ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Monitor impact on flora and fauna

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to monitoring of the tailings dam environment

1.2. Record presence/status of flora and fauna

1.3. Check and maintain condition of mine site parameters

1.4. Rescue wildlife to sustain life where safe and practical

1.5. Identify, address and report environmental issues

1.6. Adhere to emergency procedures

1.7. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards

1.8. Communicate with other personnel using approved communication methods

2. Monitor integrity of the dam

2.1. Check and monitor dam wall characteristics and any sign of seepage

2.2. Maintain access to decant tower

2.3. Control quantity of water in dam to avoid weakening dam structure

2.4. Monitor water table depth and water quality to determine source of water and integrity of dam

2.5. Visually check for depositing of unauthorised materials

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 monitor tailings dam environment:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

apply equipment operation, minor maintenance and cleaning requirements and procedures

apply hazard identification procedures

apply hazardous goods handling techniques

apply techniques for interpreting survey maps and data to locate key features of tailings dam

apply lifting techniques (manual, cranes and loads)

apply safe work practices

use hand and power tools

apply procedures for working in restricted access areas

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 monitor tailings dam environment:

catchment/dam procedures

emergency procedures

environmental procedures

safety requirements

hazardous goods procedures and consequences of spills

identifying repair requirements

isolation procedures

metallurgical and technical data

occupational health and safety procedures

operational procedures and checks

pumping systems

site procedures

site safety requirements

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 monitoring of the tailings dam environment

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient monitoring of the tailings dam environment

working with others to undertake and complete the monitoring of the tailings dam environment that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of the monitoring of the tailings dam environment 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 monitoring of the tailings dam environment

Guidance information for assessment

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

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

Flora and fauna may include:

bird life

mammals

native trees and vegetation

Environmental issues may include:

drainage

dust

emissions

flora and fauna

hazardous chemicals

heritage legislation

noise

recycling

run-off

spills

waste management and disposal

water quality

Monitor will be:

visual inspection

Water quality indicators may be:

contaminants

colour change

settlings

other changes to usual characteristics

Control may be

Report and action in accordance with site procedures