This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply spontaneous combustion management measures in coal mining. It includes applying mine atmosphere monitoring systems and control measures to eliminate or minimise spontaneous combustion risks.

It applies to those working in operational roles. They generally work under supervision to undertake a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures and take some responsibility for the quality of work outcomes.

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 spontaneous combustion management measures on at least two occasions, including:

applying mine atmosphere monitoring systems, including:

portable (hand held) monitoring

status monitoring, including:

physical indications of spontaneous combustion

gaseous indications of spontaneous combustion

changes in ventilation conditions

defective seals

applying control measures to eliminate or minimise spontaneous combustion risks, including:

grouting

digging-out

water infusion.

During the above, the candidate must:

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

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for spontaneous combustion management measures, including:

accessing, interpreting and applying general information on spontaneous combustion

recognising and reporting incidents and potential hazards associated with spontaneous combustion

identifying mine ventilation structures

work effectively with others to plan, prepare and conduct the application of spontaneous combustion management measures including:

organising work activities to meet task requirements

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

complying with reporting requirements and procedures.

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 spontaneous combustion management measures

key policies, procedures and documentation required to apply spontaneous combustion management measures, those relating to:

work health and safety

environmental issues

hazard and risk management

mine operational activities

housekeeping

principles and techniques for identifying and managing mine gases, including:

methane

carbon dioxide

hydrogen sulphide

normal atmospheric gases

carbon monoxide

spontaneous combustion causes and hazards, including:

coal stowage hazards, including:

spillage coal

waste products

physical spontaneous combustion indicators, including:

smoke

haze

sweating

smell

heat

principles and techniques for applying spontaneous combustion management plan requirements, including procedures for:

mine atmosphere monitoring

reporting requirements

ventilation systems and usage

mine plan

action plan

response plans

emergency procedures

individual group responsibilities

mine ventilation structures, including:

stoppings

overcasts

regulators

preparation seals

fire doors

bulk heads

goaf seals

final seals

pressure chambers

techniques for interpreting and applying geological data

principles and techniques for applying gas monitoring systems

principles and techniques for applying spontaneous combustion reporting measures

principles and techniques for applying mine atmosphere monitoring systems, including:

portable (hand held) monitoring

collection of bag samples

status monitoring, including:

physical indications of spontaneous combustion

gaseous indications of spontaneous combustion

changes in ventilation conditions

defective seals

damage to monitoring systems/equipment

principles and techniques for applying control measures for eliminating or minimising spontaneous combustion risks, including:

grouting

digging-out

sealing

water infusion

inertisation

key characteristics, capabilities and limitations of equipment required for spontaneous combustion management

principles and techniques for addressing, reporting and responding to relevant hazards and emergencies

site requirements for completing maintenance records and reports, including reporting ventilation status

basic techniques for communicating job activities with others.

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

include access to:

personal protective equipment

equipment required to apply spontaneous combustion management measures

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