Application
This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles, at worksites within:
Civil construction
Surface coal mining
Drilling
Extractive industries
Metalliferous mining
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Plan and prepare for storage, handling and transport of explosives | 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the storage, handling and transport of explosives 1.2. Obtain, confirm and apply work instructions for the allocated task 1.3. Identify, manage and report all potential hazards and ensure the work area is safe 1.4. Resolve coordination requirements with others at the site prior to commencing and during work activities 1.5. Identify the explosives and accessories used for different applications 1.6. Classify explosives according to statutory criteria 1.7. Apply safe handling procedures and precautions |
2. Access and manage explosives storage | 2.1. Gain access to magazine as authorised person 2.2. Maintain compliance requirements for signage, construction, safety and security of magazines, storage limits 2.3. Receive and despatch explosives and record transfers indicating type and quantity together with identity of recipient 2.4. Segregate blasting agents and explosives according to type in magazines and to prevent deterioration, spoilage and spillage 2.5. Ensure rotation of explosives in magazine 2.6. Restrict access to store to authorised persons 2.7. Maintain stock records and report discrepancies 2.8. Conduct housekeeping of magazine 2.9. Complete all required documentation and reports clearly, concisely and on time 2.10. Pass on information regarding explosives stock and storage |
3. Prepare to transport explosives | 3.1. Receive orders and confirm authority of recipient to possess explosives 3.2. Select sufficient quantities of explosives and associated materials according to blast plan, for safe transport 3.3. Conduct and record results of pre-start check on explosive transport vehicle and confirm presence and operability of relevant safety equipment. 3.4. Carry out vehicle start-up procedures 3.5. Display and ensure legibility of relevant signs on vehicles 3.6. Load vehicle in accordance with separation and segregation requirements 3.7. Adhere to emergency procedures in case of fire and/or accident |
4. Transport explosives | 4.1. Communicate with other equipment operators and other persons using appropriate communication methods to advise of explosive movements 4.2. Transport explosives and accessories separately in approved and secured containers 4.3. Transport explosives and accessories to designated location using designated route 4.4. Apply secure and safe driving conventions 4.5. Check that delivery site is suited to explosives storage and that consignment is not left unattended 4.6. Implement emergency procedures to ensure safety of personnel and site 4.7. Return surplus explosives to magazine 4.8. Complete required documentation and reports promptly |
Required Skills
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 store, handle and transport explosives: apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for the storage, handling and transport of explosives apply procedures for preparing explosives and equipment for transport apply control requirements and procedures explosives magazine apply explosives classification and segregation requirements apply hazard identification processes apply hazardous goods handling techniques apply driving regulations and site procedures for explosives transport apply towing requirements and procedures apply vehicle refuelling procedures implement emergency procedures apply mathematical calculations using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division apply record keeping |
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 store, handle and transport explosives: blast plan site security plan handling and transporting hazardous goods requirements OHS requirements and procedures equipment safety requirements emergency procedures site operational systems, procedures and checks manufacturer's instructions types, characteristics and applications of explosives and accessories explosives storage regulations and procedures explosive transportation procedures and regulations explosive magazine maintenance requirements waste management requirements and procedures equipment operational procedures, technical capability and limitations start-up and shutdown procedures isolation procedures labelling requirements |
Evidence Required
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 storage, handling and transport of explosives implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient storage, handling and transport of explosives working with others to undertake the storage, handling and transport of explosives that meets all of the required outcomes consistent timely completion of the storage, handling and transport of explosives 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 the storage, handling and transport of explosives |
Guidance information for assessment | Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues. |
Range Statement
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 |
Work instructions may come from briefings, handovers, plans and work orders and may be written or verbal, formal or informal and may include: | nature and scope of tasks specifications achievement targets operational conditions obtaining of authorisations required site layout designated routes out of bounds areas worksite inspection requirements lighting conditions plant or equipment defects hazards and potential hazards coordination requirements or issues contamination control requirements barricade and signage requirements |
Hazards may include: | chemical energy, including: premature explosion deterioration of explosives stored energy working environment, including: weather conditions insufficient illumination NOX gases poor road or rail conditions ground conditions fire/flames/ignition sources atmospheric contaminants dust noise lack of ventilation extraneous electricity e.g. static electricity, lightning equipment and materials, including: faulty vehicle faulty equipment electricity radio frequencies and transmitters hot exhaust system people, including: speeding unauthorised persons theft processes and procedures, including: manual handling injuries |
Coordination requirements may include: | explosives purchase and delivery personnel and suppliers blasting team supervisors other worksite personnel |
Explosives and accessories may include: | high and low explosives bulk or packaged explosives permitted explosives shaped charges detonators detonating cords and signal tubes and connectors detonation mechanisms including: bell wire and firing lines delay mechanisms blasting machines or mains firing equipment explosives tester safety fuses binding tape pressure loader venturi loader non ferrous tools (copper to remove obstructions from blast hole) approved cord cutters |
Explosives are classified in accordance with the Australian Explosives Code and a competent authority. These provide specifications for: | class divisions segregation compatibility transportation requirements |
Magazine is: | a specially constructed store or container which is used exclusively for keeping explosives or pyrotechnics |
Authorised person is a person authorised by an appropriate senior operational manager, and may include: | shotfirers magazine keepers contractors drillers drivers miners visitors trainees or apprentices inspectors maintenance staff management service personnel supervisors surveyors tradespersons |
Designated route may include: | direct route safest route specified route preferred route alternative route |
Safe driving conventions may include observing: | speed limits driving to road conditions site lighting right of way parking on incline/decline refuelling procedures rules at intersections towing methods site traffic procedures designated roads pre-start checks signs on roads no tools or other equipment carried with explosives segregated explosives no smoking only authorised driver |
Sectors
Blasting
Competency Field
Refer to Unit Sector(s).
Co-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Refer to Unit Descriptor.