This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct shearer operations in coal mining, including shearing and loading coal and carrying out operator maintenance.

It applies to those working in operational roles. They generally work under minimal supervision to undertake a broad range of tasks in varied work contexts, using some discretion and judgement in selecting equipment, services or contingency measures.

Licensing, legislative and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories and industry sectors. Users must check requirements with relevant body before applying the unit.

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

operate a shearer and load coal on at least two occasions, including:

confirming work requirements details, including:

equipment and equipment defects

cutting height

next cutting sequence

achievement targets

required survey data

geological conditions

hazards and potential hazards

coordination requirements/issues

completing coordination with other personnel, plant and equipment involved, including:

support personnel and chocks

maingates

armoured face conveyors

beam stage loaders

panel belts.

During the above the candidate must:

locate and apply relevant documentation, policies and procedures and confirm work activity is compliant

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for conducting shearer operations, including:

reading, interpreting, applying and communicating technical information

identifying and minimising environmental issues, potential hazards and risks

selecting and using relevant tools and equipment

complying with environmental requirements and constraints

identifying work requirements

applying fault finding techniques

applying hand-eye coordination

interpreting mine survey and geological data

maintaining equipment records

work effectively with others to conduct shearer operations in a way that meets required outcomes, including:

organising work activities to meet task requirements

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

complying with record requirements and procedures

determining coordination requirements throughout work activities.

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

key legislation required to conduct shearer operations

key policies, procedures and documentation required to conduct shearer operations, including site operational safety procedures

techniques for confirming work requirement details for coal shearing and loading, including:

equipment and equipment defects

cutting height

next cutting sequence

achievement targets

required survey data

geological conditions

hazards and potential hazards

coordination requirements/issues

shearer equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations

mine ventilation systems characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations

techniques for applying mine geology and survey information, including:

ventilation/gas data

deputy reports

geological hazard plan

longitudinal and cross sectional survey plans

principles and techniques for identifying and responding to relevant hazards and emergencies, including those relating to:

roof and rib falls

fires

flashes/ignition

loss of ventilation

injury to personnel

explosions

inrush

outbursts

high pressure hoses

gas accumulation

friction ignition

roof

water

dust

windblasts

weighting on the face

heat

site requirements for housekeeping, completing maintenance records and reporting requirements

techniques for coordinating job activities with other personnel, plant and equipment, including:

support personnel and chocks

maingates

armoured face conveyors

beam stage loaders

panel belts.

Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:

include access to:

shearer

personal protective equipment

equipment required for shearer operations

be conducted in a safe environment; and,

be assessed in the context of this sector's work environment; and,

be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures and processes directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,

confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances.

Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated work 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.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must be able to clearly demonstrate current and relevant industry knowledge and experience to satisfy the mandatory regulatory standards as set out in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/Australian Quality Training Framework mandatory requirements for assessors current at the time of assessment and any relevant licensing and certification requirements. This includes:

vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed

current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided

current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment

formal relevant qualifications in training and assessment

having knowledge of and/or experience using the latest techniques and processes

possessing the required level of RII training product knowledge

having an understanding and knowledge of legislation and regulations relevant to the industry and to employment and workplaces

demonstrating the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence outlined in this unit of competency, and

the minimum years of current** work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit.

It is also acceptable for the appropriately qualified assessor to work with an industry expert to conduct assessment together and for the industry expert to be involved in the assessment judgement. The industry expert must have current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided. This means the industry subject matter expert must demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed:

*Guidance on simulated environments has been stipulated in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide located on VETNet.

**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 a minimum number of site assessments as determined by the relevant industry sector, across various locations.

*** While a unit of competency does not have an AQF level, where a unit is being delivered outside of a qualification the first numeric character in the unit code should be considered as the AQF indicator level for assessment purposes.

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.

Coal mining (underground)