Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to operate breaker line supports in coal mining, including tramming and positioning breaker line supports.
It applies to those working in operational roles. They generally work under minimal supervision to undertake a broad range of tasks 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 operate breaker line supports | 1.1 Obtain, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements 1.2 Access, interpret and apply documentation required to operate breaker line supports 1.3 Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures according to site requirements 1.4 Select and wear personal protective equipment according to site requirements 1.5 Access, interpret and apply mine environmental, geological and survey data according to site requirements 1.6 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures and identify steps required to respond to emergencies |
2. Tram and position breaker line supports | 2.1 Coordinate activities with others within scope of own role 2.2 Carry out prestart and start-up procedures according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements 2.3 Operate breaker line support equipment according to job and site requirements 2.4 Monitor hazards and risks and confirm safe operation of plant and equipment 2.5 Carry out shutdown, isolation and secure equipment procedures according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements |
3. Carry out operator maintenance | 3.1 Prepare machine and equipment for maintenance according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements 3.2 Conduct inspection and fault finding according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements 3.3 Carry out scheduled maintenance tasks according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements 3.4 Carry out housekeeping activities according to site requirements 3.5 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:
operate breaker line supports on at least two occasions, including:
tramming and positioning breaker line supports
confirming work requirements details, including:
machines and machine defects
cutting sequences
cut cycles
required survey data and environment information
geological conditions
hazards and potential hazards
completing coordination with others involved, including:
shuttle car operator
cable handler
tradespersons
miner driver
deputy.
During the above the candidate must:
locate and apply relevant documentation, policies and procedures and confirm work activity is compliant
implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for operating breaker line supports, including:
reading, interpreting, applying and communicating technical information
identifying and minimising environmental issues, potential hazards and risks
selecting and using relevant tools and equipment
complying with environmental requirements and constraints
identifying work requirements
applying diagnostic and fault finding techniques
interpreting mine survey and geological data
maintaining equipment records
work effectively with others to undertake and complete operate breaker line supports in a way that meets required outcomes, 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
determining coordination requirements throughout work activities.
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 operate breaker line supports
key policies, procedures and documentation required to operate breaker line supports
breaker line supports characteristics, techniques capabilities and limitations, including:
tramming
positioning
storing
setting
lowering
radio/pendant controls
cable handling
shutdown procedures
mine ventilation system characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations
principles and techniques for confirming key work requirements relating to breaker line supports, including:
machines and machine defects
cutting sequences
cut cycles
required survey data and environment information
geological conditions
hazards and potential hazards
coordination requirements/issues
techniques for applying mine environmental, geological and survey data, including:
ventilation/gas data
deputy reports
geological data
survey data
longitudinal and cross sectional survey plans
principles and techniques for identifying and responding to relevant hazards and emergencies
site requirements for housekeeping, completing maintenance records and reporting requirements
techniques for coordinating and communicating job activities with others, including:
shuttle car operator
cable handler
tradespersons
miner driver
deputy.
Assessment Conditions
Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:
include access to:
breaker line supports
personal protective equipment
equipment required to operate breaker line supports
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 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.
Foundation Skills
Numeracy | Calculates basic measurements including mass and dimensions |
Reading | Identifies and interprets information from site requirements, documentation |
Self-management | Monitors and minimises own exposure to worksite risks and hazards during activities |
Writing | Completes maintenance records using sector |
Sectors
Coal mining (underground)