ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify, analyse and evaluate hazards and risks associated with the mine ventilation system

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

1.2. Identify, analyse and evaluate the sources, hazards and risks of gases and fumes

1.3. Identify and evaluate the likelihood and risks of spontaneous combustion

1.4. Identify, analyse and evaluate the hazards and risks of airborne and flammable dust

1.5. Identify, analyse and evaluate the potential for the likely impact of wind blast and outburst on the ventilation system

1.6. Identify, analyse and evaluate the impacts of fire, ignition and explosion on the ventilation system

1.7. Identify, analyse and evaluate the potential for the impact of the ventilation pressure differentials

1.8. Identify, analyse and evaluate the effect of changes in air temperature and humidity

1.9. Identify, analyse and evaluate the causes and effects of re-circulation

1.10. Identify, analyse and evaluate the impact associated with disruption to the ventilation system

1.11. Identify, analyse and evaluate the impacts of holing into previous workings

2. Identify, analyse and evaluate ventilation control options and measures

2.1. Identify, analyse and evaluate the types, applications and limitations of the ventilation control devices

2.2. Identify, analyse and evaluate the impact of mine design on ventilation system

2.3. Identify, analyse and evaluate the methods, purposes and limitations of mine monitoring systems and processes

2.4. Identify, analyse and evaluate inertisation techniques and applications

2.5. Identify, analyse and evaluate the impact of seam gas management on the ventilation system

2.6. Identify, analyse and evaluate the impact of water management on the ventilation system

3. Contribute to the development and maintenance of the mine ventilation management plan

3.1. Identify, analyse and confirm the objectives and criteria for safe and effective ventilation

3.2. Incorporate the principles and requirements of mine ventilation into the mine development plan

3.3. Identify, analyse and evaluate the requirements for mine fans and make appropriate selections

3.4. Evaluate and apply design criteria and specifications for ventilation networks and individual circuits

3.5. Evaluate ventilation control device options against requirements and select best option

3.6. Establish design criteria for ventilation and environmental monitoring systems and make appropriate selections

3.7. Prepare and incorporate procedures for the installation, establishment and operation of ventilation management systems into the ventilation management plan

3.8. Develop a system for early warning for each identified hazard including action requirements for each event and incorporate into the ventilation management plan

3.9. Formulate and implement maintenance program and procedures as part of the ventilation management plan

3.10. Incorporate procedures for the audit, review and updating of the ventilation system into the ventilation management plan

3.11. Identify ventilation training requirements and incorporate into the ventilation management plan

4. Implement mine ventilation monitoring, recording and reporting systems

4.1. Implement procedures for monitoring, recording and reporting on the ventilation system according to statutory requirements and those of the ventilation management plan

4.2. Implement procedures for the installation and operation of monitoring systems and equipment

4.3. Implement procedures for the collection and analysis of ventilation data

4.4. Process, record and report monitoring system data in accordance with the requirements of the ventilation management plan

4.5. Interpret measured data and compare with statutory requirements and those stipulated by the ventilation management plan and action requirements implemented

4.6. Include the periodic review of alarm settings and alarms raised in the ventilation management plan and implemented

5. Coordinate and control the maintenance of and changes to the mine ventilation system

5.1. Review, confirm and communicate the ventilation system maintenance program to responsible parties

5.2. Coordinate maintenance activities, including inspections, repair and maintenance

5.3. Implement the system of recording and reporting maintenance requirements and activities

5.4. Plan, control and implement changes to the ventilation system

5.5. Prepare and maintain mine ventilation plans in accordance with statutory requirements and mine standards

6. Audit and review the effectiveness of the mine ventilation system

6.1. Audit the effectiveness of the ventilation system in accordance with the ventilation management plan

6.2. Ensure that ventilation control devices comply with statutory and ventilation management plan requirements

6.3. Ensure that ventilation standards comply with statutory and ventilation management plan specifications

6.4. Operate mine monitoring systems

6.5. Maintain ventilation recording systems accurately and process data

6.6. Implement and record ventilation system maintenance program and procedures

6.7. Communicate the content of the ventilation management plan to the workforce and ensure that it is understood

6.8. Review the ventilation system in accordance with the ventilation management plan

6.9. Ensure that the emergency plans are consistent with the ventilation management plan

6.10. Ensure that the ventilation standards remain appropriate

6.11. Ensure that the training of mine employees is current, relevant and is conducted

6.12. Identify, assess and incorporate future ventilation requirements into the ventilation planning procedures

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 manage, operate and maintain the mine ventilation system:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for management, operation and maintenance the mine ventilation system

