ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan and prepare for wet gravity separation

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity

1.2. Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details

1.3. Communicate with other personnel using approved communication methods

1.4. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities

1.5. Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment for work activities

1.6. Perform equipment pre-start checks to ensure equipment is ready for operation

1.7. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards

1.8. Identify, address and report environmental issues

1.9. Adhere to emergency procedures to ensure safety of personnel and plant

1.10. Use approved dust suppression and extraction methods

1.11. Ensure area is well ventilated before entry into work area

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 to determine separation efficiency

3.2. Continuously inspect and monitor plant and identify separation process defects and potential problems

3.3. Assess mineral content of ore according to separation parameters

3.4. Make appropriate adjustments to separation process to optimise targets

3.5. Adjust equipment to approved operating parameters to optimise separation performance, maintain efficient separation and to meet project quality targets

3.6. Control feed to separation equipment

3.7. Carry out minor maintenance to maintain condition of equipment

3.8. Complete all required documentation, clearly, concisely and on time

3.9. Pass on end of shift information to oncoming shift

4. Conduct housekeeping activities

4.1. Clean plant to maintain condition of all equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations

4.2. Address and report hazards to maintain a safe working environment

5. Shutdown in sequence and/or isolate equipment

5.1. Shutdown or isolate equipment based on process and safety requirements

5.2. Perform post-shutdown or isolation checks

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 conduct wet gravity separation:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

handle hazardous goods

identify and address hazards

interpret reports

apply lifting techniques (manual, cranes and loads)

report defects

apply safe work practices

use hand and power tools

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 conduct wet gravity separation:

breakdown procedures

contaminants

emergency procedures

environmental procedures

equipment processes, limitations and operating parameters

equipment safety requirements

separation plant (basic)

hazardous goods procedures and consequences of spills

repair requirements identification

isolation procedures

metallurgical and technical data

OHS procedures

operational procedures and checks

site procedures

site safety requirements

types of ores and grades (basic)

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 conducting wet gravity separation

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of wet gravity separation

working with others to undertake and complete the wet gravity separation in a way that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of wet gravity separation 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 wet gravity separation

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

Employment and Workplace Relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Legislation may include acts and regulations dealing with:

mining safety and health

mine inspection

OHS

explosives

environment

Equipment may include:

gantry cranes and attachments

hand and power tools

hoses (water and air)

pumps systems

Pre-start checks may include:

availability of equipment

detection of conditions that are unusual

fluid levels

isolation and/or lockout checks

job requirements

personnel availability

walk through plant

Environmental issues may include:

drainage

dust

emissions

flora and fauna

hazardous chemicals

noise

recycling

run-off

spills

waste management and disposal

water quality

Plant may include:

attritioners

compressors and blowers

cyclones

elutriator

pumps

rotating screens/spirals

wet shaker tables

Methods used to optimise the plant may include:

adjust mineral cuts (table and spirals)

adjust feed input rate

Start-up procedure may include:

cameras and monitors

distribution systems

drive belts

fluid levels ( grease, oil, water)

hoppers and launders

interlocks

isolations

pipes and flanges

pumping systems

screens

valves

visual and audio warning devices

water systems (sprayers and columns)

Indicator readings may measure:

current

density

levels

pressure flows

unusual noises

Separation methods may include:

high tension

Separation quality targets may include:

consumption targets

density

grades

percentage of recovery

pH level

Monitoring may include:

air flows

blockages and spillages

current draw

feed rates

power

pressures

temperatures

wear and tear

Equipment and plant cleaning methods may include:

brush scrubbing

hosing with water

Post-shutdown checks are like pre-start checks

Materials may include:

air

slurry

water

Contaminants are anything other than the slurry. Common contaminants may include:

gravel

wood fibre

Site conditions may include:

day and night

weather conditions

working at heights