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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan and prepare for the assessment and management of ground conditions
   • Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements
   • Access, interpret and apply documentation required for applying and monitoring the ground control management plan
   • Identify and interpret ground control management plan requirements relevant to own job role
   • Evaluate historical information on ground conditions, and identify hazards according to workplace procedures
   • Confirm the work activity is compliant with the pit design and workplace procedures
   • Identify and address potential hazards and environmental factors and prepare to implement control measures
   • Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
   • Identify, obtain and allocate resources required for the application of the ground control management plan
   • Identify training needs of team members and prepare training plans
   • Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and prepare to respond to emergencies according to site requirements
2. Inspect and assess ground conditions
   • Determine and implement appropriate control measures for conducting geotechnical inspections
   • Inspect work areas and identify and record geological hazards, geotechnical risk factors and signs of instability in accordance with workplace procedures
   • Identify and schedule infrastructure repair and maintenance activities to reduce geotechnical risk
   • Report geotechnical hazards and risks outside scope of responsibility to relevant personnel in accordance with workplace procedures
   • Complete and submit written report of geotechnical inspection results and corresponding actions to relevant personnel
   • Communicate geotechnical risks and control measures to relevant personnel
3. Monitor extraction operations
   • Communicate, apply and monitor approved extraction method according to workplace procedures and approved engineering design
   • Monitor hazards and risks to confirm the safe operation of personnel, and plant and equipment
   • Monitor the implementation of the control measures to address geotechnical risk
   • Identify, assess and adjust operational activities impacting on ground stability
   • Identify and report indications/events of ground failure
   • Install barricades and warning signs where area cannot be made safe according to job and site requirements and report to relevant personnel
   • Apply emergency response and evacuation plans and procedures as required
   • Record and report on activities, issues and corrective actions
4. Monitor stockpile and dump formation and reclaiming systems
   • Identify, interpret and confirm stockpile and dump requirements
   • Monitor and report stockpile and dump configurations to conform compliance with geotechnical design
   • Monitor stockpile and dump operations to confirm safe work practices are implemented to control geotechnical risk in accordance with workplace procedures
5. Monitor water management procedures
   • Identify, interpret and assess surface and groundwater information
   • Monitor the implementation and performance of the drainage system
6. Contribute to ground control management plan review
   • Monitor and report on effectiveness of operating procedures
   • Submit recommendations to improve the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of ground control systems
   • Contribute to audit and review requirements for the ground control management plan

Performance Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

apply and monitor the ground management plan on at least two occasions, including:

conducting geotechnical inspection of work areas

monitoring and assessing the impact of operations, including any blasting, on ground stability and making adjustments as required

identifying and evaluating the hazards and risks associated with the ground controls and placement of plant and equipment

assessing and assigning appropriate plant and applying appropriate remediation techniques

implementing stockpile and dump control measures

identifying surface and groundwater issues

identifying training needs of team members and preparing a training plan

assessing outcomes to make recommendations and writing reports.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply relevant documentation, policies and procedures and confirm that the work activity is compliant

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for applying and monitoring the ground management plan, including:

identifying hazards and risks, and implementing control measures

accessing and analysing archival and historical information related to ground control and batter stability issues

interpreting and applying pit and slope design criteria

participating in audits

identifying and applying geological and geotechnical information

work with others to apply and monitor the ground management plan

communicate clearly and concisely with others to resolve coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities.

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

key policies, procedures and documentation required to apply and monitor the ground management plan

purpose of the ground control management plan

principles of basic geology including:

rock types

geological processes

geological structures

common survey and slope design terminology and surface operation design parameters

operating characteristics, limitations and safe placement of plant equipment, including:

exclusion zones

catch troughs

catch bunds

cab placement

safe load and dump methods

types and mechanisms of ground instability, including:

blocky conditions

wedge/plane/toppling structures

slumping/heave

adverse jointing

fault and shear orientation

subsidence

factors impacting on slope stability, including:

material properties

fault zones

blasting

pit wall profile

surface and ground water

changes in ground temperature

presence of underground workings

principles and techniques for controlling ground instability, including:

minimizing blast damage

excavation control and scaling

waste dump and stockpile formation methodology

groundwater and surface water control

remedial and slope stabilisation methods

exclusion zones

principles and techniques for inspection and monitoring, including:

role of the geotechnical engineer

types of inspection

visual warning signs

types and purpose of monitoring instrumentation

design standards and techniques for constructing and maintaining infrastructure, including:

waste dumps

stockpiles

drainage systems

haul roads

earth bunds

catch berm

principles and techniques for applying risk management processes

principles and techniques for reviewing inspection, communication and reporting methodologies

principles and techniques for providing leadership and direction to teams

principles and techniques for conducting training needs assessments and preparing training plans.

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