The team from My Competency Expert (MCE) undertook an analysis to determine the implications, alignment and impact of the new revision of RS13 in relation to RS22 and the competencies required by persons in the Mine Management Structure. 

This article provides a brief overview, and is of particular value to any operations that have identified the Tyres, Rims and Wheel Management as a potential fatal risk or principal hazard.

Summary

• At many Queensland coal mining operations, the management of tyres, rims and wheels has been identified as a Material Unwanted Event (MUE) or Material Risk as an outcome from their Broad Brush (Baseline) Risk Assessment.

• As a result of the determination that tyre, rim and wheel management may lead to significant health impact or fatality related events, the RS22 framework for a Risk Owner, Control Implementer (Owner) and Control Monitor is then to be applied and linked to competencies across AQF levels 6, 5 and 4.

• RS13 identifies a number of requirements related to competency requirements for Coal Mine Workers involved with the management of tyres, rims and wheels.

• The various roles listed in RS13, section 4.3 have several accredited units of competency listed, which are then further supported by requirements related to specific tyre, rim and wheel management content from a site SHMS plus time-based experience directly related to such tasks and activity.

• Section 4.9.1 of RS13 then goes on further to state that the site shall have General Awareness training in tyre, rim and wheel hazards for all Coal Mine Workers (including contractors) who work in the vicinity of inflated tyres.

• In addition to the baseline training requirements, RS13 then states that Verification of Competency training (Refresher) shall occur every five years at a minimum, with consideration considering the frequency of undertaking tyre, rim and wheel management related tasks (i.e. there may be a requirement to undertake refresher training more frequently than 5 yearly).

• RS13, section 4.9.2 provides the basis of general awareness training: “Personnel that work on or around mobile equipment who do not possess the required competencies, (operators, supervisors of tyre bay and maintenance personnel (e.g., technicians)), shall receive awareness training in basic tyre, wheel and rim hazards, as their work is often in the direct vicinity of equipment-mounted tyres. Training and education for this group of people should focus on identifying tyre, wheel and rim hazards and taking effective precautions (focus on critical controls).

My Competency Expert (MCE) is a well-established process and solution in place with numerous subscribing client operations. The MCE software solution accommodates the requirements of RS13, and the implications associated with RS22, including awareness, VOC programs and suggested pathways to attain competence. Our expertise is built on many years of direct industry exposure and working with the legislation and its application in a practicable and robust manner.

For further information: https://www.mycompetency.expert/

Contact: Steve Amor (Director)

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