Application
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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare to apply spontaneous combustion management plan | 1.1 Obtain, interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements 1.2 Access, interpret and apply spontaneous combustion management plan documentation and confirm work activity is compliant 1.3 Identify, clarify and communicate roles and responsibilities to personnel involved according to spontaneous combustion management plan 1.4 Identify and obtain resources required to apply spontaneous combustion plan 1.5 Identify training needs for personnel involved according to spontaneous combustion management plan and within scope of own role |
2. Identify and explain fundamentals of spontaneous combustion hazards and risks | 2.1 Identify fundamentals of spontaneous combustion 2.2 Identify and explain effects of mine gases and barometric variations in terms of spontaneous combustion risks 2.3 Identify and explain hazards associated with goaf and waste working atmosphere in terms of spontaneous combustion risks 2.4 Identify impact of ventilation and ventilation structures in terms of spontaneous combustion risks 2.5 Identify spontaneous combustion risks associated with coal stowage |
3. Identify and explain the fundamentals of spontaneous combustion control systems and procedures | 3.1 Identify principles of ventilation design and related procedures and their impact on spontaneous combustion management 3.2 Identify methods and purposes of natural and induced inertisation in goaf and waste workings in terms of spontaneous combustion risks 3.3 Identify method, purpose, operation and procedures for installation of mine atmosphere monitoring systems in terms of spontaneous combustion risks |
4. Identify and apply resources to spontaneous combustion management plan | 4.1 Identify, access, interpret and apply legislative and site requirements 4.2 Identify, interpret and apply procedures and own responsibilities according to spontaneous combustion management plan 4.3 Monitor actions of work group to confirm spontaneous combustion procedures are carried out according to spontaneous combustion plan 4.4 Identify situations where trigger levels are reached and apply response procedures to situations according to spontaneous combustion plan 4.5 Participate in development and review of spontaneous combustion management procedures according to spontaneous combustion plan and site requirements |
5. Identify and respond to spontaneous combustion indicators | 5.1 Identify, monitor and investigate spontaneous combustion indicators according to spontaneous combustion plan and site requirements 5.2 Respond to and report on indicators according to spontaneous combustion plan and site requirements |
6. Apply mine atmosphere monitoring systems and procedures | 6.1 Conduct mine atmosphere monitoring, interpret results and prepare and process reports according to site requirements 6.2 Identify and report defects to monitoring systems and, where appropriate affect repairs as required according to site requirements |
7. Apply spontaneous combustion control measures | 7.1 Identify, investigate and report changes in ventilation that may affect spontaneous combustion according to site requirements 7.2 Report incidents of connection to other workings and take action according to spontaneous combustion management plan and site requirements 7.3 Identify, rectify and report defects to ventilation structures and seals according to spontaneous combustion management plan and site requirements 7.4 Identify hazards associated with coal accumulations and transport systems and apply action according to spontaneous combustion management plan and site requirements 7.5 Apply spontaneous combustion emergency and evacuation procedures according to spontaneous combustion management plan and 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:
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.
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 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.
Assessment Conditions
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:
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 resourcing requirements and performs mathematical calculations |
Oral communication | Conveys information and requirements clearly and listens actively |
Reading | Identifies and interprets relevant information from workplace procedures, documentation and legislation |
Writing | Prepares specific information that complies with requirements, using sector-specific vocabulary, grammatical structures and conventions |
Sectors
Coal mining (underground)