Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
24/07/2026 1:08 AM AWST

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Conduct heavy media separation

Conduct heavy media separation

Unit of competency
National Code
RIIPBE304B
State Code
D9367
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/06/2011
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/10/2011
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
06/10/2011
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers the conduct of heavy media separation in the mining industry. It includes planning and preparing for heavy media separation, starting up equipment in sequence, operating and monitoring equipment, conducting housekeeping activities, and shutting down in sequence and/or isolating equipment. 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. Plan and prepare for heavy media separation
  • 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity
  • 1.2. Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details
  • 1.3. Communicate with other personnel
  • 1.4. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
  • 1.5. Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment for work activities
  • 1.6. Perform equipment pre-start checks
  • 1.7. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards
  • 1.8. Identify, address and report environmental issues
  • 1.9. Adhere to emergency procedures
2. Start-up equipment in sequence
  • 2.1. Carry out start-up procedures and complete start-up checks according to plant configurations and system requirements
  • 2.2. Confirm plant is operational
3. Operate and monitor equipment
  • 3.1. Read and interpret data from equipment indicators
  • 3.2. Continuously inspect plant
  • 3.3. Adjust equipment to optimise separation performance and product quality
  • 3.4. Control feed to plant
  • 3.5. Monitor and adjust heavy media levels
  • 3.6. Monitor and adjust levels of separating baths
  • 3.7. Monitor the efficiency of the heavy media separation process
  • 3.8. Carry out operator level maintenance
  • 3.9. Complete all required documentation
  • 3.10. Pass on end of shift information to oncoming shift or next shift
4. Conduct housekeeping activities
  • 4.1. Clean plant
  • 4.2. Identify, address and report hazards
5. Shutdown in sequence and/or isolate equipment
  • 5.1. Shutdown and/or isolate equipment based on process and safety requirements
  • 5.2. Perform post-shutdown and/or isolation checks
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
hand and power tools
pump systems
Pre-start checks may include:
availability of equipment
detection of conditions that are unusual
fluid levels
job requirements
personnel availability
work through plant
Environmental issues may include:
drainage
dust (dump)
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)
interlocks
isolations
pipes and flanges
pumping system
valves
visual and audio warning devices and lights
water systems
Plant may include:
heavy media circuit
separating baths
cyclones
screens (drawing, washing, separating)
Indicator readings may measure:
concentrations
densities
levels
pressure flows
viscosity
Monitoring may include:
air flows
blockages and spillages
feed rates
power
pressures
temperatures
wear and tear
pressure oxidation
Heavy media may include:
magnetite
ferrosilicon
Post-shutdown checks are like pre-start checks

The methods used to optimise the plant may include:
adjustment to heavy media levels
pulp density
stability of slurry
viscosity
Materials may include:
heavy media
slurry
waste
gangue minerals
Contaminants are anything other than the slurry and nutrients. Common contaminants may include:
oil
plastic
wood fibre
Site conditions may include:
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 heavy media separation
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of heavy media separation
working with others to undertake and complete the heavy media separation in a way that meets all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of heavy media separation 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:
working with others to undertake and complete the heavy media separation
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
WB008 RIIPBE304A Conduct heavy media separation Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WH550 RIIPBE304D Conduct heavy media separation Unit of competency
No information