This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply the spontaneous combustion management plans in underground coal mining. It includes applying mine atmosphere monitoring systems and procedures and spontaneous combustion control measures.

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

applying spontaneous combustion management plan procedures, including:

mine atmosphere monitoring

reporting requirements

ventilation systems and usage

inertisation techniques

mine plan

action plans

response plans

emergency procedures

individual and group responsibilities

training needs analysis

applying mine atmosphere monitoring, including:

continuous monitoring

portable (hand held) monitoring

collection of bag samples

gas chromatography

ventilation measurements from all areas of the mine

waste workings

seal inspections

identifying spontaneous combustion indicators, including:

smoke

haze

sweating

smell

heat

production of carbon monoxide

hydrogen

carbon dioxide

methane

higher hydrocarbons

using indicator ratios, including CO make and Graham’s ratio.

During the above, the candidate must:

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

implement requirements, procedures and techniques for applying spontaneous combustion management plans, including:

accessing, interpreting, communicating and applying:

technical information

records and reports

briefing and handover details

planning and coordinating work

conducting mine atmosphere monitoring

conducting inspections related to spontaneous combustion

interpreting and recording data related to spontaneous combustion

interpreting and responding to spontaneous combustion indicators and ratios

identifying and investigating incidents and potential hazards associated with spontaneous combustion

applying spontaneous combustion control procedures or methods

work effectively with others to apply spontaneous combustion management plans in a manner that meets required outcomes, including:

organising work activities to meet all 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.

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 plans

key procedures and documentation required to apply spontaneous combustion management plans, including those relating to:

applying risk assessment and management processes

identifying and managing environmental issues, hazards and risks and identifying environmental monitoring systems

fundamentals of spontaneous combustion, including:

causes and effects

indicators and trigger points, including:

smoke

haze

sweating

smell

heat

production of carbon monoxide

hydrogen

carbon dioxide

methane

higher hydrocarbons

methods of control

sealing procedures

relationships with mine systems, including:

mine designs and plans

mine gases

mine and goaf ventilation systems

principles and techniques for mine atmosphere monitoring, including:

continuous monitoring

portable (hand held) monitoring

collection of bag samples

gas chromatography

ventilation measurements from all areas of the mine

waste workings

techniques for identifying individual training needs

principles and techniques for using indicator ratios, including CO make and Graham’s ratio.

impacts of coal seam characteristics and geological conditions on spontaneous combustion

principles, processes and techniques for emergency responses, evacuations and disaster planning

techniques for coordinating and communicating job activities with others.

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

include access to:

spontaneous combustion management plan

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)