This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct local geotechnical risk control in surface operations, including identifying ground conditions and implementing geotechnical risk controls.

It applies to those working in operational roles. They generally work under minimal supervision to undertake a broad range of skilled applications 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.

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:

conduct local geotechnical risk control in surface operations on at least two occasions, including:

identifying ground conditions, including stable and unstable ground

identifying key pit design features

identifying and understanding the requirements of the ground control management plan relevant to own job role

selecting and using tools, equipment and techniques for the inspection of ground conditions

identifying and inspecting work areas for geotechnical hazards, including:

ground deformation

blocky ground

structure

subsidence

open cracks

water

loss of catch capacity

rock fall

overhanging walls

communicating geotechnical risks to relevant personnel

identifying and clarifying the location that requires ground controls and installing barricades.

During the above, the candidate must:

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

implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for conducting local geotechnical risk control in surface operations

working with others to conduct local geotechnical risk control in surface operations

communicate clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions and to resolve coordination requirements prior to commencing and during 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 policies, procedures and documentation required to conduct local geotechnical risk control in surface operations, including:

the ground control management plan

safe operating procedures

principles of basic geology, including:

rock types

geological processes

geological structures

common survey and slope design terminology and surface operation design parameters

characteristics, limitations and placement of plant and equipment to reduce exposure to geotechnical hazards, including:

exclusion zones

catch troughs

catch bunds

cab placement

safe load and dump methods

principles and techniques for the use of plant and equipment within manufacturer specifications

factors impacting on slope stability, including:

material properties

fault zones

blasting

pit wall profile

surface and ground water

changes in ground temperature

presence of underground workings

visual signs of ground instability, including:

blocky conditions

adverse jointing

tension cracks

batter movement or deformation

water seepage and infiltrations

rock fall

undercut/overhang

backbreak or underbreak techniques for controlling instability through:

excavation control and scaling

waste dump and stockpile formation methodology

groundwater and surface water control

principles and techniques for identifying relevant emergencies

recording and reporting according to workplace procedures

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:

personal and protective equipment

equipment required to conduct local geotechnical risk control in surface operations

relevant documentation

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.

This unit 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 RII 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

Extractive

Metalliferous mining