List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 | Plan work for shift | 1.1 | Review job requests to identify the samples, preparation methods required for each, and shift priorities |
| 1.2 | Identify hazards, safety equipment/procedures associated with samples, preparation methods, reagents and equipment |
| 1.3 | Plan parallel work sequences to optimise the throughput of multiple sets of samples during shift |
| 1.4 | Assemble all required equipment, materials, reagents and check they are fit for purpose |
| 1.5 | Check pots and cupels and discard those with faults and/or a record of high gold values |
| 1.6 | Check that fusion and muffle furnaces are operating at the specified temperatures |
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2 | Prepare sample racks for fusion | 2.1 | Check samples against accompanying documentation and record/report any discrepancies |
| 2.2 | Conduct simple visual/chemical tests for each sample to assess the adequacy of prior sample preparation and possible presence of sulphides or other mineralogy |
| 2.3 | Weigh out the recommended amount of sample and add specified identifier to maintain orientation, as necessary |
| 2.4 | Weigh out flux components, mix thoroughly with the sample charge and transfer to recommended type and size of pot without loss of material |
| 2.5 | Place pots in racks |
| 2.6 | Record all required details of sample preparation to ensure traceability of samples |
| 2.7 | Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge |
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3 | Obtain acceptable buttons and prills | 3.1 | Maintain sequencing in order to track samples, buttons and prills throughout the recovery process |
| 3.2 | Monitor furnace temperature/time to ensure complete sample fusion |
| 3.3 | Remove fused samples from furnace and pour into moulds with minimal loss of material |
| 3.4 | Recognise the need for repeat firings due to lead shotting and/or poor fusions |
| 3.5 | Separate slag and button with minimal loss of collector |
| 3.6 | Inspect buttons for matte, brittleness, size and malformed shape |
| 3.7 | Place acceptable buttons in muffle furnace using cupels that have been previously loaded and preheated |
| 3.8 | Regularly monitor furnace temperature/time/air flow to ensure efficient cupellation |
| 3.9 | Recover prills, check identifiers and inspect for contamination, losses and evidence of other precious metals (e.g. high gold, Platinum and Palladium) |
| 3.10 | Complete and collate sample records before presenting prills for analysis |
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4 | Troubleshoot and correct common recovery failures | 4.1 | Monitor all stages of recovery for indicators of potential loss |
| 4.2 | Recognise undesirable recovery conditions and decide whether the process requires correction |
| 4.3 | Apply an established corrective action and restart the process |
| 4.4 | Document any adjustments made to standard methods and re-sequencing of samples |
| 4.5 | Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge |
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5 | Perform daily maintenance of assay equipment | 5.1 | Grade and inspect pots using established criteria prior to storage for re-use |
| 5.2 | Report defective equipment and consumable requirements to appropriate personnel |
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6 | Maintain a safe work environment | 6.1 | Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others |
| 6.2 | Minimise the release of collectors to the work environment |
| 6.3 | Segregate and dispose of waste in accordance with workplace requirements |
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
safely extracting precious metals from their host matrices in readiness for analysis on at least three (3) occasions
interpreting and following standard recovery methods
maintaining close attention to technical and safety requirements in a physically demanding, hazardous environment
recognising common sample preparation and cupellation problems and making standard adjustments to fluxes and firings
recognising non-acceptable characteristics of received and fused samples, buttons and prills
recognising indicators of poor recovery and applying established corrective actions
recognising the presence of highly oxidised ores, such as haematite or magnetite, and adjusting the charge weight and flux components to suit
accurately weighing samples and flux components
manually handling heavy and hot items of equipment safely
maintaining sequential control of samples through all recovery stages
keeping accurate and complete records, including:
pour sheets (date, time, client, pour number and preparation method)
number of pots, positions of sample, blank and check in rack
visual appearance of samples, buttons and prills
corrective actions for specific samples
planning work flow to ensure efficient sample throughput
minimising re-work, waste and environmental impacts and disposing of all waste responsibly
recognising hazards and using workplace safety procedures and safety equipment to work safely at all times.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
procedures and/or standard methods for:
fusion of common mineral ore samples
cupellation of buttons
digestion/parting of prills
function, operation and maintenance of assay equipment used in job role
criteria for an 'acceptable' button, including:
one piece, mass >20 g and <50 g
malleable
separates cleanly from slag
free of undecomposed ore, matte and speiss
causes of contamination and losses, including:
poorly made cupels
base metals - copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and bismuth (Bi)
arsenic (As), sulphur (S), antimony (Sb), selenium Se), tellurium (Te) and chromium (Cr)
scoria
sprouting
indicators of potential loss and the corrective action, including:
viscous slag (check furnace temperature, adjust flux and lower charge weight)
lead shotting – (adjust flux, lower charge weight to compensate for high oxides, silicates and chromites)
sulphides (adjust fusion time, adjust sample weight and/or flux)
matte, speiss (adjust sample weight and flux)
incomplete fusion (adjust sample weight and/or flux)
unacceptable button (adjust sample weight and/or flux)
inquartation (add three parts silver (Ag) to prill, wrap in lead foil and re-cupel)
workplace and legal traceability requirements
relevant hazards and control measures, operation and maintenance of safety equipment, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.
Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).
This unit of competency may be assessed with:
MSL953001 Receive and prepare samples for testing
MSL943002 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
Holistic assessment methods include:
review of quality control performance and analytical results traceable to assay samples prepared by the candidate
review of sample records prepared by the candidate
feedback from supervisors, peers and/or clients about the candidate’s ability to provide acceptable buttons and prills and troubleshoot and correct common recovery failures
written/oral questions about fire pouring techniques, typical recovery problems and corrective actions.
Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:
a variety of precious metal ore samples and associated fire assay methods, fire assay materials and reagents
client requests and documentation, such as client profile, sample identification, sample receipt, storage and analyses, required preparation method and service charges
assay equipment, such as:
mixing equipment and balances
fusion and muffle furnaces and associated spares
temperature sensors and hotplates
compressed air service, extraction systems and fuel supply lines
cupels, pouring equipment, pot loader, trolleys, moulds, tongs and hammers
pots, including ceramic, acidic/basic, alumina, zirconia and graphite
collectors, including litharge or lead (II) oxide (PbO) for pot fusion and silver (AGNO3) for the cupellation
fluxes, including:
bulk fluxes containing lead (II) oxide (PbO), borax, soda ash, silica, silver nitrate and flour
non-standard flux additives, such as:
flour (oxidising samples)
potassium nitrate (reducing samples and sulphides)
silica (basic ores)
lead as PbO (siliceous ores)
safety equipment and safe work procedures.
Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.
Technical competence can be demonstrated through:
relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR
relevant workplace experience.
Currency can be demonstrated through:
performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR
having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.