access, interpret and apply technical information

access and analyse archival and historical ventilation information related to the mine

interpret and apply mathematical and scientific theorems/laws related to ventilation

interpret and apply design criteria for ventilation systems and devices

interpret computer spreadsheets and ventilation modelling/simulations

collect, collate and interpret ventilation data

prepare technical procedures relating to ventilation

conduct enquiries/investigations and prepare reports

communicate effectively in the workplace

access data from monitoring systems and equipment

operate hand held monitoring equipment

analyse and report on ventilation training needs

apply risk management reports processes and techniques

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 manage, operate and maintain the mine ventilation system:

legislative and statutory requirements for ventilation including air quality, maximum values, control and distribution, flammable gas limits, ventilation fans, gas monitoring, dust limits and inspections and recording/reporting

methods of mine ventilation and their applications/limitations including exhaust/force, antitropal, homotropal, flank returns, ascensional/decensional, bleeder, ZUY systems and other combinations

methods of panel ventilation and their applications/limitations including homotropal and antitropal (and in conjunction with these, the use of goaf bleed or back return), auxiliary fans, coursed ventilation (narrow side/wide side), machine mounted scrubber systems, compressed air venturi and bleeders

impact of mining techniques and mine and panel design on ventilation

inertisation techniques and applications including pressure swing absorption, natural oxidation, evaporative and pumped liquefied inert gas, seam gas, exhaust gases (Thomlinson boiler or jet engine) and water

impact of differing geological features and conditions on ventilation including faults, dykes, intrusions and strata deformities

impact of coal characteristics and coal seam gradients on mine ventilation design

effects of ventilation on the spontaneous combustion risk

mine gases; the types and their characteristics, sources, physiological effects and methods of detection

dust and other particulate matter; the types, sources, physical and physiological effect, and control/mitigation methods

mine fires; the types, sources of ignition, possible effects on the ventilation circuit and prevention/control/mitigation methods

mine explosions; the types, ignition sources, possible effects on the ventilation circuits and prevention/control/mitigation methods

pressure changes; causes, the impacts on the ventilation system, responses (to include the causes and effects of natural ventilation and re-circulation)

heat, humidity; the sources and factors which may impact on mine ventilation and personnel

mine roadways and shafts; their design parameters and impact on mine ventilation

mine fans; fan laws, fan types, performance characteristics, configurations, applications and limitations

ventilation control devices; the types, purposes, design criteria and specifications, distribution/placement criteria and limitations

de-gassing; methods of control - including brattice, auxiliary fans, compressed air venturis, sails, hurdles and bleeders

ventilation networks and individual circuit design criteria, specifications and design processes

fixed ventilation monitoring systems types, uses/limitations , design criteria, specifications and design processes

portable monitoring equipment, types, uses/limitations, design criteria and specifications

the use of computer modelling and simulation techniques and applications relevant to mine ventilation planning; their functions, capabilities, advantages and limitations

computer-based systems for mine environment analysis

ventilation management plan development requirements and processes

ventilation surveys; the types, frequency and method for conducting including pressure/quantity/temperature and gas/dust

processes and techniques for determining alarms and trigger points/levels

audit and review processes and techniques

emergency response and disaster planning process and techniques

analytical and interpretive processes for gas mixtures and flammability including coward triangle, Ellicott diagram, gas make calculations and post explosion gases

applied ventilation theory including:

Atkinson's equation

methods of determining frictional resistance

frictional resistance values for mine airways and ducts

psychrometry and heat

gas laws including Charles, Boyle and Dalton

air density calculations

natural ventilation pressures

static velocity total pressures and shock loss

leakage

duct leakage

determination of mine resistance curves

combining system resistance and fan curves

regulator and equivalent orifice calculation

determination of fan operating/duty points

Kirchoff's law

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 management, operation and maintenance of the mine ventilation system

implementation of procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient management, operation and maintenance of the mine ventilation system

the identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

the identification of viable options for the management, operation and maintenance of the mine ventilation system that best meet the required outcomes

working with others to undertake and complete the management, operation and maintenance of the mine ventilation system

consistent successful management, operation and maintenance of the mine ventilation system

