This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply and monitor underground coal mine emergency preparedness and response systems, including coordinating and controlling responses to incidents and participating in incident and procedure audits, debriefs and reviews.

It applies to those working in supervisory roles. They generally perform a broad range of operational activities in their area of responsibility and are responsible for monitoring a safe work environment.

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:

apply and monitor underground coal mine emergency preparedness and response systems on at least two occasions, including:

isolating potential risks and hazards using barricading techniques

identifying, assessing and communicating types and scope of incidents

collating, analysing and validating emergency preparedness and response data

locating and applying emergency equipment

participating in audits, debriefs and reviews of incidents and procedures.

During the above, the candidate must:

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

implement procedures and techniques for applying and monitoring underground coal mine emergency preparedness and response systems, including:

assessing the situation and making decisions

developing and applying contingency plans

questioning others involved to determine accurate details

emergency response, evacuation and action plans

accessing, interpreting and applying technical and safety information

managing risks and hazards

locating and setting up a fresh air base

collating, interpreting and reporting incident/emergency data

work effectively with others to apply and monitor underground coal mine emergency preparedness and response systems that meets required outcomes, including:

complying with reporting requirements and procedures

communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions

communicating clearly and concisely with others to coordinate work activities

operating emergency communication systems.

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 apply and monitor underground coal mine emergency preparedness and response systems

key procedures and documentation required to apply and monitor underground coal mine emergency preparedness and response systems, including:

audit and review processes and techniques

emergency preparedness and response plans

call-out procedures

emergency response and evacuation planning processes and techniques, including:

escape strategies and technologies

equipment requirements for different types of emergency

guidance systems and markers

trigger points to initiate emergency response to alarms

location and record of personnel under their control

structure of emergency procedures guidelines

intervention and control techniques for incidents and emergencies, including:

heating

fires

explosions

outburst

inrush

mine environmental risks and controls

roles of external agencies

structure, role and responsibilities of the incident control

types of adverse environmental conditions, hazards and incidents on a mine site, including effects of hot and humid atmospheres

techniques for communicating and coordinating work activities with others.

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

include access to:

underground coal mine emergency preparedness and response documentation

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 Companion Volume 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.

Coal mining (underground)