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
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
Work requirements and procedures may come from briefings, handovers, and work orders and may be written or verbal, formal or informal, depending on the complexity of the process and may include:
nature and scope of tasks
the drill pattern plan
achievement targets
operational conditions
dust suppression
site layout and out of bounds areas
worksite inspection requirements
lighting conditions
plant or equipment defects,
hazards and potential hazards
coordination requirements or issues
Geological data may include relevant site-specific information in relation to:
rock type and characteristics
faults and joints
water tables or other water sources
Survey data may include relevant site-specific information in relation to:
floor heights
bench widths
grades
Inspection of the work area may include:
identification of hazards
confirming geological and survey data, which may include:
high wall and low wall condition
amount of scale
stability of ground
broken ground
degree of compaction
dry and wet ground
location of water table
slope of working surface
old underground workings and voids
determination of appropriate path of movement for equipment
Preparation of the work area may include:
selection and implementation of control measures for the hazards identified
safeguarding site and non-site personnel by:
erection of barricades and posting of signs
selection of appropriate equipment to ensure personnel safety and protection
preparing floor, pads, roads, ramps and bench requirements
pads that are flat, sloping or benched
Potential hazards and risks may include:
abandoned equipment
adjoining pit walls
adverse weather conditions (electrical storms, floods, fires)
chemicals
contaminants
equipment
fences
holes
materials
over-hanging rocks
personnel
pot holes
unsafe ground
unstable faces
vehicles
Installed services
damaged or defective pressurised hoses and fastenings
powerlines
dust
noise
conveyors
overhead services
void
tow and bent rods
changing work conditions
void management
Coordination may include with:
shotfirer
mobile plant operators
processing plant operators
maintenance personnel
cable reelers
water truck operators
service vehicle operators
crane and float operators
contractors
other drillers
inspectors
supervisors
visitors
Drilling plan may be written or verbal, formal or informal, depending on the complexity of the process and may include:
access road plan
drill pattern
equipment and resource allocations/requirements
face plan
geological details
mine site
services
pre-start and start-up procedure may include:
external check of the machine
inspection of attachments to ensure security and identify defects
checking of fluid levels (windscreen washer tank, hydraulic oil, coolant, grease, water, engine oil, fuel)
carry out lubrication
checking of display instrumentation and gauges (indicators, gauges, laser levels), computer systems, engine and stop engine lights
inspection of air filter restriction indicator
inspection and checking of cab (horn, lights, air conditioner)
testing of engine and stop engine lights
testing visual and audio warning devices and lights
checking instruments and control lever
reporting of defects and damage
Pre-start and start-up procedures may include:
external check of the machine
checking and toping up fluid levels (including windscreen washer tank, hydraulic oil, coolant, grease, water, engine oil, fuel)
lubrication
inspection of attachments to ensure security and defects
instrument checks (indicators, gauges, laser levels, computer systems. engine and stop engine lights)
control lever checks
reporting defects and damage
air filter restriction indicator
cab (horn, lights, air conditioner)
visual and audio warning devices and lights
Park-up and shutdown procedures may include:
securing equipment as required by site procedures
rendering attachments safe
clearing access ways
Equipment may include:
witches hats
tapes, signs, flags, pegs
rope
measuring tape
cutting implements
lifting and handling equipment (winch, crane, block and tackles)
ancillary equipment (generators, pumps, lights, compressors, cleaning equipment, power tools and hand tools)
Operating techniques may include:
locating the drill, including using positioning systems (global or other)
setting up the drill
adding and removing drill steel, rods, pipes, casing and other down hole tools
stabilisation the drill angle
selecting and size and type
controlling drill depth
controlling speed
adjustment of feeds
controlling rotation and feed pressure,
controlling pull force
compacting
controlling the hammer
monitoring and adjusting associated equipment performance
applying dust suppression requirements
collaring of holes
rod handling
removing debris
working safely around:
overhead powerlines
other machines and personnel
Changing work conditions may include:
variation in drill angle
problems with face stability
variation in rock types or ground conditions
down hole problems
hole deviation
loss of circulation return
loss of rod or bit
rod or bit breakages
variations in weather conditions
day and night
encountering old workings
Monitoring of materials may include:
sampling
visual inspection
Relocate may include:
walking
driving
towing
transporting
cable location and handling
Routine operator service, maintenance and housekeeping may include:
scheduled servicing
changing bits, rods, shanks and drive bushes
greasing
bit sharpening and tool servicing
cleaning, which may include:
degreasing
forced air
steam cleaning
vacuum
water
centraliser/gate adjustment/repair
dust collector/filter bag changes
accumulator recharging
drifter travel alignment and changing
removing:
broken drill bits
rags
rock chips
Records and reports may include:
rotation and feed pressure
rods, bits and associated equipment usage
sampling records
work as completed sketches
bore hole collar levels
drilling rate (m/hr)
fuel usage
computer readings
end of shift documentation
supplies logs
work logs

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 conducting surface blast hole drilling operations
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient conducting of surface blast hole drilling operations
working with others to undertake and complete surface blast hole drilling operations that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of surface blast hole drilling operations 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.
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 the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to 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 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 surface blast hole drilling operations
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.