Application
This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to conduct underground searches in Metalliferous mining.
This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles.
No licensing, legislation or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare for underground search | 1.1 Access, interpret and apply underground search documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 1.2 Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements 1.3 Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures 1.4 Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities 1.5 Receive and analyse information and clarify factors to be considered in the search plan 1.6 Identify, liaise and clarify roles with relevant external agencies 1.7 Develop a search plan and contingency search plans in consultation with external agencies and mine operational personnel 1.8 Identify and access equipment required 1.9 Communicate and coordinate activities with others prior to, during and on completion of the work activity 1.10Document identified search strategy, and plot search patterns and routes on mine plan |
2. Conduct search | 2.1 Define possible and probable search areas based on mine configuration and work activities 2.2 Conduct risk assessment , and identify the necessary controls measures 2.3 Identify and ensure the search period/area does not exceed air/oxygen working duration and search personnel fitness 2.4 Identify, establish and maintain communication systems with other personnel prior to and during the search 2.5 Apply search methodology using identified sequence/pattern and using appropriate techniques 2.6 Manoeuvre hostile ground using standard equipment, techniques and procedures 2.7 Maintain physical contact with other search team members at all times 2.8 Mark route to allow safe egress from mine and/or allow a back-up team to locate the search team |
3. Manage unplanned event or change in circumstances | 3.1 Identify and evaluate unplanned events and changes/variances in conditions or circumstances 3.2 Identify, implement and monitor procedures to address the unplanned event 3.3 Communicate details of the unplanned event or changes in circumstances to Incident Control for advice on actions to be taken 3.4 Communicate requests for further assistance or advice of withdrawal |
4. Finalise search | 4.1 Negotiate the conclusion of the search in consultation with external agencies and mine operational personnel 4.2 Collect, document and store all relevant evidence or information 4.3 Participate in a debrief 4.4 Complete all required written reports 4.5 Review search operation and recommend improvements |
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 that the candidate:
locates and applies relevant documentation, policies and procedures
works effectively with others to undertake and complete the conducting of underground searches 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
demonstrates completion of conducting underground searches that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:
developing and applying contingency plans
reading mine plans and navigating in the mine
reading maps and interpreting symbols
operating gas testing and monitoring instruments
wearing and using escape apparatus
operating extrication equipment
taking air and relative humidity measurements, ventilation readings and temperatures applies search methodology using identified sequences
conducting an underground search
marking the route for safe egress
communicating requests for further assistance or advice of withdrawal
completing written report of search activity and outcomes
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in conducting underground searches through:
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
the implications of types of adverse environmental conditions
the 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
complying with standby/emergency procedures for incident control
ground support types and construction
search procedures and techniques
the roles of external agencies
problem solving and planning
observation techniques
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.
Sectors
Metalliferous mining