Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply conduct underground production shotfiring in metalliferous mining. It includes supervising storage and transport of explosives and accessories, conducting blasts and carrying out post
It applies to those working in operational roles. They generally work under minimal supervision to undertake a broad range of skilled applications in varied work contexts, using some discretion and judgement in selecting equipment, services or contingency measures.
Licensing, legislative and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Users must check requirements with relevant body before applying the unit.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare to conduct underground production shotfiring | 1.1 Obtain, interpret confirm and clarify blasting management plan and blast plan requirements 1.2 Access, interpret and apply shotfiring documentation and confirm work activity is compliant 1.3 Identify, manage and report potential hazards, risks and environmental issues according to legislative and site requirements 1.4 Select and wear personal protective equipment according to legislative and site requirements 1.5 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and confirm steps required to respond to emergencies 1.6 Coordinate vehicle, equipment and personnel support within scope of own role 1.7 Arrange survey of blast area according to job requirements and confirm survey and required records are completed and reported to appropriate personnel according to site requirements 1.8 Access, interpret and apply environmental, geological and survey data according to site requirements 1.9 Carry out calculations for pattern design, loading and tying in of shots 1.10 Identify and confirm the explosives and accessories according to site requirements |
2. Supervise storage and transport of explosives and accessories | 2.1 Confirm explosives and accessories are stored according to site requirements 2.2 Confirm inventory control systems are maintained according to site requirements 2.3 Confirm explosives and accessories are transported to blast area and segregate according to site requirements 2.4 Confirm that explosives are not left unattended 2.5 Identify and dispose of any deteriorated or out of date explosives and accessories according to site requirements |
3. Prepare for charging | 3.1 Identify, manage and report potential hazards and risks according to legislative and site requirements 3.2 Secure blast area according to blast plan and site requirements 3.3 Establish and communicate access routes to shot area for authorised persons and vehicle according to site requirements 3.4 Identify hole locations and non-conforming conditions according to site requirements 3.5 Set up charging equipment according to site requirements 3.6 Prepare holes for charging according to blast plan |
4. Charge holes | 4.1 Supervise blast personnel during loading operations 4.2 Prime and charge holes according to blast plan 4.3 Confirm blast holes are charged according to loading plan and identify non-conforming conditions 4.4 Confirm blast holes are stemmed according to blast plan 4.5 Clear area and isolate/barricade blast area according to site requirements 4.6 Test equipment and accessories according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements 4.7 Complete records according to site requirements 4.8 Conduct blast monitoring according to site requirements |
5. Conduct blast | 5.1 Carry out pre 5.2 Carry out tying in according to blast plan 5.3 Supervise personnel within the blast area during tie-in and initiation 5.4 Initiate the blast according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements 5.5 Carry out and record activities according to blast plan |
6. Complete post blast activities | 6.1 Carry out post blast inspection according site requirements 6.2 Secure firing circuits and initiation device according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements 6.3 Report blasting completion to relevant personnel according to site requirements 6.4 Carry out post-blast coordination and declare area safe for re-entry according to site requirements 6.5 Inspect site and address non-conformities according to site requirements 6.6 Identify and dispose of surplus, damaged and deteriorated and explosives and detonators according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements 6.7 Confirm emergency services are advised of the disposal activities according to site requirements 6.8 Complete reports according to site requirements |
7. Carry out equipment maintenance | 7.1 Carry out inspection and required maintenance according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements 7.2 Complete maintenance records according to site requirements |
Evidence of Performance
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:
conduct underground production shotfiring on at least two occasions, including:
planning and preparing for shotfiring
supervising the storage and transport of explosives and accessories
preparing for charging and charge holes
conducting the blast
completing post-blast activities
carrying out equipment maintenance.
During the above, the candidate must:
locate and apply relevant documentation and procedures and confirm work activity is compliant
work effectively with others to conduct underground production shotfiring operations in a way that meets all of the required outcomes, including;
complying with reporting requirements and procedures
communicating clearly and concisely with others to:
receive and clarify work instructions
resolve coordination requirements.
Evidence of Knowledge
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 legislation required to conduct underground production shotfiring, including those relating to:
dangerous goods requirements
storage and segregation of explosives
misfires
records and reporting requirements
key procedures and documentation required to conduct underground production shotfiring, including:
blasting management and blast plan
site security plan
Australian standards and code of practice relating to underground shotfiring
techniques for applying site environmental, geological and survey information
site environmental requirements and constraints, including those relating to:
chemicals
airborne contaminates, including dust and fumes
noise, vibration and airblast overpressure
hot, reactive and fibrous ground
types, physical and technical characteristics, uses and limitations of explosives, accessories, equipment and associated protection and management measures, including:
initiation systems
delayed blasts
cause and management of misfires
explosives disposal methods
principles and techniques for underground production shotfiring risk management, including those for applying appropriate controls to identified risks
principles and techniques for inspecting addressing non
misfires
blockages
break through
deviation
undercut
ground conditions
ventilation
water/wet holes
principles and techniques for identifying and responding to relevant hazards and emergencies
techniques for coordinating job activities with others.
Assessment Conditions
Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:
include access to:
personal protective equipment
equipment required to conduct underground development shotfiring
be conducted in a safe environment; and,
be assessed in the context of this sector's work environment; and,
be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures and processes directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,
confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances.
Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated work environment* provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must be able to clearly demonstrate current and relevant industry knowledge and experience to satisfy the mandatory regulatory standards as set out in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/Australian Quality Training Framework mandatory requirements for assessors current at the time of assessment and any relevant licensing and certification requirements. This includes:
possessing and maintaining a current shotfirer’s licence issued by a state/territory regulatory body endorsed for the applicable type of blasting
vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed
current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided
current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment
formal relevant qualifications in training and assessment
having knowledge of and/or experience using the latest techniques and processes
possessing the required level of RII training product knowledge
having an understanding and knowledge of legislation and regulations relevant to the industry and to employment and workplaces
demonstrating the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence outlined in this unit of competency, and
the minimum years of current** work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit.
It is also acceptable for the appropriately qualified assessor to work with an industry expert to conduct assessment together and for the industry expert to be involved in the assessment judgement. The industry expert must have current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided. This means the industry subject matter expert must demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed:
Industry sector | AQF indicator level*** | Required assessor or industry subject matter expert experience |
Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Infrastructure | 1 | 1 year |
2 | 2 years | |
Drilling, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying), Metalliferous Mining and Civil Infrastructure | 3-6 | 3 years |
Other sectors | Where this unit is being assessed outside of the resources and infrastructure sectors assessor and/or industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation. |
*Guidance on simulated environments has been stipulated in the RII implementation guide located on VETNet.
**Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to industry by conducting a minimum number of site assessments as determined by the relevant industry sector, across various locations.
*** While a unit of competency does not have an AQF level, where a unit is being delivered outside of a qualification the first numeric character in the unit code should be considered as the AQF indicator level for assessment purposes.
Foundation Skills
Numeracy | Calculates measurements, masses and dimensions |
Reading | Identifies and interprets information from workplace documentation |
Self-management | Monitors and minimises own exposure to worksite risks and hazards during activities |
Sectors
Metalliferous mining (underground)