RIIPSM306A
Supply molten metal and additives to furnaces

This unit covers the supplying of molten metal and additives to furnaces in the metalliferous mining industry. It includes planning and preparing for elements, carrying out crane operations, and carrying out operator maintenance. 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.

Application

This unit is appropriate for those working in an operational role at worksites within:

Metalliferous mining


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan and prepare for operations

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

1.2. Obtain and interpret work requirements in the form of shift briefings, handover details or work orders and clarify/confirm before proceeding

1.3. Access and apply safety information and procedures throughout the work

1.4. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards

1.5. Establish and maintain communications with other personnel using approved communication methods

1.6. Prepare for work in accordance with relevant standards and codes, and manufacturers/site requirements

1.7. Resolve coordination activities with others at the site prior to commencement of, and during, the work activity

1.8. Carry out pre-start checks and record according to site requirements

2. Carry out crane operations

2.1. Prepare load for lift in accordance with crane limitations and rigging requirements

2.2. Ensure no unauthorised entry to operating area

2.3. Select, fit and use auxiliary lifting devices and equipment for designated purpose

2.4. Carry out operations in cooperation with mobile plant and equipment to site procedures

2.5. Perform correct, safe lifting and associated operations, above and with, operating furnaces containing molten metal to site procedures

2.6. Pour molten metal into different size receivers so that spillage is minimised

2.7. Contain molten metal when lifting and setting down to prevent spillage

2.8. Use correct, safe technique to eliminate swing when lifting and transporting molten metal containers at recommended height to furnaces/converters

2.9. Maintain communications with other operations personnel

3. Carry out operator maintenance

3.1. Carry out gantry crane inspections and fault finding in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and site requirements

3.2. Carry out housekeeping tasks in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and site authorised procedures and practices

3.3. Provide operator support during preparation for, and conduct of, major operator maintenance tasks in accordance with site requirements

3.4. Process records in accordance with site requirements

Required Skills

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 supply molten metal and additives to furnaces:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for supplying molten metal and additives to furnaces

apply personal and operational safety procedures

troubleshoot

determine volume/weights prior to lifting

maintain equipment records

use hand and power tools

apply diagnostic techniques

comply with environmental requirements

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 supply molten metal and additives to furnaces:

Australian standards related to cranes/lifting

smelting operations and plant

site and equipment safety requirements

crane equipment characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations

crane operational procedures/maintenance systems and procedures

basic rigging and slinging requirements

site-specific signals used with crane operations

determining volume/weights

site environmental requirements and constraints related to gantry cranes

hazards associated with working with hot molten metals

communication methods and protocols

Evidence Required

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 supplying molten metal and additives to furnaces

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of supplying of molten metal and additives to furnaces

working with others to undertake and complete the supplying of molten metal and additives to furnaces in a way that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of supplying molten metal and additives to furnaces 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 supplying molten metal and additives to furnaces

Guidance information for assessment

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


Range Statement

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

management plans

manager's rules

environmental legislation

OHS policy

code of practice

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

Work briefings may include:

crane equipment to be used

nature and scope of tasks

details of load chart/factors

achievement targets

working conditions

site lighting arrangements

defects on equipment

hazards and potential hazards

coordination requirements/issues

Work preparation may include:

avoidance of hazards

identification of load

identification and selection of lifting equipment

inspection and certification of lifting equipment

management of permits and tags

Specific safety requirements may include:

control and safety of travelling speed

selection and observance of safe working levels and angles

boarding and disembarking procedures

communications

signaling procedures

lifting and carrying hot molten metal

two-crane operations

working safely with mobile plant and equipment

Hazards may include:

facilities

other equipment

dangerous materials

hot metal

Communications may be with:

furnace operators

other cranes

mobile plant operators

supervisors/plant attendants

Signals for load moving are given using methods that may include:

verbal

hand signals to Australian standards

whistles/hooters to Australian standards

two-way radio/telephones

light signals to Australian standards

Lifting operations associated with operational furnaces may include:

lifting and transferring molten metal

pouring pots using two hook techniques

bumping hot molten metal pots to dislodge solidified metal

removal of hot molten metal from furnaces/converters

supply of hot molten metal to furnaces/converters

placing pots under hot molten metal vessels

removing metal accretions from furnaces/converters

pouring molten metal to moulds

Gantry cranes may include:

single girder

double girder

top running

under running

single and double leg

monobox girder

torsional box girder

Operator (operational) maintenance procedures are those established and authorised for the site.


Sectors

Smelting


Competency Field

Refer to Unit Sector(s).


Co-Requisites

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor.