Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct cage operations in coal and metalliferous mining, including transporting explosives and monitoring and managing cage performance.
It applies to those working in operational roles. They generally work under minimal supervision to undertake a broad range of tasks 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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare for conducting cage operations | 1.1 Access, interpret, confirm and clarify shift changeover details 1.2 Access, interpret and apply documentation required for conducting cage operations 1.3 Select and wear personal protective equipment according to site requirements 1.4 Perform equipment and work area prestart checks according to site requirements 1.5 Check records for outstanding maintenance/inspections and recorded defects and respond according to site requirements 1.6 Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues and implement control measures according to site requirements 1.7 Carry out start-up procedures and confirm work area is clear for operations according to site requirements |
2. Operate cage | 2.1 Load cage according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements 2.2 Position and secure loads in, or attached to, cage according to job requirements 2.3 Communicate with relevant personnel within scope of own role 2.4 Operate cage according to manufacturer specifications and job requirements 2.5 Monitor and manage cage performance using appropriate indicators 2.6 Complete documentation according to site requirements 2.7 Pass on end of shift information to oncoming shift according to site requirements |
3. Transport explosives in the cage | 3.1 Identify explosives used on site 3.2 Determine and confirm the segregation and separation of detonators and explosives 3.3 Secure and transport blasting agents and explosives according to job and site requirements 3.4 Track and record movement of explosives and detonators according to site requirements |
4. Carry out operator maintenance | 4.1 Isolate cage according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements 4.2 Service and make minor adjustments to equipment according to manufacturer specifications and site requirements 4.3 Restore cage operations according to manufacturer specifications 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:
conduct cage operations on at least two occasions, including:
completing start-up procedures
transporting explosives
monitoring and managing cage performance using indicators
isolating, servicing, cleaning and adjusting the cage.
During the above, the candidate must:
locate and apply relevant documentation, policies and procedures and confirm work activity is compliant
work effectively with others to conduct cage operations in a way that meets required outcomes, including:
organising work activities to meet 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 conduct cage operations, including those relating to:
mining safety and health
mine inspection
work health and safety
explosives
key policies, procedures and documentation required to conduct cage operations
techniques for identifying defects relevant to cage operations through inspection or observation
characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations of cage types, systems, operations and relevant equipment, including:
cage capacity variables, including:
efficient and safe operating speed
personnel carrying capacity
operating limitations
type of activities performed
weight and/or load limitations
cage loads, including:
people
automotive diesel fuel
explosives (including detonators)
consumables
drilling equipment
track and trackless vehicles
materials
indicators, including:
computer indicators
cage indicators
communication and signalling systems
trip and fault procedures and abnormal conditions
communication system between cage and winder
isolation and permit-to-work procedures
mine ventilation systems
in-shaft communication equipment
principles and techniques for securing, transporting and tracking movements of explosives in cage operations
principles and techniques for identifying and responding to relevant hazards and emergencies
site requirements for processing records and reporting requirements
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:
cage
personal protective equipment
equipment required to conduct cage operations
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 basic measurements including masses and dimensions |
Reading | Identifies and interprets information from workplace documentation and legislation |
Self-management | Monitors and minimises own exposure to worksite risks and hazards during activities |
Writing | Completes workplace reports using sector |
Sectors
Coal mining
Metalliferous mining