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, organisational and site requirements and procedures
OHS legislation
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian Standards, including AS/NZS 4360
industry guidelines and codes of practice
International Cyanide Management Code
safety and health management system
hazardous substances management, including material safety data sheets (MSDS)
Cyanide may include:
sodium cyanide briquettes
flake calcium cyanide
liquid sodium cyanide
cyanide slurry solution
Mine site safe operating procedures may include:
awareness and access to emergency exits
carrying out safety checks (e.g. checking HCN levels)
emergency procedures (e.g. Cyanide spills)
First Aid procedures
hazard identification and recognition procedures
work access permit
housekeeping standards
decontamination procedures
cyanide destruction procedures
cyanide disposal procedures
change management procedures
observing smoking restrictions at certain locations or times or during specific activities
observing site speed limits
occupational health, safety and environment procedures around equipment, vehicles and personnel
isolation and tagging procedures (e.g. out-of-service tags, danger tags, restrictive operations tags)
use of barricades and guards
use of fire extinguishers
hazardous substances safety procedures, including use of material safety data sheets (MSDS)
use of two-way radios and site telephones
wearing personal protective equipment
control of and working in confined spaces
ensuring ventilation is operating
ensuring safety showers are operating
awareness of and access to escape ways
sign and barricade erection (including cleaning of signs)
Potential hazards, risks and emergencies may include:
personal safety including cyanide or HCN exposure
plant emergency shut down in the event of a cyanide spill
environment (e.g. seepage, emissions, chemical spills, pollution, anything detrimental to fauna and flora)
changes, which may include:
delivery of unknown materials
broken down vehicles or equipment
changes by suppliers
changes of personnel
Personal protective equipment may include:
eye protection (e.g. glasses)
protective clothing (e.g. gloves, safety boots, helmet, long sleeved shirt, trousers and disposable clothing)
chemical/gas detectors HCN
respiratory devices
Self rescue equipment may include:
respiratory devices / breathing apparatus
oxygen therapy units

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 safe handling, storage and use of cyanide within the gold mining industry
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the handling, storage and use of cyanide within the gold mining industry
working with others to undertake and complete the safe handling, storing and using of cyanide within the gold mining industry that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of the safe handling, storage and use of cyanide in the gold mining industry 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
consistently achieving the required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to undertake and complete the safe handling, storing and using of cyanide in the gold mining industry
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.