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 to apply in undertaking of the management, operation and maintenance of the mine ventilation system

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

identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

identification of viable options for the management, operation and maintenance of the mine ventilation system that best meet the required outcomes

consistent achievement of required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete the management, operation and maintenance of the mine ventilation system

provision of clear and timely required support and advice on the management, operation and maintenance of the mine ventilation system

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, organisation and site requirements and procedures

mine safety management plans (ventilation, spontaneous combustion, gas, outburst) which establish procedures for maintaining a safe environment including:

hazard identification and quantification

risk assessment

authority and responsibility

controls established to manage identified risks (mine design, monitoring, procedures, trigger levels and response plans)

reporting and communication

document control

audit and review

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Gases may include:

seam gases or gases from other introduced sources and may include:

methane

carbon dioxide

carbon monoxide

oxides of nitrogen

hydrogen

sulphur dioxide

hydrogen sulphide

hydrocarbons

contaminations

Spontaneous combustion hazards may include:

potential ignition sources

flammable gases

fire

explosion

irrespirable atmosphere

noxious atmosphere

smoke

roof collapse

reversal of ventilation

water/gas

mechanisms which contribute to spontaneous combustion and may include:

coal seam characteristics

ventilation pressure difference

mining system

mine design

humidity

temperature

moisture

physical spontaneous combustion indicators may include:

smoke

haze

sweating

smell

temperature

gaseous spontaneous combustion indicators may include:

carbon monoxide

hydrogen and hydrocarbons

indicator ratios such as:

CO make

Graham's radio

other ratios as determined suitable

Airborne contaminants may include:

respirable and combustible dust

Outburst hazards may include:

ejection of materials

asphyxiant

toxic or flammable gas mixtures

entrapment

roof falls

ventilation disruption

mechanisms which contribute to an outburst may include:

maceral composition

depth of cover

gas content and composition

porosity

permeability

geology

stress

mining rate

outburst detection methods may include:

geological mapping

long-hole drilling

gas sampling

micro-seismic detection

changing face conditions and gas emission rates

outburst amelioration measures may include:

pre-drainage

methods of work

Ventilation system is:

one which covers all the mine workings, including waste and sealed areas, and it includes all surface and underground fans and ventilation devices which control or impact on the mine ventilation

methods of ventilation may include:

exhaust/force

antitropal

homotropal

flank returns

ascensional/decensional

bleeder

ZUY systems

other combinations

Impacts of fire, ignition and explosion may include:

contaminants

altered ventilation pressures/flows

direct physical impacts

complete disruption to the ventilation system

Fire may include:

solid

liquid

gas

metals

Ignition is:

the rapid chemical reaction of a combustible material with oxygen when exposed to sufficient heat

ignition sources may include:

electrical

friction

contraband

spontaneous combustion

naked flame

chemical

explosives

Explosion is:

the sudden release of energy generated from the confinement of the rapid volumetric expansion of an ignition

Ventilation pressure differentials may include those resulting from:

changes in barometric pressure

fall of ground

fan changes/failure

ventilation control devices changes/failure

outburst

holing into previous workings

re-circulation

ventilation circuit changes

natural ventilation pressure changes

explosions

changes in ambient temperature/humidity

fires

equipment moves

Temperature and humidity may by impacted by:

climatic conditions

ventilation quantities

location of workplaces

mine layout and design

location of mine entries

depth

adjacent strata type

seam gas composition

sources of heat/humidity may include:

strata

equipment

oxidation

fire/spontaneous combustion

auto compression

exothermic chemical reactions

seam moisture content

Re-circulation causes may include or be related to:

the underground auxiliary/booster fans

scrubber systems

leaking ducts

failure or poor design of ventilation system

ventilation velocity pressures

natural ventilation pressures

gas densities

layering and wind blast

effect of re-circulation may include:

build up of contaminant concentration (gas, dust, heat)

decrease in oxygen

Ventilation control devices may include:

doors

regulators

seals

stoppings

air crossings

bulk heads

goaf seals

pressure chambers

other control device to control or direct ventilation flows in a mine

factors which impact on the selection of ventilation control systems may include:

the life of the installation

ground conditions (stress/heave)

