Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:03 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.

Install underground shaft

Install underground shaft

Unit of competency
National Code
RIIMSM303A
State Code
WB609
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
80
Description
This unit covers the installation of ground shafts in the metalliferous mining industry. It includes excavating and fitting out shafts. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Relevant information must be sourced prior to application of the unit.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Excavate shaft
  • 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity
  • 1.2. Inspect and evaluate site and ground conditions at the planned shaft location to determine the type of shaft to be sunk
  • 1.3. Identify and address potential risks and hazards
  • 1.4. Conduct or facilitate shaft excavation in planned location and type
  • 1.5. Stabilise unconsolidated ground to prevent falls of ground and shaft collar erosion
  • 1.6. Ensure shaft is supported by shaft pillar to ensure the integrity of the bottom section of the shaft
  • 1.7. Secure area over shaft collar to prevent surface water inflow
  • 1.8. Ensure that brow area near the bottom of the shaft, and the geology and walls, are visible for inspection
2. Fit out shaft
  • 2.1. Fit access ladders securely in shaft in accordance with shaft conditions and code of practice
  • 2.2. Install hoisting equipment at the surface of the shaft
  • 2.3. Ensure that services supply devices to the shaft wall are fixed away from shaft conveyance equipment
  • 2.4. Install shaft protection to prevent falls by people and animals, and unauthorised entry into the mine
  • 2.5. Ensure that access shaft is free of unnecessary equipment and fixtures to allow unrestricted movement of materials
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, conditions and procedures
mine requirements
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
Employment and workplace relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
A shaft is a vertical opening from the surface to the underground workings

Type of shafts may include:
square
rectangular
oval
circular
Shaft excavation may be carried out by:
drilling rigs
hand tools
hand drilling and blasting
Stabilisation of unconsolidated ground may include:
timber
corrugated iron
tubing
concrete ring
Inspections may include those for:
cracks
strata separation
other structural faults
Pillars are the primary means of roof support required to hold up the mass of ground between the underground mine workings and the surface and may be:
randomly spaced
regularly spaced
square
rectangular
round
Services may include:
water pipes
compressed air lines
hydraulic systems and equipment
electric cabling
communication wires
ventilation ducting
Shaft protection may include:
extending collar sleeve above ground level
installing gate
providing a fenced enclosure
installing warning signs

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 installing underground shafts
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of installing underground shafts
working with others to undertake and complete the installation of underground shafts that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of underground shaft installation 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 installation of underground shafts
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WH451 RIIMSM303D Install underground shaft Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
D586 RII30611 Certificate III in Small Mining Operations Qualification