Application
This unit is appropriate for those working in a supervisory role or as a technical specialist, at worksites within:
Coal mining
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare for the identification and recognition of hazards | 1.1. Identify the fundamentals of spontaneous combustion 1.2. Identify hazards related to mine gases and variations in barometric pressure 1.3. Identify the effects of mine ventilation structures and the potential to bring about spontaneous combustion 1.4. Identify and clarify physical spontaneous combustion indicators relevant to the work area 1.5. Identify and clarify gaseous spontaneous combustion indicators relevant to the work area. 1.6. Identify the range of causes of spontaneous combustion hazards related to the underground coal stowage and conveyor systems |
2. Identify and clarify operational requirements and control measures | 2.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity 2.2. Identify methods and purposes of the mine atmosphere monitoring systems 2.3. Identify the methods and purposes of control measures for the elimination or minimisation of spontaneous combustion risks |
3. Implement and contribute to spontaneous combustion management measures | 3.1. Monitor and report on the spontaneous combustion status of the local work area 3.2. Minimise hazards associated with the stowage of coal through: inspections and monitoring; maintenance of high standards of housekeeping; timely reporting of situations requiring further actions 3.3. Identify and report errors or omissions in spontaneous combustion procedures |
Required Skills
Required skills |
Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following, as required to apply spontaneous combustion management measures: apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for the application of spontaneous combustion management measures access, interpret, apply: general information on spontaneous combustion site/legislative requirements with respect to spontaneous combustion records and reports briefings and handover details plan and organise work recognise and report incidents and potential hazards associated with spontaneous combustion |
Required knowledge |
Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to apply spontaneous combustion management measures: spontaneous combustion causes and hazards spontaneous combustion management plan requirements mine ventilation structures mine gases geological data hazard assessment procedure mine operation procedures gas monitoring systems spontaneous combustion indicators general housekeeping and reporting measures with respect to spontaneous combustion |
Evidence Required
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. | |
Overview of assessment | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following: knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for the application of spontaneous combustion management measures implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the application of spontaneous combustion management measures working with others to plan, prepare and conduct the application of spontaneous combustion management measures evidence of the consistent successful application of spontaneous combustion management measures |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills. Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job. Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity. Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. |
Method of assessment | This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods: written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's: implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes consistent achievement of required outcomes first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's: working with others to undertake and complete the application of spontaneous combustion management measures provision of clear and timely instruction and supervision by the individual of those involved in the conduct of the application of spontaneous combustion management measures |
Guidance information for assessment | Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues. |
Range Statement
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. | |
Relevant compliance documentation may include: | legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures manufacturer's guidelines and specifications management plans OHS policy Australian standards Employment and workplace relations legislation Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation |
Hazards resulting from spontaneous combustion may include: | production of noxious and irrespirable gases fires explosive mixtures |
Mine gases may include seam gases or gases from other than mined seam such as: | methane carbon dioxide hydrogen sulphide normal atmospheric gases carbon monoxide |
Ventilation structures may include: | stoppings overcasts regulators preparation seals fire doors bulk heads goaf seals final seals pressure chambers |
Physical spontaneous combustion indicators may include: | smoke haze sweating smell heat |
Gaseous spontaneous combustion indicators may include increased production of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and hydrocarbons or the use of indicator ratios such as: | CO make Graham's ratio other ratios as determined suitable |
Coal stowage hazards may include: | spillage coal waste products |
Mine atmosphere monitoring systems may include: | continuous monitoring portable (hand held) monitoring collection of bag samples gas chromatography ventilation measurements status monitoring, including: physical indications of spontaneous combustion gaseous indications of spontaneous combustion changes in ventilation conditions defective seals damage to monitoring systems / equipment |
Spontaneous combustion management plan may include procedures for: | mine atmosphere monitoring reporting requirements auditing ventilation systems and usage inertisation techniques mine plan action plan response plans emergency procedures individual group responsibilities training and education procedures |
Minimisation of risks may include: | inspections and monitoring maintenance of high standards of housekeeping timely reporting of situation requiring further actions |
Control measures for the elimination or minimisation of spontaneous combustion risks may include: | grouting digging-out sealing water infusion inertisation |
Sectors
Coal Mining (Underground)
Competency Field
Refer to Unit Sector(s).
Co-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Refer to Unit Descriptor.