Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this competency standard. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

Which property policies may be defined in explosives applications?
The enterprise, safety procedures, qualified personnel, methods of signage and notification, and the requirements for property records.

What tasks requiring the use of explosive products may be included?
Fragmentation or displacement.

Who might be included in the term supervisor?
The site foreman, property manager or contractor.

What side effects of blasting may be considered?
Ground vibration, air blast, fly rock, fumes and noise.

What alternatives to the use of explosives may be considered?
A range of earthmoving machinery operations and a range of manual activities.

What may be included in explosives selection?
Explosive compounds, detonators and primers.

What might bulk charges be?
Commercially procured explosives/blasting agents or ammonium nitrate/Fuel Oil (ANFO) and compounds mixed on site.

Which explosives compounds may be included?
Water gels, slurries, emulsions, ammonium nitrate explosives (ANFO), black powder or special purpose explosives.

How might detonation be initiated?
By chemical or electrical means.

Which non-electric detonators with signal tubes attached may be included?
Instantaneous or delay types.

Which properties of explosives and blasting agents may be considered?
Density, bulk and weight strength, Velocity of Detonation (VOD), effective energy, sensitivity (both to temperature and shock) and critical diameter, water resistance, reaction products, handling characteristics, price/unit for mass and energy, and primer requirements.

How might commercial explosives be accidentally/inadvertently ignited?
By heat, shock or impact.

What detonation methods may be included?
Use of plain, electrical or non-electrical detonators and may be instantaneous or delayed.

What do the primers used for rural applications usually consist of?
A stick of detonator sensitive explosive to which the detonator or detonating cord is attached.

What is the usual method of initiation of ANFO?
By way of a primer, initiated by a safety fuse and/or detonating cord.

What firing systems for explosive charge elements may be included?
Safety fuse, plain or non-electric detonators, primer of detonator sensitive explosive, wires, electric detonators, plain detonating cord and delay detonators.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in identifying and selecting explosive products requires evidence that explosive products have been correctly identified and selected according to enterprise guidelines and industry best practice. The skills and knowledge required to identify and select explosive products must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different explosive products, situations and local conditions.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:

Identification of the components of various explosive products.
Indications for the uses of various explosive products.
Performance of various explosive products, the behaviour of the substrate material (e.g., sand, soil, rock, etc.) when subject to blasting.
Jobs requiring the use of explosives (e.g., blowing stumps, rabbit warrens, excavating a dam site and excavation requirements, fence post holes, tree or vine holes, rock floaters, etc.).
Particular properties of explosives/blasting agents and their suitability for particular purposes.
Australian Standards - A2187.1 1998: Storage and land transport.
Australian Standards - A2187.2 1993: Explosives - storage, transport and use.
Australian Standards - A2187.0 1998: Explosives - Glossary of terms.
Other State and Territory legislation.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Examine explosives and determine their classification.
Select explosives for particular tasks.
Complete accurate work reports and interviews.
Estimate the likely effect of explosives on structures, personnel and livestock in the site vicinity.
Select appropriate fly-rock control devices, e.g., blasting mats as required.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Essential Assessment Information
For information about

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
With other staff, and all personnel involved in the activity. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through reports to supervisor and/or work team. (2)

Planning and organising activities
According to enterprise policies and guidelines and safe work practices. (2)

Working with others and in teams
In the identification and selection of explosive products. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Calculating quantities, timing and mixtures. (2)

Solving problems
Interpreting symbols and signage codes and labels. (2)

Using technology
Determining the amount and nature of explosive products and blast geometry required. (2)