RIIEGS202B
Conduct field work

This unit covers the conduct of field work in the metalliferous mining industry. It includes carrying out survey and pilot results; designing, plotting and laying out grids; reading and using maps; and locating tenement marks. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.

Application

This unit is appropriate for those working in an assistant role at worksites within:

Metalliferous mining


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Carry out survey and plot results

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity

1.2. Carry out surveys using relevant survey equipment

1.3. Conduct reconnaissance survey of the field

1.4. Locate reference pegs where available

2. Design, plot and lay out a grid

2.1. Design a grid from supplied information

2.2. Plot grid to scale

2.3. Mark baseline and grid datum mark-up pegs with eastings and northings

2.4. Lay out grid using plotting techniques

3. Read and use maps

3.1. Identify the sources of maps

3.2. Identify the types and features of maps used for mineral exploration fieldwork

3.3. Maintain map storage system

3.4. Calculate scales and distances between points

3.5. Calculate bearings relative to true, magnetic, grid and local north

4. Locate mining tenement marks

4.1. Refer to state and federal agencies for information relevant to mining tenements to determine the types of mining tenements and their purpose

4.2. Draw scale maps of mining tenement to statutory regulations

4.3. Obtain and complete forms required to obtain mining tenements to statutory requirements for lodging, and lodge with relevant agencies/authorities

4.4. Mark out, or locate and maintain mining tenement marks to statutory requirements, using Global Positioning System (GPS)

Required Skills

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to conduct field work:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

draft and sketch/use surveying instruments

solve problems

use PC software for data collection and analysis

use field testing and measurement instruments/equipment

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the performance criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following as required to conduct field work:

field surveying methods

types and features of maps

use and reading of maps

calculation of scales, distances and bearings

laying out of grids

plotting techniques

mining tenement legislation and requirements

marking out of mining tenements

Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

types of GPS and DGPS/operation of GPS and functions

satellite coverage

waypoint generation

datum conversion

AMG and latitude/longitude

track logging

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 conduct of field work

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the conduct of field work

working with others to undertake and complete the conduct of field work that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of the conduct of field work 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.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.

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.

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

consistent achievement of required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete the conduct of field work

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, organisational and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

Employment and Workplace Relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Surveying equipment may include:

tape

compass

optical square

staff and bubbles

theodolite

GPS

Reconnaissance survey may include:

checking access

collecting soil and rock samples

grid-layout

magnetic bearings

geo-physical

Global Positioning System (GPS)

travel times

type of terrain

vegetation types

Field information may be obtained from:

air photos

topographical maps

satellite imagery

Field site grid may cover:

rock outcrops

streams and rivers

road cuttings

potential ore deposits

Reference pegs may be put in place by relevant Lands Departments and can be used to tie the local grid to the National Grid, to sea level datum and to obtain coordinates for GPS system

Supplied information may include:

stike of rocks

line spacing

sample spacing

environmental issues

budget constraints

Plotting a grid may include:

plotting to scale drawn to local grid North

calculating and drawing true North

calculating and drawing magnetic North

calculating and drawing grid North

assigning eastings and northings

Maps may include:

topographical

geological

cadastral

mining tenement

orthophotomaps

geomagnetic maps

mineral field and district boundary maps

Global Positioning System (GPS) may be described as:

'a system which is able to show a person's exact position on Earth at anytime, anywhere, and in any weather. It is operated by GPS satellites orbiting the Earth; being monitored continuously at ground stations located around the world. The satellites transmit signals that can be detected by anyone with a GPS receiver'

(The Aerospace Corporation, 2003)


Sectors

Exploration and Field Work


Competency Field

Refer to Unit Sector(s).


Co-Requisites

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor.