Elements and Performance Criteria

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, organisation and site requirements and procedures
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
code of practice
Employment and workplace relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Explosives may include:
high explosives (e.g. packaged and bulk high explosives)
low explosives (e.g. black powder)
deflagrating explosives (e.g. propellants used for secondary blasting)
detonators and detonator assemblies
detonating cords and accessories
fuses and igniter cords
Potential hazards may include:
broken detonator leads
dust and fumes
faulty equipment
faulty explosives
ground conditions
high air and water pressures
high voltage electricity
hydraulic oil pressure
lost holes
misfires
trespassers
radio frequencies and transmitters
EMF hazards (e.g. static electricity, lightning)
hot ground
Storage locations may include:
permanent licensed-to-store magazines
relocatable magazines
underground magazines
underground temporary storage
day boxes
on site temporary areas
designated transport vehicle
Environmental hazards may include:
the transmission of compression-tension elastic vibrations in both solids and gases
the generation and projection of elements, compounds and particulates from the site of explosion and related quantifiable damage
physical damage to the environment
damage to infrastructure
damage to fauna and flora
impact on human and domestic animal life and amenity
perceived and psychological-emotional disturbance
fluctuations and alterations of the hydrosphere
Blast plan requirements may include:
location
sleeping charges
equipment required
security measures and procedures
monitoring requirements
type and quantity of explosives and initiation methods
wet or dry holes
stemming material
Site inspections may include:
positioning stemming
cleaning up
weather check
fencing/signage and access routes
marking/hole identification
inspection
measuring holes
dewatering holes
Explosives and associated materials may include:
blasting agents
detonators
detonating cords
water gels or emulsions
bulk or packaged
shaped charges
permitted explosives
high explosives
propellants
pressure loaders (kettle)
detonation mechanisms including:
bell wire
delay mechanisms
initiators
meter readings
safety fuses and tapes
tape
exploders
circuit testers
connecting wire and cables
crimpers
approved chord cutters
stemming rods
loading poles
gas bags
decking
stemming
hole liner
blast monitoring equipment
firing cables/bell wire
remote firing equipment (e.g. PED)
Personnel may include:
shotfirers
magazine keepers
contractors
drillers
drivers
miners
visitors
trainees/apprentices
inspectors
licensed operators
maintenance staff
management
service personnel
supervisors
surveyors
tradespersons
Equipment may include:
vehicles approved for carrying dangerous goods and explosives
explosives mixers
pumps
plugs (to seal finished holes prior to loading)
measuring tape
cutting implements
blast monitoring systems
video cameras
Post-blast coordination may include:
withdrawal of sentries
return of unused explosives and equipment
removal of signs
turning off safety devices
ventilation of area
Site inspections may include:
positioning stemming
cleaning up
weather check
fencing/signage and access routes
marking/hole identification
inspection
measuring holes
dewatering holes
Documents, records, and reports may include:
records of purchase
records of carriage
records of consumption and disposal of explosives
cart notes
magazine records
blast designs
blast plans
shotfirer's reports
blast monitoring records
complaints, injury and accident reports
records of face profiling and bore tracking surveys, videotapes or photographs
records may be kept as papers, bound forms, field books, computer printouts, floppy disks, videotapes, digital recordings, specific or routine reports or logbooks
Misfires may be caused by:
faulty explosives or accessories
damaged or deteriorated explosives or accessories
improperly assembled explosives components
inappropriate or incomplete combinations of components
operator error or inexperience
inattention to detail or ignorance
environmental influences (e.g. wet weather or poor visibility)
Deteriorated explosives may show symptoms of:
exudation
efflorescence
sweating
liquefaction
hardening
softening
discoloration
crystallisation
staining
damage to wrappers and carcasses
damage to containers
physical wear and tear
kinking
abrasions and cuts
crushing
loss of identification labels and markings
exposure to the elements
Disposal methods may include:
burning by the shotfirers on site
detonation in a production drill hole
detonation in a controlled manner
return to supplier or delivery or surrender to an explosives inspector

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 the management of blasting operations
implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient management of blasting operations
working with others to plan, prepare and conduct blasting operations
provision of clear and timely instruction and supervision by the individual of those involved in blasting operations
evidence of the consistent successful management of blasting operations
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.
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.
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.
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 procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of the required outcomes
consistently achieving the required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to plan, prepare and conduct blasting operations
provision of clear and timely instruction and supervision by the individual of those involved in the conduct of the blasting operations
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.