Mining Equipment Operator: Underground Coal

Curriculum Document
Curriculum Code / Curriculum Title
711101-001 / Mining Equipment Operator: Underground
Coal

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Mining Equipment Operator: Underground Coal

Table of Contents

SECTION 1: CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Occupational Information

External assessment Model

Curriculum Information

Notes Regarding the Progression:

Curriculum Structure

Knowledge Subjects

Practical Skills Modules

Work Experience Modules

SECTION 2: OCCUPATIONAL PROFILE

Title: Mining Equipment Operator: Underground Coal

OFO Code: 711101-001

Occupational Purpose

Occupational Tasks

TASK DEATAILS

TASK 01: (ALL): Complying with standard operating procedures required of equipment operators. (NQF Level: 2)

TASK 02: Installing support units and elements in an underground coal mine

(NQF Level: 2)

TASK 03: Operate equipment to cut the coal face

(NQF Level: 2)

TASK 04: Operate drilling equipment to drill shot and service holes in a coal mine

(NQF Level: 2)

TASK 05: Operating continuous mining equipment to win coal (NQF Level: 3)

TASK 06: Loading broken coal

(NQF Level: 2)

TASK 07: Hauling and discharging coal

(NQF Level: 2)

SECTION 3: CURRICULUM COMPONENT SPECIFICATIONS

711101-001-KS-01: Standard operating Procedures

711101-001-KS-02: Installing support

711101-001-KS-03: Coal hauling and discharging operations

711101-001-KS-04: Coal Cutting

711101-001-KS-05: Drilling

711101-001-KS-06: Loading Operations

711101-001-KS-07: Continuous Mining

SECTION 3B: PRACTICAL SKILL MODULE SPECIFICATIONS

711101-001-PM-01-Complete Start of shift Procedures

711101-001-PM-02-Participate in conducting inspections and examinations of the environment

711101-001-PM-03-Conduct pre-use inspections of the equipment

711101-001-PM-04-Complete end of shift procedures

711101-001-PM-06-Identify the position of the holes and position the machine accordingly (NQF Level: 2)

711101-001-PM-07-Drill the support and/or service holes (NQF Level: 2)

711101-001-PM-08-Install the roof bolt (NQF Level: 2)

711101-001-PM-10-Prepare the work area and cut the coal face using a coal cutter (NQF Level: 2)

711101-001-PM-13-Drill a coal face using mobile drilling equipment (NQF Level: 2)

711101-001-PM-14-Operate continuous mining equipment in coal mines (NQF Level: 3)

711101-001-PM-15-Operate gathering arm loaders to load out coal faces. (NQF Level: 2)

711101-001-PM-16-Operate equipment to haul and discharge coal (NQF Level: 2)

SECTION 3C: WORK EXPERIENCE MODULE SPECIFICATIONS

711101-001-WM-01 - Exposed to the safe operating practices and procedures applicable to machine operators

711101-001-WM-03 - Exposed to the coal cutting operations on the specific mine

711101-001-WM-04 - Exposure to the mobile drilling operations on the mine

711101-001-WM-05 - Exposure to the full range of continuous mining operations on the specific mine

711101-001-WM-06 - Exposure to the full spectrum of loading operations on the mine

711101-001-WM-07 - Exposure to the full range of receiving, hauling and tipping processes on the mine

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Mining Equipment Operator: Underground Coal

SECTION 1: CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

Occupational Information

Associated Occupations

  • Mining Operator

Occupation or Specialisation Addressed by this Curriculum

  • Mining Operator: Roof Bolter (Underground Coal)
  • Mining Operator: Drill Rig (Underground Coal)
  • Mining Operator: Coal Cutter (Underground Coal)
  • Mining Operator: Continuous Miner (Underground Coal)
  • Mining Operator: Loading Equipment (Underground Coal)
  • Mining Operator: Hauling Equipment (Underground Coal)

Alternative Titles used by Industry

  • Coal Cutter
  • Continuous Miner Operator
  • Rock Drill Operator
  • Roof Bolter Mining
  • Shuttle Car Operator Mining

External assessment Model

The external assessment will be conducted at mine specific sites. Candidates will be assessed by assessors nominated from a panel of registered assessors who are content experts. Assessors will use nationally prepared assessments in an interview context to assess the practical application of the theory.

