Mining Operator (Drill Rig Operator Underground Coal)

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Drill Rig Operator: Underground Coal. A Drill Rig Operator: Underground Coal operates in underground coal mines to drill blasting and services holes. A qualified learner will be able to: • Comply with standard operating procedures required of equipment operators. • Operate drilling equipment to drill shot and service holes in a coal mine.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • Open access (see additional requirements).

The Mining Operator is a person who works in underground Coal Mines where they have to operate a range of equipment specifically designated for executing specialised mining operations in underground coal mines. These operations include: • Installation of support units using a Roof Bolter. • Drilling of blast and service holes using a Drill Rig. • Operating a Coal Cutter to facilitate the winning of coal. • Operating a Continuous Miner to win coal. • Operating a multiple arm coal loader to load coal. • Operating coal hauling equipment to haul and discharge coal. In terms of the Mines Health and Safety act employees operating the equipment described above must be found competent against standards approved by the Mining Qualifications Authority. Operators to be licensed to operate the equipment by the respective mines. The licenses must be periodically renewed as it expires if the person does not operate the equipment for a prescribed period of time. However, each of the above mentioned specialisation are as cannot be covered in this qualification as different people operate all the equipment and it is not practical or feasible to expect a learner to master the skills required for operating all the equipment. The underground coal mining environment is also significantly different from the hard rock environments and the knowledge and skills required to operate in a coal mine is significantly different from operators in hard rock mines. This qualification is one of a series of six qualifications for Mining Operators in underground coal mines. The qualifications are structured to ensure that they meet the legal requirements for competency and will enable individual mines to then, based on the required work exposure, issue and maintain the legally required operator license. The qualifications will provide a national standard and it will facilitate mobility and open up possible career opportunities. This qualification will provide a possible career path for Mining Support Workers. With this qualification employees will be able to progress to Production Operations Supervisor positions and it will enable employees to articulate to the relevant occupational qualifications for those occupations.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry Requirements: • Open access (see additional requirements).

• Identify and take appropriate corrective actions related to unsafe strata conditions.
• Identify hazardous occupational environmental elements that could impact negatively on the work of a Mining Operator in an underground Coal Mine and take the appropriate actions to resolve the issues.
• Describe the purpose and process of risk assessments.
• Identify the hazards associated with the man/machine and machine/machine interfaces in an underground coal mine.
• Describe the principles and processes of the lock out procedures for equipment and machines operated by the Mining Operator in an underground coal mine.
• Describe the actions required to deal with changing conditions in the work environment whilst operating equipment in an underground coal mine.
• Identify all the major components on the specific machine, describe the function of these components and indicate how a pre-use check will be done.
• Describe the processes for preparing and executing the key tasks associated with the machine (include work experience activities).