This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to control underground fires in Coal Mining and Metalliferous mining.

This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles.

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.

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 that the candidate:

locates and applies relevant documentation, policies and procedures

works effectively with others to undertake and complete the control of underground fires that meets all the required outcomes, including:

complying with written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions

communicating clearly and concisely with others to coordinate work activities

operating emergency communications systems

demonstrates completion of controlling underground fires that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

locating fire fighting equipment on mine site

navigating in an underground mine

reading maps and interpreting symbols

locating plant and fire suppression systems on a mine layout plan

locating and operating fixed and portable fire suppression equipment

selecting and using appropriate extinguishing media

using and troubleshooting water supply systems and identifying alternative systems

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the following in relation to controlling underground fires:

the types and causes of hazards and incidents in underground mines

accessing and interpreting geological and survey data

the effects of hot and humid atmospheres

the location and distribution of caches

the trigger points to initiate emergency response to alarms

the location and purpose of a place of safety

identifying and using guidance systems and markers

site emergency plans

location of escape routes and alternative escape routes

the functions of mine ventilation systems

the types and effects of mine gases

the rescue team structure, roles and responsibilities

operation and limitations of breathing apparatus

standby/emergency procedures for incident control

types of fire and associated risks and control measures

ventilation management techniques

the properties of extinguishing media and the selection of those appropriate to the situation

fire-ground management procedures

use of signals

refurbishing fire-fighting equipment and systems

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:

*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 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.

Metalliferous mining

Coal Mining