  • Structured interview – maximum two hours
  • Use of photos and videos
  • Make use of simulators

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Mining Equipment Operator: Underground Coal

Curriculum Information

Relation of this Curriculum to the Occupation and Qualification

Progression

Notes Regarding the Progression:

There are six separate qualifications. Each qualification contains a generic component relevant to working in and operating equipment in an underground coal mine. The qualifications then specializes in the areas of:

Curriculum Structure

Roof bolter / Coal Cutting / Drilling / Continuous miner / Loading / Hauling
KNOWLEDGE
Title / NQF Level / Credits
Standard operating Procedures / 1 / 13 / 13 / 13 / 13 / 13 / 13 / 13
Installing support / 1 / 5 / 5
Coal hauling and discharging operations / 2 / 4 / 4
Coal Cutting / 1 / 5 / 5
Drilling / 1 / 6 / 6
Loading Operations / 2 / 6 / 6
Continuous Mining / 2 / 9 / 9
TOTAL / 18 / 18 / 19 / 22 / 19 / 17
PRACTICAL SKILLS
Title / NQF Level / Credits
Complete Start of shift Procedures / 1 / 2 / 2 / 2 / 2 / 2 / 2 / 2
Participate in conducting inspections and examinations of the environment / 2 / 9 / 9 / 9 / 9 / 9 / 9 / 9
Conduct pre-use inspections of the equipment / 2 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 3 / 3
Complete end of shift procedures / 1 / 2 / 2 / 2 / 2 / 2 / 2 / 2
Identify the position of the holes and position the machine accordingly / 2 / 8 / 8
Drill the support and/or service holes / 2 / 3 / 3
Install the roof bolt / 2 / 3 / 3
Prepare the work area and cut the coal face using a coal cutter / 2 / 9 / 9
Prepare the work area for drilling / 2 / 2 / 2
Drill a coal face using hand held drilling equipment. / 2 / 7 / 7
Drill a coal face using mobile drilling equipment / 2 / 10 / 10
Operate continuous mining equipment in coal mines / 2 / 18 / 18
Operate gathering arm loaders to load out coal faces. / 2 / 4 / 4
Operate equipment to haul and discharge coal / 2 / 8 / 8
TOTAL / 30 / 25 / 35 / 34 / 20 / 24
WORK EXPERIENCE
Title / NQF Level / Credits
Exposed to the safe operating practices and procedures applicable to machine operators / 2 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4 / 4
Exposure to the support processes relevant to the mining site / 2 / 16 / 16
Exposed to the coal cutting operations on the specific mine / 2 / 16 / 16
Exposure to the manual and mobile drilling operations on the mine / 2 / 24 / 24
Exposure to the full range of continuous mining operations on the specific mine / 2 / 49 / 49
Exposure to the full spectrum of loading operations on the mine. / 2 / 16 / 16
Exposure to the full range of receiving, hauling and tipping processes on the mine / 2 / 16 / 16
TOTAL / 20 / 20 / 28 / 100 / 20 / 20
TOTAL for the qualifications / 68 / 63 / 82 / 156 / 59 / 61
Roof bolter / Coal Cutting / Drilling / Continuous miner / Loading / Hauling

Knowledge Subjects

Number / Title / NQF Level / Credits
711101-001-KS-01 / Standard operating Procedures / 1 / 13
711101-001-KS-02 / Installing support / 1 / 5
711101-001-KS-03 / Coal hauling and discharging operations / 2 / 4
711101-001-KS-04 / Coal Cutting / 1 / 5
711101-001-KS-05 / Drilling / 1 / 6
711101-001-KS-06 / Loading Operations / 2 / 6
711101-001-KS-07 / Continuous Mining / 2 / 9

