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.

What variations in the types of vehicles permitted to carry explosives may be relevant to this standard?
Individual State or Territory legislation may vary.

What variations in the quantities of explosives permitted to be transported may be relevant to this standard?
Individual State or Territory legislation may vary.

What maintenance of the integrity and security of transported explosives may be included?
Specification of emergency procedures, rest stops, and the separation of components including detonators and between classes of explosives.

Which areas in regard to storage of explosives may be considered?
Quantities, periods of storage, standards compliance, security and security monitoring, safety distances, signage, approvals and notifications.

What security procedures and systems may be included?
The provisions of AS Explosives Code - Storage and Transport; Australian Code for the transport of explosives by Road and Rail (ATE Code); and/or other State or Territory legislation.

Which security requirements will be found in Australian Standards?
AS2187.1 - 1998, Part 1: Storage and land transport.
AS2187.2 - 1993, Explosives - Storage, transport and use.
AS2187.0 - 1998, Explosives - Glossary of terms.
AS1216 - 1995, Class labels for dangerous goods, and/or in any the relevant State and Territory legislation.

How must all explosives be stored?
According to legislative requirements.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in handling and storing explosives requires evidence that safe handling, storage, loading and transporting of explosives has been carried out according to enterprise guidelines and industry best practice. The skills and knowledge required to handle and store explosives must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different explosives, 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:

Local conditions and factors in the handling, transporting and storage of explosives.
Actual performance of correct loading and transporting components of explosive products.
Care and preventive measures required to eliminate risk of fire and deterioration of stored materials.
Procedures for buying commercial explosives and blasting agents from licensed dealers and Government agencies.
Australian Explosives Code (issued by Commonwealth Dept. of Transport and Regional Services).
Identification of defective or damaged explosives.
Environmental conditions required for safe storage.

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:

Identify and accurately state the requirements for the handling, storage and transport of explosive products.
Complete accurate work reports and explosives records.
Correctly identify essential components of requirements for the loading and transport of explosives.

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
Using Standards and Acts for loading, storage and transport of explosives to be used by rural producers. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Determine suitable loading, storage and transport of commercially procured explosive products appropriate to the particular farm use needs. (2)

Planning and organising activities
By planning the loading, storage and transport for explosives to be used by rural workers. (2)

Working with others and in teams
With those involved with the loading, storage and transport of explosives. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In calculating quantities of explosives to be used and in storage. (2)

Solving problems
In the loading, storage and transport of explosives. (2)

Using technology
Involving storage facilities for explosives. (2)