Application
This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to conduct digestion process in Metalliferous mining.
This unit is appropriate for those working in operational roles.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare for digestion operations | 1.1. Access, interpret and apply digestion process documentation and ensure the work activity is compliant 1.2. Obtain read, , interpret, clarify and confirm work requirements 1.3. Coordinate activity and communicate with other personnel using approved communication methods 1.4. Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities 1.5. Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment for work activities 1.6. Perform equipment pre-start checks to ensure equipment is ready for operation 1.7. Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues, and implement control measures 1.8. Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for fire/accident/emergency 1.9. Use approved dust suppression and extraction methods 1.10. Ensure area is well ventilated before entry into work area |
2. Start-up digestion equipment in sequence | 2.1. Carry out start-up procedures and complete start-up checks according to plant configurations and system requirements 2.2 Confirm plant is operational |
3. Operate and monitor digestion equipment | 3.1. Read and interpret and apply data from equipment indicators to determine efficiency 3.2. Continuously inspect and monitor operations/plant and catchment areas to digestion process defects and potential problems 3.3. Adjust equipment to approved operating parameters to optimise and maintain efficient digestion and to meet product quality targets 3.4. Determine the effects adjustments have on upstream or downstream outputs and communicate to others 3.5. Add reagents to approved operating parameters 3.6. Complete all required written documentation clearly, concisely and on time 3.7. Pass on end of shift information verbally or in writing to oncoming shift |
4. Shutdown in sequence and/or isolate digestion equipment | 4.1. Shutdown or isolate equipment based on process and safety requirements 4.2. Perform post shutdown or isolation checks 4.3. Return equipment to service |
5. Conduct housekeeping activities | 5.1. Clear work area and dispose of or recycle materials 5.2. Clean and maintain condition of digestion equipment, ensure suitability for use, and address/report issues 5.3. Manage and/or report hazards, and maintain a safe working environment 5.4. Process records |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:
locates and applies relevant documentation, policies and procedures
implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the digestion process including:
conducting prestart, shutdown and secure of equipment
identifying and reporting all potential hazards, risks, environmental issues
applying operational safety requirements
accessing, interpreting and applying technical information
determine the range of causes that impact on digestion
works effectively with others to undertake and complete the digestion process in a way that meets all of the required outcomes including:
using a range of communications techniques and equipment to convey information to others
maintaining written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures
communicating clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instruction
demonstrates completion of the digestion process that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:
coordinating digestion activity with others
adjusting equipment and communicating effects upstream and downstream
adding reagents
isolating and shutting down digestion equipment in sequence and perform checks
returning digestion equipment to service
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of conducting digestion processes through:
applying organisation and site requirements and procedures for conducting the digestion process including:
site procedures
wet and dry working conditions
site safety requirements
isolation procedures
WHS procedures
operational procedures and checks
emergency procedures
environmental procedures
equipment safety requirements
hazardous goods procedures and consequences of spills and hazardous goods
breakdown procedures
using hand and power tools
pumping system and flow charts (pipeline and sprinkler systems)
sampling
diagnosing and interpreting faults
identifying, managing and reporting hazards
handling hazardous goods
interpreting reports
using lift (manual, cranes and loads)
accurately maintaining records
identifying and reporting defects
applying safe work practices
troubleshooting
identifying contaminants
complying with digestion process (basic)
identifying equipment limitations and operating parameters
complying with equipment safety requirements
identifying repair requirements
interpreting metallurgical and technical data (basic)
identifying reagent types
identifying types of ores (basic)
Assessment Conditions
An assessor of this unit must satisfy the requirements of the NVR/AQTF or their successors; and Industry regulations for certification and licensing; and,
this unit must be assessed in the context of this sector’s work environment; and,
this unit must be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures, processes and operational manuals directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,
assessment may be conducted in conjunction with the assessment of other Units of Competency; and,
assessment must confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances; and,
assessors must demonstrate the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence as outlined in this Unit of Competency, and through the minimum years of current* work experience specified below in an Industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or,
where the assessor does not meet experience requirements a co-assessment or partnership arrangement must exist between the qualified assessor and an Industry subject matter expert. The Industry subject matter expert should hold the unit being assessed (or an equivalent unit) and/or demonstrate equivalence of skills and knowledge at the unit level. An Industry technical expert must also demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience specified below in the Industry sector, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed; and,
assessor and Industry subject matter expert requirements differ depending on the Australian Qualifications Framework Level (AQF) of the qualification being assessed and/or Industry Sector as follows:
Industry sector | AQF** Level | Required assessor or Industry subject matter expert experience |
Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Construction | 1 | 1 Year |
2 | 2 Years | |
Drilling, Coal Mining and Extractive (Quarrying) | 3-6 | 3 Years |
Metalliferous Mining and Civil Construction | 3-6 | 5 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. |
*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 frequent site assessments across various locations.
**Where a unit is being delivered outside of a Qualification the first numeric character in the Unit code should be considered to indicate the AQF level
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit. Further information is available in the Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package Companion Volume.
Sectors
Metalliferous mining