Application
This unit is appropriate for those working in an operational role at worksites within:
Metalliferous mining
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Plan and prepare for geological field assistance | 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity 1.2. Plan and prepare work according to compliance documentation and operating conditions 1.3. Receive, interpret and clarify roster changeover details 1.4. Arrange communications method and protocols with field team members 1.5. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities 1.6. Select and obtain relevant geological instruments and field equipment for work activities 1.7. Perform geological instrument and field equipment checks to ensure instruments and equipment are ready for operation 1.8. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards 1.9. Identify, address and report environmental issues 1.10. Adhere to emergency procedures to ensure safety of personnel and equipment |
2. Collect and classify common rocks, ores and minerals | 2.1. Take rock, ore and mineral samples according to site procedures and geologists requirements 2.2. Communicate field activities and results to relevant personnel 2.3. Examine specimens or outcrops to identify the properties and classify specimens into geological types 2.4. Compile records of all sampling results |
3. Use geological maps and sections | 3.1. Interpret correct symbols to read geological maps and sections 3.2. Interpret and record geological problems using block diagrams 3.3. Interpret and record geographical features from landforms and maps 3.4. Identify, in weathered outcrop, simple features as signs of the fresh rock type 3.5. Carry out basic geological surveying techniques |
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 provide geological field assistance: apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for the provision of geological field assistance drive all-terrain vehicles access, interpret and apply technical and safety information communicate and coordinate activities with others keep plant and equipment records apply diagnostic/faultfinding techniques comply with environmental requirements work in a team environment |
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 provide geological field assistance: methods of sampling and sample identification geology of rock, ore and mineral deposits classification of rock, ore and minerals geometry of geological structures on maps and in the field company and site policy and procedures regarding geological field work types and functions of geological instruments and field equipment safe and correct use of instruments and equipment in the field sampling procedures and requirements communications methods and protocols recording and reporting systems |
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 providing geological field assistance implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of providing geological field assistance working with others to undertake and complete the provision of geological field assistance that meets all of the required outcomes consistent timely completion of providing geological field assistance 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 provision of geological field assistance |
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 operating conditions manufacturer's guidelines and specifications Australian standards Employment and workplace relations legislation Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation |
Operating conditions may include: | day and night laboratory field environment dry and wet stable ground broken ground various landscapes working over old under-ground workings and voids |
Communications may include: | verbal (face-to-face or radio) facsimile memorandum shift hand over documents |
Geological instruments and field equipment may include: | hand lens compass two way radios theodolite clinometer tape measure portable PC protractor scale rule balance stereo microscope |
Potential risks and hazards may include: | abandoned equipment adjoining pit walls adverse weather conditions (electrical storms, floods, fires) chemicals contaminants equipment fences holes materials over-hanging rocks personnel pot holes unsafe ground/unstable faces vehicles |
Environmental issues may include: | culturally-sensitive sites and artefacts drainage dust emissions flora and fauna hazardous chemicals heritage legislation noise runoff spills water quality erosion rehabilitation |
Rock, ore and minerals may include: | volcanogenic massive sulphide ultramafic volcanogenic nickel differentiated mafic complex nickel hydrothermal gold vein volcanogenic pipe diamond alluvial gold alluvial heavy mineral sands pegmatitic tin tantalum bauxite aluminium slate phyllite schist gneiss quartzite marble hornfels amphibolite |
Classification parameters may include: | felsic category intermediate category mafic category ultramafic category minerals present grain size |
Records may include: | field note book entries filling in forms/templates and logs memorandums facsimiles/photographs sketches map sections formal reports audio recorded messages |
Sample types may include: | rock or mineral hand specimen drill core/drill chips/drill sludge oriented sample |
Symbols may include: | contacts faults dip and strike scale bars north points legends geological age |
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.