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
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
Employment and workplace relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Legislation may include Acts and regulations dealing with:
mining safety and health
mine inspection
OHS
explosives
Auxiliary equipment may be anything that is portable and mobile that is not part of the fixed infrastructure, and may include:
gantry cranes and attachments (e.g. overhead)
hand and power tools
hoses (water and air)
pump systems
Pre-start checks may include:
availability of equipment
detection of conditions that are unusual
fluid levels
job requirements
personnel availability
walk through plant
Environmental issues may include:
drainage
dust
emissions
flora and fauna
hazardous chemicals
noise
recycling
run-off
spills
waste management and disposal
water quality
Start-up procedures may include the inspection of:
cameras and monitors
distribution control system (DCS)
drive belts
filters
fluid levels (grease, oil, water)
hoppers and launders
interlocks
isolations
pipes and flanges
pumping system
valves
visual and audio warning devices and lights
water systems (e.g. sprays and columns)
Plant may include:
compressors and blowers
conditioning tanks
flotation cells and columns
reagent dosing
Indicator readings may measure:
concentrations
current
densities
grade
heat
levels
pressure flows
unusual noises
Monitoring may include:
air flows
blockages and spillages
check current draw
feed rates
in stream analysis (ISA)
on stream analysis (OSA)
particle size indicators (PSI)
power
pressures
pulp density
pulp levels
temperatures
wear and tear
Floatation methods may include:
bulk flotation
controlled potential sulphide (CPS )
pre-float
Floatation quality targets may include:
concentrate grade
consumption targets
density
Eh (electro chemical potential)
percentage of recovery
pH level
Equipment and plant cleaning methods may include:
hosing with water
Post-shutdown checks are like pre-start checks.

The methods used to optimise the plant may include:
adjustment to reagent usage
Materials may be wet and may include:
air
reagents
slurry
Contaminants are anything other than the slurry and reagents. Common contaminants may include:
oil
plastic
wood fibre
Site conditions may include:
day and night
weather conditions
working at heights

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 flotation processes
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of the flotation process
working with others to undertake and complete the flotation process in a way that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of flotation processes 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
consistent achievement of required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to undertake and complete the flotation process
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.