Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct a blast survey in civil construction, coal and metalliferous mining and extractive sectors. It includes operating survey equipment, preparing survey reports and carrying out basic maintenance.
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.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare to conduct blast survey | 1.1 Access, interpret and apply blast survey documentation and confirm work activity is compliant 1.2 Identify, manage and report potential hazards, risks and environmental issues according to legislative and site requirements 1.3 Select and wear personal protective equipment according to site requirements 1.4 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and confirm steps required to respond to emergencies 1.5 Obtain, interpret and clarify survey parameters 1.6 Carry out survey equipment checks according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements |
2. Operate surveying equipment | 2.1 Carry out equipment set 2.2 Survey blast area according to job requirements 2.3 Prepare survey reports and report to appropriate personnel according to job and site requirements 2.4 Diagnose and rectify equipment faults according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements or report to appropriate personnel as required |
3. Carry out basic surveying equipment maintenance | 3.1 Carry out inspections and fault finding according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements 3.2 Carry out routine servicing and housekeeping according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements 3.3 Carry out minor maintenance according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements 3.4 Maintain 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 blast surveys on at least two occasions, including:
planning and preparing blast surveys
interpreting geological data
clarifying survey parameters
completing survey equipment checks
operating survey equipment
surveying blast area
preparing survey reports
carrying out basic 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 undertake and complete blast survey that meets required outcomes, including:
complying with reporting requirements and procedures
communicating clearly and concisely with others to:
receive and clarify work instructions
resolve coordination requirements within scope of own role.
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 procedures and documentation required to conduct blast surveys, including:
site plans and maps
types, characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations of blast survey equipment
manual and electronic survey techniques for set
linear measurement
angular measurement
techniques for interpreting and applying geological data, including:
rock types
structures
faults
intrusions
weathering
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 blast survey
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:
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
Civil construction
Coal mining
Extractive
Metalliferous mining