RIIUND302A
Conduct cage operations

This unit covers the conduct of cage operations in the resources and infrastructure industries. It includes organising cage operations, operating cages, transporting explosives in the cage, 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. Organise cage operations

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

1.2. Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details

1.3. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities

1.4. Perform equipment and work area pre-start checks to ensure equipment is ready for operation

1.5. Check records for outstanding maintenance/inspections and recorded defects to establish the operational status of equipment and if defective take action

1.6. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards

1.7. Carry out start-up procedures, including checking that area is clear for operations

1.8. Identify, address and report environmental issues

1.9. Adhere to emergency procedures

2. Operate cage

2.1. Load cage within capacity and compliance with specified limits

2.2. Ensure that loads in or attached to cage, are positioned and secured prior to transit

2.3. Communicate with relevant personnel

2.4. Operate cage safely in the working environment

2.5. Monitor and manage cage performance using appropriate indicators to aid safe operations

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

2.7. Pass on end of shift information to oncoming shift

3. Transport explosives in the cage

3.1. Identify explosives used on site

3.2. Determine and ensure the segregation and separation of detonators and explosives

3.3. Secure and transport blasting agents and explosives

3.4. Track and record movement of explosives and detonators

4. Carry out operator maintenance

4.1. Isolate cage before conducting operator maintenance

4.2. Service and make minor adjustments to equipment

4.3. Restore cage operations

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 conduct cage operations:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for conducting cage operations

apply standard operating practices and procedures around shafts

work safely and within level of competence

clean equipment

grease

communicate and report

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 cage operations:

the key areas of mining acts and regulations pertaining to winding

shaft operations

shaft installations

identification of defects relevant to cage operations through inspection or observation

trip and fault procedures and abnormal conditions

site winder emergency procedures

communication system between cage and winder

recording and logging requirements for winder drivers, and electrical and mechanical maintenance personnel

isolation and permit-to-work procedures

mine ventilation system

site procedures

in-shaft communication equipment

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 conducting cage operations

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of cage operations

working with others to undertake and conduct cage operations that meet all of the required outcomes

consistent timely conduct of cage operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meet 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 should 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 requirements, 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 conduct cage operations

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:

legislation, which may include Acts and regulation dealing with:

mining safety and health

mine inspection

OHS

explosives

organisational and site requirements and procedures which may include:

clean up

equipment shutdown and isolation procedures

evacuation procedures

First Aid

notifying relevant authorities

permit-to-work systems

safety equipment

use of personal protective equipment

communication procedures (e.g. with winder operator)

portable electric apparatus procedures

fall arrestor and harness procedures

confined spaces

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Potential risks and hazards may include:

blockages or obstructions

communication failure

oversized loads

unauthorised personnel

unsafe ground

poor visibility

explosion

asphyxiation and drowning

Checking that area is clear for operations may include:

external damage/defects/wear

cage arresting and slack rope systems

cleanliness of cage and plats

computer systems

danger/out of service tags

display instrumentation and gauges (indicators, gauges, laser levels)

fire suppression unit (pins in position in triggers)

loose wheels

communication systems

lubricants

idle positioned and running

guides and shoes

plat and cage illumination

oil leaks

personnel and materials proximity to shaft

portable fire extinguisher (bracket, gauge, hose, ease of access)

cage doors

cage ropes and attachments

visual and audio warning devices and lights

Environmental issues may include:

dust

fumes

noise

water

heat

flammable and noxious gases

flammable dust

Capacity of the cage may be affected by:

efficient and safe operating speed

personnel carrying capacity

operating limitations

type of activities performed

weight and/or load limitations

Loads may include:

people

automotive diesel fuel

explosives (including detonators)

consumables

drilling equipment

trackless vehicles

track vehicles

ground support materials

cement

lubricants

paints

other hazardous substances

track laying materials

Indicators may include:

computer indicators

cage indicators

plat indicators

communication and signalling systems

Operator maintenance may include:

greasing

rope adjustments

cage door adjustments

tightening loose fittings


Sectors

Underground Mining


Competency Field

Refer to Unit Sector(s).


Co-Requisites

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor.