Elements and Performance Criteria

The following range of variables is subject to site specific operations, but is not limited to the following details. Site procedures, regulations and OH&S and other relevant legislation apply to all elements and performance criteria.

Auxiliary equipment may be anything that is portable and mobile that is not part of the fixed infrastructure and may include:
belt weighs
compressors
distribution control systems
feeders
gantry cranes and attachments and other mobile equipment
hand and power tools
hoses (water and air)
pump systems
conveyors

Filtering methods may include:
candle
drum
pressure
compression
leaf

Equipment and plant cleaning methods may include:
degreasing
forced air
hosing with water
suction

Equipment indicator readings may include:
current
flow
levels
pressure/speed
unusual noises/vibrations

Monitoring may include the checking of:
air systems
blockages and spillages
feed rates
filters
in stream analysis (ISA)
levels of ponds and catchment areas
mineral content
on stream analysis (OSA)
overloads
particle size indicators (PSI)
power draw
pressures/temperatures
wear and tear

Pre-start checks may include:
availability of equipment
detection of conditions that are unusual
fluid levels
job requirements/personnel availability
walk through plant

Post-shutdown checks are like pre-start checks.

Start up procedures may include:
air systems
cameras and monitors
checking interlocks
checks distribution control system (DCS)
chutes
display instruments, lights and gauges
equipment stop engine lights
filters/hydraulic system
isolations
lighting
suppression systems
valves
visual and audio warning devices and lights

Contaminants are anything other than the ore. Common contaminants may include:
oils
plastic
solvents

Legislation may include Acts and regulations dealing with:
mining safety and health
mine inspection
OH&S
explosives

Environmental issues may include:
drainage
dust (dump)
emissions
flora and fauna
hazardous chemicals
noise
recycling
run-off
spills
waste management and disposal
water quality

Critical Aspects of Evidence
The evidence required to demonstrate this competency must be relevant to work site operations. In addition to satisfying the requirements of all elements, performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, evidence must include demonstration of:
knowledge of all procedures, requirements and instructions to conduct filtering processes appropriate to a processing plant, and;
implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the efficient and effective conduct of filtering processes appropriate to a processing plant, while complying with site risk control, health, safety, environmental, quality and communication requirements. This will include:
a. planning and preparing for filtering process
b. starting up equipment in sequence
c. operating and monitoring equipment
d. conducting housekeeping activities
e. shutting down in sequence and/or isolating equipment

Assessment and Interdependence of Units
This unit may be assessed with other relevant units forming a cohesive work function, according to specific mine site requirements.

Resource Implications
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used on a mine site work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular sites may differ due to site conditions, equipment availability, equipment/plant types and different contexts.

Consistency in Performance
To ensure consistency of performance, this unit may be assessed over a period of time and a range of work and site conditions. Local site factors will influence the breadth of evidence required to demonstrate the competency.

Context for Assessment
This unit should be assessed in the work environment where possible. Some assessment events may be conducted under simulated conditions where issues of safety and environmental damage are limiting factors.
All assessments must be valid, reliable, fair and flexible accumulating sufficient evidence to demonstrate the required competence.
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.

Methods of Assessment
Appropriate methods of assessment for this unit will usually include:
workplace observation of processes and procedures
oral and/or written questioning on required knowledge
testimony from supervisors, colleagues, clients and/or other appropriate persons;
simulation and/or scenario analysis
Where performance is not directly observed and/or is required to be demonstrated over a period of time and/or in a number of locations, any evidence should be authenticated by colleagues, supervisors, clients or other appropriate persons.
Questioning should be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the language and literacy levels of the candidate and to the requirements of the unit of competency.
Assessment should also reinforce the integration of the Key Competencies.