operating duty (pressure/quantity)

mining method

design

explosion rating

statutory requirements

water

seam gas (make/composition)

criteria for safe mine ventilation may include:

statutory and regulatory requirements

mine ventilation management plan

measures to reduce and/or control seam gas

introduced gas, fumes and dust

temperature/humidity and maximum/minimum velocity specifications

criteria for ventilation efficiency

defects to ventilation devices may include:

inferior design

deterioration of materials

inadequate quality of construction

physical damage

water damage

Impact of mine design on the ventilation system may be related to:

surface access

mining method/rate

barrier pillars and segregation of roadways

systems of mining

bleeder or back returns

number of headings

bleeders

geological features

principles of mine design include:

reserve optimisation

mining direction

geological structures

ventilation

strata control

mining method

productivity

environmental considerations

seam access

Monitoring may include:

tube bundle

real time telemetry

portable (hand held) monitoring

bag samples

gas chromatography

fire monitoring

condition monitoring of ventilation devices

design criteria for fixed monitoring systems/equipment may include:

contingency for power outage

alarms for process faults including PC/PLC failure

analyser/sensor failure

communication failure

alarm system latching

alarm system fail-safe requirement

alarm/sensor likely gas matrix determination requirement

required ranges and accuracies

provision for calibration

statutory compliance

surface analysers combined gas monitoring capabilities

logistic and maintenance support

design criteria for portable monitoring equipment may include:

battery capacity (full shift)

battery recharge requirements

statutory compliance

required ranges and accuracies

provision for calibration

size

weight

light facility

ease of operation

robust construction

Inertisation techniques may include:

pressure swing absorption

natural oxidation

evaporative and pumped liquefied inert gas

seam gas

exhaust gases (Thomlinson Boiler or jet engine)

water

inertisation may be defined as the displacing or reducing of oxygen to a level that will not support combustion. It may be either a natural process using seam gases or a process of introducing inert gases

Fans may include:

axial flow

centrifugal

fan design considerations may include:

types

mine layout

user requirements and fan laws

characteristics

duty control (speed/variable pitch)

configuration (parallel/series)

explosion/protection doors

dampers

auxiliary drive

restart procedures

maintenance requirements

Action (alarm or trigger) is:

a generic term used to describe an event determined at the mine site at which action is initiated or a response made

Procedures required to support the ventilation management plan may include those for:

construction

action response

permit to work

condition monitoring

auditing

maintenance

document control

atmosphere monitoring

ventilation system control

communication systems

survey procedures

sealing procedures

changes

training

recording/reporting

Maintenance of the ventilation system may include:

inspection

servicing repair

Audit is defined as:

a systematic examination against defined criteria to determine whether activities and related results conform to planned arrangement, and whether these arrangements are implemented effectively and are suitable to achieve the organisation's policy and objectives (AS/NZS 4804: 2001)

Ventilation training may include:

include induction

basic miner

deputy and ventilation systems operators/special requirements

Alarm systems and action plans may include those for:

gas concentration/make

spontaneous combustion (physical and gaseous)

combustion indicators

condition monitoring for fans (vibration/temperature/current/failures)

ventilation devices

monitoring hardware

Mine atmosphere refers to:

all areas in the general mine ventilation district and beyond into waste working goafs/gobs in the mine

Geological conditions may include:

faults

dykes

intrusions

strata deformities

Coal seam characteristics may include inherent factors such as:

rank

petrology

moisture

cleat

coal hardness

seam gas

friability

pyrites

ordepositional factors such as:

seam thickness

multiple and rider seams

seam dip

depth of cover

Mining systems may include:

longwall

main gate or single entry

board and total or partial pillar

pillar extraction methods

Analytical and interpretive tools may include:

Ellicott diagrams

Cowards triangle

fire-gas ratios

gas makes

trending

fan laws

airway resistance

network analysis

computer simulation

gas laws

psychrometry

ventilation laws

Surveys may include:

pressure/quality/temperature survey and gas dust survey

Disruptions to ventilation circuits may result from changes in:

barometric pressure

fall of ground

ventilation device changes/failure

outburst

holing into previous workings

re-circulation

ventilation circuit changes

natural ventilation pressure changes

failure (planned) unplanned

explosions

changes in ambient temperature/humidity

fires

equipment moves