This unit applies in all contexts to the distribution of tailings as part of the processing cycle. This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles, at worksites within:
Coal mining
Extractive industries
Metalliferous mining
Not applicable.
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Plan and prepare | 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to distribution of tailings 1.2. Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details 1.3. Communicate with other personnel using approved communication methods 1.4. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities 1.5. Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment for work activities 1.6. Perform equipment pre-start checks 1.7. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards 1.8. Identify, address and report environmental issues 1.9. Adhere to emergency procedures 1.10. Use approved dust suppression and extraction methods 1.11. Prepare site for positioning of equipment 1.12. Position and stabilise equipment according to work plan |
2. Start-up equipment in sequence | 2.1. Carry out start-up procedures and complete start-up checks according to plant configurations and system requirements 2.2. Confirm plant is operational |
3. Monitor and disperse tailings | 3.1. Read and interpret data from equipment indicators to determine deposition parameters 3.2. Continuously inspect plant and identify defects and potential problems 3.3. Adjust equipment to approved operating parameters to optimise performance, maintain efficiency and to meet tailings quality targets 3.4. Control feed to equipment 3.5. Monitor bunded areas and manage overflows 3.6. Complete all required documentation 3.7. Identify, address and report hazards 3.8. Report spillages to meet environmental guidelines 3.9. Pass on end of shift information to oncoming shift 3.10. Ensure tailings meet fill plant operating parameters |
4. Conduct housekeeping activities | 4.1. Clean equipment to maintain condition of equipment and ensure safe and efficient operations 4.2. Clean and store auxiliary service equipment |
5. Shutdown in sequence and/or isolate equipment | 5.1. Flush lines to remove all material 5.2. Shutdown or isolate equipment based on process and safety requirements 5.3. Perform post shutdown or isolation checks |
Required skills |
Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to distribute tailings: apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures maintain, clean and operate, equipment apply hazard identification procedures apply hazardous goods handling requirements and procedures interpret reports apply lifting techniques (manual, cranes and loads) apply records maintenance requirements apply safe work practices use hand and power tools |
Required knowledge |
Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to distribute tailings: breakdown procedures emergency procedures environmental procedures equipment processes, technical capability and limitations equipment safety requirements flushing lines hazard identification and management identifying repair requirements isolation procedures metallurgical and technical data (basic) occupational health and safety procedures operational procedures and checks pumping system reclaim ponds/dams safety requirements securing pipes security procedures (e.g. shutting of gates) site procedures spillage procedures tailings wet and dry working procedures |
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 the distribution of tailings implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the distribution of tailings working with others to undertake and complete the distribution of tailings that meets all of the required outcomes consistent timely completion of the distribution of tailings 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. 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. Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances. 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 consistently achieving the required outcomes first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's: working with others to undertake and complete the distribution of tailings |
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 manufacturer's guidelines and specifications Australian standards code of practice Employment and Workplace Relations legislation Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation |
Auxiliary equipment may be anything that is portable and mobile that is not part of the fixed infrastructure: These may include: | compressors cyclones hand and power tools hoses (water and air) lines and ropes loaders, pontoons, boats thickening agents (e.g. de-scaling) |
Pre-start checks may include: | availability of equipment detection of conditions that are unusual drive through plant personnel availability |
Environmental issues may include: | drainage dust emissions flora and fauna hazardous chemicals recycling (e.g. water) run-off/spills waste management and disposal water quality |
Start-up procedures may include: | checking interlocks checks distribution control system (DCS) chutes drive belts isolations material transfer system condition (e.g. leaks, blockages) pumping system remote systems (e.g. telemetry) valves |
Plant may include: | decant towers and ponds pumps and siphons spigots tailings pipeline valves |
Indicator readings may measure: | concentration (e.g. cyanide) current density flow levels pressure speed (e.g. pump) unusual noises |
Monitoring may include the checking of: | blockages current draw detecting noises and smells flow rates missing components (e.g. spigots) overloads pressures spillages wear and tear |
Overflow areas may include: | collection dams scour pits |
Cleaning methods may include: | hosing with water |
Materials may include: | reagents slurry tailings water |
Post-shutdown checks are: | beaching density location of discharge points regulate decant water removal relocation of spigots |
Waste and By-products
Refer to Unit Sector(s).
Not applicable.
This unit contains employability skills.
Refer to Unit Descriptor.