Application
This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to conduct mechanical scaling in Metalliferous 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 mechanical scaling operations | 1.1. Access, interpret and apply mechanical scaling documentation, and ensure the work activity is compliant 1.2. Obtain, interpret, clarify and confirm work instructions 1.3. Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities 1.4. Ensure work area is well ventilated before entry 1.5. Inspect and assess site conditions to determine scaling requirements and starting point 1.6. Select, and check for faults, appropriate tools and equipment for work plan and site conditions 1.7. Conduct equipment pre-start checks and start-up procedures 1.8. Arrange delivery of scaling equipment to site 1.9. Identify, address and report environmental issues, potential risks and hazards 1.10. Inspect and assess appropriateness of conducting mechanical scaling 1.11. Erect barricades to prevent unauthorised access if necessary |
2. Perform mechanical scaling operations | 2.1. Ensure equipment is stabilised and in the correct position. 2.2. Identify and manage misfires according to site procedures 2.3. Ensure services (air, water) are connected according to site procedures 2.4. Perform mechanical scaling according to site procedures 2.5. Continually inspect and assess site conditions to determine scaling requirements 2.6. Extend services as required 2.7. Use dust suppression methods as scaling operations advance 2.8. Continually monitor hazards and risks, and ensure safety of self, other personnel, plant and equipment 2.9. Ensure maintenance of safe egress |
3. Shutdown equipment | 3.1. Conduct shutdown procedures according to manufacturer’s specifications and site procedures |
4. Conduct housekeeping activities | 4.1. Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials 4.2. Clean and maintain condition of equipment, ensure suitability for use, and address/report issues 4.3. Manage and/or report hazards, and maintain a safe working environment 4.4.Process and maintain written 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 relevant documentation, policies and procedures
implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of mechanical scaling operations including:
using dust suppression methods
works effectively with others to undertake and complete mechanical scaling that meets all of the required outcomes including:
communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions, and convey work progress
demonstrates completion of mechanical scaling that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:
assessing site conditions and determining suitability for scaling
conducting equipment pre-start checks, start-up and shutdown procedures
erecting barricades to prevent unauthorised access to work area
positioning and stabilising equipment
identifying and applying procedures for misfires
connecting and extending services appropriately
performing mechanical scaling according to site procedures
conducting housekeeping activities
maintaining written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge in conducting mechanical scaling through:
geological and technical data
applying manufacturer’s specifications
being prepared for fire/accident/emergency
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 (Underground)