This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out prestart and routine checks, and to proceed to exploration site and carry out operator maintenance in metalliferous mining.

It applies to those working in operational roles. They generally perform tasks involving a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures and may involve some discretion and judgement in selecting equipment, services and 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.

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:

mobilise equipment and materials on at least two occasions, including:

performing start-up and safety checks according to organisation and supplier/manufacturer specifications

driving with the minimum of damage to vehicles, equipment and structures

operating vehicle in a safe manner in a range of conditions, including on and off road

navigating to destination site for delivery of equipment and materials

performing routine checks and maintenance, and minor repairs

using written and verbal communication to coordinate activity

completing all required documentation.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply required, documentation, policies and procedures

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for the completion of mobilising equipment and materials, including:

applying communication and recording skills

performing manual and mechanical handling

driving laden vehicles (on and off road)

performing basic maintenance skills

applying knots, load securing devices and attachment points for loaded vehicles

applying recovery techniques for bogged plant/vehicles

acquiring required licenses and permits

applying diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures

work with others to mobilise materials and equipment that meets all of the required outcomes, including:

communicating information to base or other vehicles.

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 established requirements for mobilising equipment and materials, including those for:

safe carrying of loads

operational maintenance

driving, recovering and washing vehicles

emergencies

workplace health and safety

housekeeping

reasons loads shift and methods of preventing shifting

number and types of lashings to apply, fixing points and basic knots

procedures for applying a range of acquired safety and survival skills

hydraulic systems, components and cleanliness requirements

internal combustion motors and the major components.

Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:

include access to:

personal protective equipment

equipment required to mobilise equipment and materials

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:

*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.

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.

Metalliferous mining