Mining Operator (Loading Equipment Operator Underground Coal)

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Loading Equipment Operator: Underground Coal. A Loading Equipment Operator: Underground Coal operates multiple arm coal loading equipment to load coal in an underground coal mine. A qualified learner will be able to: • Comply with standard operating procedures required of equipment operators. • Operate Coal Loading equipment to load coal in an underground coal mine.

The Occupation Mining Operator works in underground coal mines where they have to operate a range of equipment specifically designated for executing specialised mining operations. 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 that operate the equipment described above must be found competent against the standards approved by the Mining Qualifications Authority. Once found competent these operators are then given a license to operate the equipment in the respective mines. The licenses must be periodically renewed and will expire if the person does not operate the equipment for a prescribed period of time. One person will not be able to 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. Therefore, for each of the above mentioned specialisation areas a separate qualification (Occupational Certificate) has been developed. In addition, underground coal mining and the environment is significantly different from the hard rock environments thus the knowledge and skills required to operate in a coal mine is significantly different from 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 individuals, based on the required work exposure, to be issued with an operator license. The qualification will provide a national standard and it will facilitate mobility and open up possible career opportunities. This qualification will thus enable learners to progress to Production Operations Supervision occupations (OFO 312101) and it will enable them 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 (refer to additional notes).

• 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.
• 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).
• Describe the various capacities and performance targets for each of the activities executed with the machine.