Practical Skills Modules

Number / Title / NQF Level / Credits
711101-001-PM-01 / Complete Start of shift Procedures / 1 / 2
711101-001-PM-02 / Participate in conducting inspections and examinations of the environment / 2 / 9
711101-001-PM-03 / Conduct pre-use inspections of the equipment / 2 / 3
711101-001-PM-04 / Complete end of shift procedures / 1 / 2
711101-001-PM-05 / Identify the position of the holes and position the machine accordingly / 2 / 8
711101-001-PM-06 / Drill the support and/or service holes / 2 / 3
711101-001-PM-07 / Install the roof bolt / 2 / 3
711101-001-PM-08 / Prepare the work area and cut the coal face using a coal cutter / 2 / 9
711101-001-PM-09 / Prepare the work area for drilling / 2 / 2
711101-001-PM-10 / Drill a coal face using hand held drilling equipment. / 2 / 7
711101-001-PM-11 / Drill a coal face using mobile drilling equipment / 2 / 10
711101-001-PM-12 / Operate continuous mining equipment in coal mines / 2 / 18
711101-001-PM-13 / Operate gathering arm loaders to load out coal faces. / 2 / 4
711101-001-PM-14 / Operate equipment to haul and discharge coal / 2 / 8

Work Experience Modules

Number / Title / NQF Level / Credits
711101-001-WM-01 / Exposed to the safe operating practices and procedures applicable to machine operators / 2 / 4
711101-001-WM-02 / Exposure to the support processes relevant to the mining site / 2 / 16
711101-001-WM-03 / Exposed to the coal cutting operations on the specific mine / 2 / 16
711101-001-WM-04 / Exposure to the mobile drilling operations on the mine / 2 / 16
711101-001-WM-05 / Exposure to the full range of continuous mining operations on the specific mine / 2 / 49
711101-001-WM-06 / Exposure to the full spectrum of loading operations on the mine. / 2 / 16
711101-001-WM-07 / Exposure to the full range of receiving, hauling and tipping processes on the mine / 2 / 16

T

Total Credits for the qualifications

Qualification / Knowledge / Practical skills / Work Experience / Total
Credits / % / Credits / % / Credits / % / Credits
001: Mining Operator: (Roof Bolt Operator Underground Coal) / 18 / 26% / 30 / 44% / 20 / 29% / 68
002: Mining Operator: (Drill Rig Operator Underground Coal) / 18 / 29% / 25 / 40% / 20 / 32% / 63
003: Mining Operator: (Coal Cutter Operator - Underground Coal) / 19 / 23% / 35 / 43% / 28 / 34% / 82
004:Mining Operator: (Continuous Miner Operator - Underground Coal) / 22 / 20% / 34 / 31% / 53 / 49% / 109
005: Mining Operator: (Loading Equipment Operator - Underground Coal) / 19 / 32% / 20 / 34% / 20 / 34% / 59
006: Mining Operator: (Hauling Equipment Operator - Underground Coal) / 17 / 28% / 24 / 39% / 20 / 33% / 61

SECTION 2: OCCUPATIONAL PROFILE

Title: Mining Equipment Operator: Underground Coal

OFO Code: 711101-001

Occupational Purpose

To operate specialised mining equipment to install support units and elements, drill shot and service holes, cut coal, load and haul coal, in an underground coal mine.

Occupational Tasks

TASK 01: Complying with standard operating procedures required of equipment operators. (NQF Level: 2)

TASK 02: Installing support units and elements in an underground coal mine(NQF Level: 2)

TASK 03: Operate equipment to cut the coal face(NQF Level: 2)

TASK 04: Operate drilling equipment to drill shot and service holes in a coal mine(NQF Level: 2)

TASK 05: Operating continuous mining equipment to win coal(NQF Level: 3)

TASK 06: Loading broken coal(NQF Level: 2)

TASK 07: Hauling and discharging coal(NQF Level: 2)

TASK DEATAILS

TASK 01: (ALL): Complying with standard operating procedures required of equipment operators. (NQF Level: 2)

Unique Product or Service

  • Safe work environment and equipment

Occupational Responsibilities

  • Complete Start of shift Procedures
  • Participate in conducting inspections and examinations of the environment
  • Conduct pre-use inspections of the equipment
  • Complete end of shift procedures
  • Conduct workplace examinations

Context

  • Exposure to the safe operating practices and procedures applicable to machine operators

TASK 02: Installing support units and elements in an underground coal mine

(NQF Level: 2)

Unique Product or Service

Effectively installed support elements (Including extraordinary support)

