Application
This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to handle, store and use cyanide in Metalliferous mining (Gold).
This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles where risk needs to be managed.
No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare to access and apply site Cyanide safety procedures | 1.1. Access, interpret and apply cyanide storage, handling and usage documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 1.2. Obtain, interpret, clarify and confirm work instructions and shift changeover details before proceeding 1.3. Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for the activity 1.4. Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency 1.5. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the safe handling, storage and use of cyanide 1.6. Apply mine site safety reporting procedures |
2. Apply personal safety measures | 2.1. Maintain a clean and tidy workplace 2.2. Use and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment 2.3. Apply correct hazardous substance safety procedures 2.4. Obtain permits and clearance before specialised work is carried out, according to site procedures |
3. Identify and report incidents/hazards | 3.1. Identify, manage and report potential hazards, risks and emergencies 3.2. Report incidents to approved personnel 3.3. Record in writing clearly and concisely the details of any incident, hazards and/or injury |
4. Protect workers and the environment during cyanide handling and storage | 4.1. Identify quality control and quality assurance procedures, spill prevention and spill containment measures 4.2. Maintain and control unloading, storage and mixing facilities using routine inspections, preventive maintenance and contingency plans to prevent or contain releases and control and respond to worker exposures |
5. Manage cyanide process solutions and HCN gas emissions to protect human health and the environment | 5.1. Identify and apply operating systems and procedures designed to protect human health and the environment 5.2. Identify and apply management and operating systems designed to monitor and minimise cyanide use 5.3. Identify and apply measures to protect birds, other wildlife and livestock from adverse effects of cyanide process solutions 5.4. Identify and apply measures designed to manage seepage from cyanide facilities to protect the beneficial uses of ground water 5.5. Identify and apply spill prevention or containment measures for process tanks and pipelines |
6. Protect workers’ health and safety from exposure to cyanide solutions and HCN gas | 6.1. Identify potential cyanide exposure scenarios and measures necessary for their elimination, reduction and control 6.2. Operate and monitor cyanide facilities to protect worker health and safety and periodically evaluate the effectiveness of health and safety measures 6.3. Identify and apply emergency response plans or procedures regarding worker exposure to cyanide |
7. Apply emergency procedures | 7.1. Recognise and respond to alarms and warning devices 7.2. Identify and correctly use self-rescue equipment in 7.3. Apply basic fire fighting techniques 7.4. Maintain familiarity with site established emergency escape route(s) 7.5. Apply mine site emergency response plans and procedures |
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
works with others to undertake and complete the safe handling, storing and using of cyanide 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 to confirm work/plans/specifications
demonstrates completion of the safe handling, storing and using of cyanide that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:
identifying potential cyanide exposure scenarios and measures necessary for their elimination, reduction and control
identifying mine site safe operating procedures for storage, handling and use of cyanide
identifying forms of cyanide
managing cyanide process solutions and HCN gas emissions
protecting workers’ health and safety from exposure to cyanide solutions and HCN gas
obtaining permits and clearance before specialised work is carried out
maintaining and controlling, unloading, storage and mixing facilities
recognising and responding to alarms and warning devices
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in handling, storing and using cyanide through:
cyanide measurement systems (e.g. Titrations)
personal and co-worker safety requirements and procedures
cyanide safety data sheets (SDS)
hazardous substances procedures and handling techniques, including understanding of:
safety data sheets (SDSs) and their use
Dangerous Goods requirements and procedures
isolation procedures
mine site safety requirements
work health and safety procedures and site safety procedures
participative procedures for workplace management of WHS (e.g. consultation, safety representatives, committees, dispute resolution)
International Cyanide Management Code
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
Metalliferous mining (Gold)