution effectively and gains their support for the outcomes

2.2 Select and wear/use correct personal protective equipment and identify source of the equipment to be used

2.3 Develop and document in writing the blast hole drilling program

2.4 Identify and acquire the resource required for the implementation of the blast hole drilling

2.5 Identify and arrange any training required for personnel involved in the pit operations

2.6 Prepare and present the blast hole drilling program budget in accordance with requirements

3 Implement, monitor and adjust the blast hole drilling program

3.1 Issue and explain the blast hole drilling program to team members and others involved, for the safe, effective and efficient implementation of the program

3.2 Provide timely ongoing support and advise to those implementing the blast hole drilling program

3.3 Ensure that the blast pattern is correctly marked out

3.4 Ensure written records and reports are maintained and issued

3.5 Monitor the blast hole drilling program and its performance

3.6 Resolve anomalies in consultation with relevant stakeholders and issue appropriate instructions for adjustments to the plan and/or its implementation

Evidence of Performance

Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:

locates and applies relevant legislation, documentation, policies and procedures

works effectively with others to manage and complete blast hole drilling operations including:

managing people and processes

resolving conflict with others and contract requirements

coordinating human, financial and physical resources

demonstrates completion of managing blast hole drilling operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

planning a written blast hole drilling program

identifying viable options and the selection of blast hole drilling options that best meet the required outcomes through:

choosing appropriate operational techniques

choosing and assigning appropriate plant and equipment

implementing, monitoring and adjusting the blast hole drilling program

managing drilling traffic

identifying and acquiring the resource required

resolving and reporting anomalies


Evidence of Knowledge

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of managing blast hole drilling operations through:

maintaining and developing site risk, statutory compliance, health, safety, environmental, quality and communication requirements and procedures

interpreting geological and survey data

blasting parameters

pit development options and procedures

operational techniques required for execution of the plan

plant and equipment capabilities

team leadership techniques

consultative and coaching techniques

work monitoring methods

maintaining recording and reporting systems

resource monitoring


Assessment Conditions

An assessor of this unit must satisfy the requirements of the NVR/AQTF or their successors; and Industry regulations for certification and licensing; and,

this unit is best assessed in the context of this sector’s 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 this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills; and,

this unit must be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures, processes and operational manuals directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,

assessment may be conducted in conjunction with the assessment of other Units of Competency; and,

assessment must confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances; and,

assessors must demonstrate the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence as outlined in this Unit of Competency, and through the minimum years of current* work experience specified below in an Industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or,

where the assessor does not meet experience requirements a co-assessment or partnership arrangement must exist between the qualified assessor and an Industry subject matter expert. The Industry subject matter expert should hold the unit being assessed (or an equivalent unit) and/or demonstrate equivalence of skills and knowledge at the unit level. An Industry technical expert must also demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience specified below in the Industry sector, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed; and,

assessor and Industry subject matter expert requirements differ depending on the Australian Qualifications Framework Level (AQF) of the qualification being assessed and/or Industry Sector as follows:

Industry sector

AQF** Level

Required assessor or Industry subject matter expert experience

Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Construction

1

1 Year

2

2 Years

Drilling, Coal Mining and Extractive (Quarrying)

3-6

3 Years

Metalliferous Mining and Civil Construction

3-6

5 Years

Other sectors

Where this Unit is being assessed outside of the Resources and Infrastructure Sectors assessor and/or Industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no Industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation.

*Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within Industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the Unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to Industry by conducting frequent site assessments across various locations.

**Where a unit is being delivered outside of a Qualification the first numeric character in the Unit code should be considered to indicate the AQF level


Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit. Further information is available in the Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package Companion Volume.