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 | Prepare for work | 1.1 | Receive and give shift handover |
| 1.2 | Identify work requirements. |
| 1.3 | Identify and control work health and safety (WHS) hazards and identify risks to the environment |
| 1.4 | Coordinate with appropriate personnel |
| 1.5 | Check for recent work undertaken on TMF |
| 1.6 | Note any outstanding/incomplete work |
| 1.7 | Check operational status of TMF and ancillary equipment |
| 1.8 | Coordinate with appropriate personnel, including facility managers and team members |
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2 | Operate equipment for tailings deposition | 2.1 | Access and interpret process waste/tailings management plan and comply with documented processes |
| 2.2 | Identify the type of facility equipment and assess the appropriateness of the equipment given the tailings physical characteristics |
| 2.3 | Measure and report on rate of flow, tailings characteristics and deposition outcomes, as required |
| 2.4 | Set plant to deliver tailings to appropriate location of discharge point according to tailings management plan |
| 2.5 | Complete routine checks, logs and paperwork, taking action on unexpected readings and trends |
| 2.6 | Discharge tailings, as appropriate, based on set rotation sequence for discharges (‘paddocks’) and duration of deposition |
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3 | Monitor and control TMF in accordance with procedures | 3.1 | Carry out routine plant and facility inspections |
| 3.2 | Check flora and fauna near TMF |
| 3.3 | Check for indications of problems with TMF containment/wall |
| 3.4 | Monitor indicators of location of phreatic zone |
| 3.5 | Check beaching and decant water draw off locations |
| 3.6 | Collect samples and conduct and analyse tests |
| 3.7 | Record observations |
| 3.8 | Compare operational performance against standards established in the tailings management plan |
| 3.9 | Adjust spigots (feed) and decant location (withdrawal) to optimise operation of TMF |
| 3.10 | Report operational condition of the tailings management facility |
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4 | Recognise problems and take action in accordance with procedures | 4.1 | Recognise developing situations which may require action |
| 4.2 | Use water balance principles to determine adequacy of TFM capacity |
| 4.3 | Adjust inflows and outflows (e.g. decant rate and tailings inflow) to respond to potential water imbalance especially overflows |
| 4.4 | Identify and respond to problems arising from dust generated in TMF |
| 4.5 | Report any issues identified with the integrity of the equipment delivering tailings to the TMF |
| 4.6 | Apply the requirements of the emergency management plan in case of significant breaches of TMF integrity (for instance a breach of dam wall). |
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5 | Isolate and de-isolate facility | 5.1 | Complete any required pre-start checks |
| 5.2 | Start up/shut down TMF plant and equipment according to their type and duty in liaison with other personnel |
| 5.3 | Start up/shut down/changeover component plant items which are part of the TMF according to their type and duty in liaison with other personnel |
| 5.4 | Isolate entire TMF and/or any component plant item |
| 5.5 | Make safe for required work |
| 5.6 | Check TMF/plant item is ready to be returned to service |
| 5.7 | De-isolate and prepare TMF plant unit/plant item for return to service |
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include the ability to:
conduct checks/tests to measure tailings management facility (TMF) performance, including water quality, dam wall movement, water pressure and water flow
interpret outcome measures from tests performed
identify early warning signs of equipment/processes needing attention or with potential problems
implement emergency management plan
identify environmental risks and take appropriate action
operate and monitor deposition and decant equipment.
Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:
types and characteristics of site-specific tailings
design of tailings management facilities and impact on environmental risk
methods of tailings disposal and deposition and associated equipment
environmental risk and environmental management
water balance and related issues
principles of operation of pumps under conditions of different tailings consistency and water percentage
principles of operation of conveyor belts under conditions of different tailings consistency and water percentage
process parameters and limits of tailings disposal plant (e.g. pressure, flow and pH)
typical issues causing problems (plant/equipment, process, environmental) and the resolution of those problems
relevant environmental and heritage requirements
hierarchy of control
hazards that may arise in the job/work environment, and:
their possible causes
potential consequences
appropriate risk controls.
The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.
The collection of performance evidence:
should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operations
will typically include a supervisor/third-party report focusing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency
must include the use of industrial type TMF allowing operation and checking
may use industry-based simulation for part of the unit particularly where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue.
Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible, or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment reflecting realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from one or more of:
walk-throughs
pilot plant operation
demonstration of skills
industry-based case studies/scenarios
‘what ifs’.
Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence (provided a record is kept) or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept).
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.
Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.
The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.
Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
In addition, the assessor or anyone acting in subject matter expert role in assessment must demonstrate both technical competency and currency. If the assessor cannot demonstrate technical competency and currency they must assess with a subject matter expert who does meet these requirements.
Technical competence can be demonstrated through one or more of:
relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment
appropriate workplace experience undertaking the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions
appropriate workplace experience supervising/evaluating the type of work being assessed under routine and non-routine conditions
Currency can be demonstrated through one or more of:
being currently employed undertaking the type of work being assessed
being employed by the organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed and having maintained currency in accordance with that organisation’s policies and procedures
having consulted/had contact with an organisation undertaking the type of work being assessed within the last twelve months, the consultation/contact being related to assessment
conducting on-the-job training/assessments of the type of work being assessed
being an active member of a relevant professional body and participating in activities relevant to the assessment of this type of work.