Occupational Responsibilities

  • Identify the position of the holes and position the machine accordingly
  • Drill the support and/or service holes
  • Install the roof bolt
  • Install additional temporary support

Context

  • Exposure to the support processes relevant to the mining site

TASK 03: Operate equipment to cut the coal face

(NQF Level: 2)

Unique Product or Service

Quality cut coal face

Occupational Responsibilities

  • Prepare the work area and cut the coal face using a coal cutter

Context

  • Exposure to the coal cutting operations on the specific mine

TASK 04: Operate drilling equipment to drill shot and service holes in a coal mine

(NQF Level: 2)

Unique Product or Service

Quality drilled holes

Occupational Responsibilities

  • Prepare the work area for drilling
  • Drill a coal face using mobile drilling equipment

Context

  • Exposure to the manual and mobile drilling operations on the mine

TASK 05: Operating continuous mining equipment to win coal(NQF Level: 3)

Unique Product or Service

Optimum coal winning from a specific work face

Occupational Responsibilities

  • Operate continuous mining equipment in coal mines

Context

  • Exposure to the full range of continuous mining operations on the specific mine

TASK 06: Loading broken coal

(NQF Level: 2)

Unique Product or Service

Coal faces loaded

Occupational Responsibilities

  • Operate gathering arm loaders to load out coal faces.

Context

  • Exposure to the full spectrum of loading operations on the mine.

TASK 07: Hauling and discharging coal

(NQF Level: 2)

Unique Product or Service

Optimum utilisation of the hauling system

Occupational Responsibilities

  • Operate equipment to haul and discharge coal

Context

  • Exposure to the full range of receiving, hauling and tipping processes on the mine

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SECTION 3: CURRICULUM COMPONENT SPECIFICATIONSSECTION 3A: KNOWLEDGE SUBJECT SPECIFICATIONS

List of Knowledge Subjects for which Specifications are included

Number / Title / NQF Level / Credits
711101-001-KS-01 / Standard operating Procedures / 1 / 13
711101-001-KS-02 / Installing support / 1 / 5
711101-001-KS-03 / Coal hauling and discharging operations / 2 / 4
711101-001-KS-04 / Coal Cutting / 1 / 5
711101-001-KS-05 / Drilling / 1 / 6
711101-001-KS-06 / Loading Operations / 2 / 6
711101-001-KS-07 / Continuous Mining / 2 / 9

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711101-001-KS-01: Standard operating Procedures for Mining operators in underground coal mines

Purpose of the Knowledge Subject

The focus of the learning in this module is on providing learners the opportunity to build their knowledge and understanding of the key occupational health and safety concepts, principles and theories that an operator of mining equipment require to become an effective machine operator.

Topics included in this subject:

TOPIC NUMBER / TOPIC TITLE / CREDITS
711101-001-KS-01:01 / Mining sequences for coal winning operations (Basic) / 4 / 10
711101-001-KS-01:02 / Principles of strata control (Intermediate) / 2 / 10
711101-001-KS-01:03 / Features indicating unsafe strata (Intermediate) / 1 / 20
711101-001-KS-01:04 / Characteristics of basic mine gases (Basic) / 3 / 10
711101-001-KS-01:05 / Principles for identifying hazards related to misfires and sockets (Basic) / 1 / 10
711101-001-KS-01:06 / Importance of effective communication to enhance safety and productivity (Intermediate) / 1 / 20
711101-001-KS-01:07 / Purpose and process of conducting pre-use checks on equipment (Intermediate) / 1 / 20

711101-001-KS-01:01: Mining sequences for coal winning operations (Basic) (Credits: 4)

Topic Elements to be covered include:

Describe the various operations associated with the coal winning: a. installing support; b.

coal cutting operations; c. Drilling operations; d. Coal breaking operations; e. Coal Loading operations; f. Coal hauling operations (NQF Level: 2)

Explain the typical activities for working in an underground coal mine giving motivation why these activities must be executed: a. Obtain safety equipment from the lamp room (testing and signing for equipment); b. Pre-shift reporting; c. Traveling to working places; d. Waiting place procedures e. Initial examination; f. Pre start inspections (NQF Level: 2)

