Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:39 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Inspect and maintain shafts and structures

Inspect and maintain shafts and structures

Unit of competency
National Code
RIISAM312A
State Code
WB470
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/06/2011
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
28/11/2011
Field of Education
030303 - Mining Engineering
Original Release Date
28/11/2011
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers the inspection and minor maintenance of shafts and structures in the coal and metalliferous mining industries. It includes: preparing for shaft and structures inspection and maintenance; and conducting shaft maintenance and post-maintenance activities.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for shaft and structures inspection and maintenance
  • 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to shaft and structures inspection and maintenance
  • 1.2. Receive, interpret and clarify inspection and maintenance schedules and hazard reports
  • 1.3. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
  • 1.4. Perform equipment and work area pre-start checks to ensure equipment is ready for inspection and maintenance
  • 1.5. Check records for outstanding maintenance/ inspections and recorded defects to assess scope of work
  • 1.6. Identify replacement parts and service tools from the servicing schedule and obtain them from the appropriate stores area
  • 1.7. Identify, address and report potential hazards and risks
  • 1.8. Coordinate and liaise with appropriate persons to arrange details of preparatory activities, timing and location of inspection and maintenance
  • 1.9. Obtain clearance from winder driver, or establish that start-up procedures have been completed, and the area is clear for operations
  • 1.10. Establish emergency contingency plans with winder driver should an underground emergency arise, and adhere to site emergency procedures
  • 1.11. Manage maintenance environmental issues
  • 1.12. Ensure area is properly ventilated before entry into work area
  • 1.13. Install overhead protection and guard rails in accordance with site procedures
  • 1.14. Check and prepare appropriate tools, measuring equipment, materials and services
2. Conduct shaft maintenance
  • 2.1. Conduct work safely and efficiently and according to site procedures
  • 2.2. Perform all necessary isolations and tagging
  • 2.3. Establish communication system and perform checks
  • 2.4. Communicate with winder driver and others involved in maintenance of shafts and structures to ensure clear and safe maintenance operations
  • 2.5. Ensure person in charge of winder has placed winder in inspection/maintenance mode, including "inching"
  • 2.6. Perform inspection and maintenance work from top of conveyance
  • 2.7. Carry out maintenance in accordance with site procedures and/or maintenance instructions
  • 2.8. Complete inspection/maintenance and record any follow-up action in accordance with maintenance system requirements
  • 2.9. Ensure all safety devices are in place and any tags placed removed before shaft is returned to service
  • 2.10. Remove overhead protection and guard rails
  • 2.11. Ensure area is clear of foreign materials, communication equipment and tools, and meets an acceptable standard of cleanliness
3. Conduct post-maintenance activities
  • 3.1. Complete all required documentation
  • 3.2. Ensure shaft operations and structures are tested and monitored
  • 3.3. Advise appropriate personnel when maintenance activities are concluded
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
Shaft and structure inspection and maintenance may include:
inspection of ground conditions, including ground movement, cracks and seepage
inspection of shaft lining including timber, concrete and steel
inspection of shaft structural steel including: buntons, brattice and guide rails, shaft services (pipes, cables etc)
inspection for unusual conditions including water leaks, air leaks
isolation of services where necessary
minor shaft maintenance such as installing missing/broken bolts and fasteners, and shaft timbers
measuring shaft dimensions
Potential hazards and risks may include:
communication failure
falling objects
projections into the shaft
movement (convergence of equipment)
plant failure
power failure
spillage
unauthorised personnel
visibility
explosion
asphyxiation and drowning
Winding operations include:
winder operations in drifts, tunnels, slopes or inclines
Environmental issues may include:
dust
water
heat
oxygen deficiency
vibration
fumes
noise
oil spills
salt build-up
flammable and noxious gases
flammable dust
Site procedures may include:
clean up
equipment shutdown and isolation procedures
evacuation procedures
First Aid
notifying relevant authorities
permit-to-work systems
safety equipment
use of personal protective equipment
communication procedures (e.g. with winder operator)
portable electric apparatus procedures
fall arrestor and harness procedures
confined spaces

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 inspection and maintenance of shafts and structures
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient inspection and maintenance of shafts and structures
working with others to inspect and maintain shafts and structures that meet all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of inspection and maintenance of shafts and structures 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 inspect and maintain shafts and structures
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
W2493 MNMULH314A Inspect and maintain shafts and structures Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WH677 RIISAM312D Inspect and maintain shafts and structures Unit of competency