Application
This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to conduct heavy media separation in Metalliferous and Coal 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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare for heavy media separation | 1.1. Access, interpret and apply heavy media separation documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 1.2. Obtain, read, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements 1.3. Communicate with other personnel using approved method 1.4. Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities 1.5. Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment for work activities 1.6. Carry out pre-start, start-up, park up, shutdown and secure equipment procedures 1.7. Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues, and implement control measures 1.8. Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency |
2. Start-up equipment in sequence | 2.1. Carry out start-up procedures and complete start-up checks according to plant configurations and system requirements 2.2. Confirm plant is operational |
3. Operate and monitor equipment | 3.1. Read and interpret data from equipment indicators 3.2. Continuously inspect plant 3.3. Adjust equipment to optimise separation performance and product quality 3.4. Control feed to plant 3.5. Monitor and adjust heavy media levels 3.6. Monitor and adjust levels of separating baths 3.7. Monitor the efficiency of the heavy media separation process 3.8. Carry out operator level maintenance 3.9. Complete all required documentation clearly, concisely and on time |
4. Shutdown in sequence and/or isolate equipment | 4.1. Shutdown and/or isolate equipment based on process and safety requirements 4.2. Perform post-shutdown and/or isolation checks |
5. Conduct housekeeping activities | 5.1. Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials 5.2. Clean and maintain condition of equipment, ensure suitability for use, and address/report issues 5.3. Manage and/or report hazards, and maintain a safe working environment 5.4. Process records |
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 evidence that the candidate:
locates and applies applicable legislation, documentation, policies and procedures
implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of heavy media separation including:
monitoring and adjusting levels
monitoring and adjusting separation process
carrying out operator maintenance
selecting and using relevant tools and equipment
works effectively with others to undertake and complete the heavy media separation in a way that meets all of the required outcomes including:
using a range of communications techniques and equipment to convey information to others
maintaining written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures
communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions
demonstrates completion of heavy media separation that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:
completing the planning and preparation for heavy media separation
conducting the operating and monitoring of equipment and processing outcomes
completing equipment start-up sequence
completing equipment shutdown and isolation sequence
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of conducting heavy media separation through:
accessing, interpreting and applying the legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures for:
heavy media separation safety requirements
hazardous substance procedures and consequences of spills
handle hazardous substances/identify hazards
use lifting techniques (manual, automated)
maintain records
monitor operations
report defects
employ safe work practices
finding plant faults
isolation procedures
emergency procedures
environmental principles
equipment safety requirements
operational procedures and checks
break down procedures
contaminants
high pressure hazards
gravitation separation process (fines and heavy)
monitoring and applying equipment operating parameters
identifying heavy media types
interpreting metallurgical and technical data
identifying types of ores and grades density
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 must be assessed in the context of this sector’s work environment; 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
Coal mining
Metalliferous mining