Describe the generic responsibilities of underground production machine operators: a Checking the appropriateness of the underground environment relevant to the working area (ventilation, strata conditions, gas testing, dust suppression); b. Up and down stream communication and clarifying the work instructions; c. Ensuring the availability ofconsumables; d. Operating of the equipment according to standard. (NQF Level: 2)

Indicate the importance of operating according to the planned targets: a. Describe the overall production requirements; b. Need for safe operations to achieve the safety targets; c. Consequences of not achieving the required targets. (NQF Level: 2)

Give examples of the application of the relevant Mine Health and Safety Act requirements applicable to operating mining equipment in underground Coal Mines: a. Overall purpose and objectives of the act; b. Rights and Responsibilities of the employees and the employer; c. Rights and powers of the Health and safety representative; d. Consequences for non-compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements. (NQF Level: 3)

Internal Assessment Criteria:

Without reference to learning material describe the mining sequence of operations for the winning of coal;

Explain without reference to learning material: Lamp room procedures, waiting place procedures, initial examination, mid-shift and end of shift procedures, men and material transport procedures;

Without reference to learning material describe all the procedures regarding the inspection of the work environment before, during and after completion of the work;

Given a range of work environments and conditions learners will be able to describe the safe operation of the equipment in order to achieve the required efficiency standards;

Without reference to learning material describe all the legal authorisation (licensing) requirements and duties of the equipment operator.

711101-001-KS-01:02 -Principles of strata control (Intermediate) (Credits: 2)

Topic Elements to be covered include:

Overview of the Geology relevant to coal mining: a. How coal was formed; b.

Characteristics of different Coal Seams; c. Reasons for exploration boreholes and borehole logging.(NQF Level: 2)

Describe the typical geological anomalies found in underground coal mines and indicate the consequences of these anomalies and how to control them: a. Slips; b. Faults; c Dykes; d. Sills; e. Brows.(NQF Level: 2)

Indicate how the Presence of water and gases in strata layering impact on the creation of the anomalies: a. Risks associated with the presence of water and gas pressure in the strata layering; b. How to recognise the presence of water and gas pressure; c. Actions to be taken to control and monitor the impact of gas and water pressure. (NQF Level: 2)

Explain the overall support requirements for the control of strata conditions in coal mines: a. Primary support (pillars and mining parameters); b. Secondary support (Temporary support, permanent support, special support) (NQF Level: 2)

Explain the consequences of intersecting various geological discontinuities and not taking the required precautions (NQF Level: 2)

Internal Assessment Criteria:

Given descriptions/ pictures of a working area learners will be able to identify all the geological anomalities and explain how they should be controlled;

Describe the primary, secondary support and mining parameters required to manage the given strata conditions

711101-001-KS-01:03 -Features indicating unsafe strata

(Intermediate) (Credits: 1)

Topic Elements to be covered include:

Describe the conditions that will indicate changes in strata stability: a. Scaling; b.

Guttering; c. existence of tension cracks; d. Burnt coal; e. Appearance of water or increase in water or gases; f. Floor heave; g. Slabbing h. Indications of support failure (NQF Level: 2)

Explain the required controls when the various indicators are noticed/identified (NQF Level: 2)

Internal Assessment Criteria:

Given various geological anomalies learners will be able to describe the features that indicate the anomalies, explain the potential consequences of these anomalies and describe what the equipment operator must do when these anomalies are encountered in the workplace.

711101-001-KS-01:04 -Characteristics of basic mine gases

(Basic) (Credits: 3)

Topic Elements to be covered include:

Identify the four main gases found in underground coal mines: a. O2; b. CH4; c. CO; d.

CO2 (NQF Level: 2)

Explain the consequences of the presence of any one of the four gasses (NQF Level: 2)

Explain the methods of detecting the presence of the four gases (NQF Level: 1)

Describe what must be done to prevent and control the presence of gases in working places (NQF Level: 2)

Identify the typical situations and environments where gas could be present (NQF Level: 2)

Internal Assessment Criteria:

Without reference to learning material name the four main gases and their sources in an underground coal mine and explain how to test for these gases indicating the actions to be taken when these gases are encountered.