Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:53 PM AWST

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Conduct cage operations

Conduct cage operations

Unit of competency
National Code
RIIUND302A
State Code
WB645
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
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
28/11/2011
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit covers the conduct of cage operations in the resources and infrastructure industries. It includes organising cage operations, operating cages, transporting explosives in the cage, and carrying out operator maintenance. 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. Organise cage operations
  • 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity
  • 1.2. Receive, interpret and clarify shift changeover details
  • 1.3. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities
  • 1.4. Perform equipment and work area pre-start checks to ensure equipment is ready for operation
  • 1.5. Check records for outstanding maintenance/inspections and recorded defects to establish the operational status of equipment and if defective take action
  • 1.6. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards
  • 1.7. Carry out start-up procedures, including checking that area is clear for operations
  • 1.8. Identify, address and report environmental issues
  • 1.9. Adhere to emergency procedures
2. Operate cage
  • 2.1. Load cage within capacity and compliance with specified limits
  • 2.2. Ensure that loads in or attached to cage, are positioned and secured prior to transit
  • 2.3. Communicate with relevant personnel
  • 2.4. Operate cage safely in the working environment
  • 2.5. Monitor and manage cage performance using appropriate indicators to aid safe operations
  • 2.6. Complete all required documentation clearly, concisely and on time
  • 2.7. Pass on end of shift information to oncoming shift
3. Transport explosives in the cage
  • 3.1. Identify explosives used on site
  • 3.2. Determine and ensure the segregation and separation of detonators and explosives
  • 3.3. Secure and transport blasting agents and explosives
  • 3.4. Track and record movement of explosives and detonators
4. Carry out operator maintenance
  • 4.1. Isolate cage before conducting operator maintenance
  • 4.2. Service and make minor adjustments to equipment
  • 4.3. Restore cage operations
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:
legislation, which may include Acts and regulation dealing with:
mining safety and health
mine inspection
OHS
explosives
organisational and site requirements and procedures which may include:
clean up
equipment shutdown and isolation procedures
evacuation procedures
First Aid
notifying relevant authorities
permit-to-work systems
safety equipment
use of personal protective equipment
communication procedures (e.g. with winder operator)
portable electric apparatus procedures
fall arrestor and harness procedures
confined spaces
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
Employment and workplace relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Potential risks and hazards may include:
blockages or obstructions
communication failure
oversized loads
unauthorised personnel
unsafe ground
poor visibility
explosion
asphyxiation and drowning
Checking that area is clear for operations may include:
external damage/defects/wear
cage arresting and slack rope systems
cleanliness of cage and plats
computer systems
danger/out of service tags
display instrumentation and gauges (indicators, gauges, laser levels)
fire suppression unit (pins in position in triggers)
loose wheels
communication systems
lubricants
idle positioned and running
guides and shoes
plat and cage illumination
oil leaks
personnel and materials proximity to shaft
portable fire extinguisher (bracket, gauge, hose, ease of access)
cage doors
cage ropes and attachments
visual and audio warning devices and lights
Environmental issues may include:
dust
fumes
noise
water
heat
flammable and noxious gases
flammable dust
Capacity of the cage may be affected by:
efficient and safe operating speed
personnel carrying capacity
operating limitations
type of activities performed
weight and/or load limitations
Loads may include:
people
automotive diesel fuel
explosives (including detonators)
consumables
drilling equipment
trackless vehicles
track vehicles
ground support materials
cement
lubricants
paints
other hazardous substances
track laying materials
Indicators may include:
computer indicators
cage indicators
plat indicators
communication and signalling systems
Operator maintenance may include:
greasing
rope adjustments
cage door adjustments
tightening loose fittings

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 cage operations
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of cage operations
working with others to undertake and conduct cage operations that meet all of the required outcomes
consistent timely conduct of cage operations that safely, effectively and efficiently meet 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 should 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 requirements, 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 conduct cage operations
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
W2490 MNMULH311A Conduct cage operations Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
WH719 RIIUND302D Conduct cage operations Unit of competency