RIIPGP202A
Handle reagents

This unit covers the handling of reagents in the metalliferous mining industry. It includes planning and preparing for reagent handling, starting up equipment in sequence, mixing reagents, adding reagents, transferring and storing reagents, shutting down in sequence and/or isolating equipment, and conducting housekeeping activities. 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.

Application

This unit is appropriate for those working in an assistant role at worksites within:

Metalliferous mining


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan and prepare for reagents handling

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity

1.2. Plan and prepare work

1.3. Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details

1.4. Communicate with other personnel using approved communication methods

1.5. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities

1.6. Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment for work activities

1.7. Perform equipment pre-start checks

1.8. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards

1.9. Identify, address and report environmental issues

1.10. Select appropriate reagents

1.11. Adhere to emergency procedures

1.12. Use approved fume suppression and extraction methods

2. Start-up 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. Mix reagents

3.1. Safely mix reagents to required parameters

3.2. Continuously inspect plant and identify defects and potential problems

4. Add reagents

4.1. Add reagent according to specified dosage and recommended location

4.2. Complete all required documentation clearly, concisely and on time

4.3. Pass on shift changeover details to oncoming shift

5. Transfer and store reagents

5.1. Transfer reagents

5.2. Store reagents in approved storage facility

5.3. Confirm sufficient quantities of reagents are maintained according to site requirements

6. Shutdown in sequence and/or isolate equipment

6.1. Shutdown or isolate equipment based on process and safety requirements

6.2. Perform post shutdown or isolation checks

7. Conduct housekeeping activities

7.1. Clean plant to maintain condition of all equipment

7.2. Manage and report hazards

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 handle reagents:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for handling reagents

operate, maintain and clean equipment

identify hazards

handle hazardous substances interpret reports

apply lifting techniques (manual, cranes and loads)

monitor operations

report defects

apply safe work practices

use hand and power tools

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 handle reagents:

contaminant identification

emergency procedures

environmental procedures

equipment limitations and operating parameters

equipment safety requirements

hazardous goods procedures and consequences of spills

identifying repair requirements

isolation procedures

metallurgical and technical data (basic)

occupational health and safety procedures

operational procedures and checks

reagent types and how to mix them

site procedures

site safety requirements

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 handling reagents

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of reagent handling

working with others to undertake and complete the handling of reagents that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of reagent handling that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

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 handling of reagents

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

Australian standards

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Auxiliary equipment may be anything that is portable and mobile that is not part of the fixed infrastructure, and may include:

feeders

gantry cranes and attachments and other mobile equipment

hand and power tools

hoses (water and air)

hydraulic units

pump systems

racks

radiation gauges

spray systems

Plant cleaning may include:

degreasing

high pressure cleaning

hosing with water

suction

Monitoring may include the checking of:

blockages and spillages

pressures

temperatures

Pre-start checks may include:

availability of equipment (e.g. conveyor)

detection of conditions that are unusual

fluid levels

job requirements

personnel availability

walk through plant

Post-shutdown checks are like pre-start checks.

Start-up procedures may include:

auxiliary check equipment

establish relevant communications

plant checks

safety mechanisms

shift changeover details

Storage may include:

box

silo

tank

Transfer of reagents may include:

conveyors

mobile equipment

pump-line

Reagent mixing may include:

automated

manual

some reagents may not require mixing

Environmental issues may include:

drainage

dust (dump)

emissions

flora and fauna

hazardous chemicals

noise

recycling

run-off

spills

waste management and disposal

water quality


Sectors

Processing


Competency Field

Refer to Unit Sector(s).


Co-Requisites

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor.