Call for expressions of interest – 
certificate of competence examiner

Are you interested in being an examiner? The Resources Regulator and NSW Mining and Petroleum Competence Board seek expressions of interest from practising certificate holders working at NSW mines to be appointed as examiners.

Examiners are needed for the following statutory functions:

• Mechanical engineering manager – panel member
• Undermanager – casual examiners

• Information for examiners includes:
  • Factsheet: Examiner for a certificate of competence
  • Expression of interest form with criteria for appointment
• See the Mining and Petroleum Competence Board page for details about the Board 
• Access the Mining competence page for details of examinations, competencies and practising certificates

You can contact Andrew Palmer (Manager, Competencies and Authorisation) via 02 4063 6405 or andrew.palmer@regional.nsw.gov.au for more information.

This round of expressions of interest closes on 2 June 2022.

Portfolio requirements for certificate of competence exams from 2022-2023

New applicants for the next round of exams starting in the 2022-2023 financial year will be required to submit a portfolio of sample workplace documents when they apply.

Applicants need to attach six types of workplace documents via the Resources Regulator portal. There is an attachment button at the end of the application form for a certificate of competence, where the documents can be uploaded. Each attachment should be numbered and clearly described. 

Guidance on the portfolio required for each statutory function is available on our website as part of assessment blueprinting.

Existing candidates who are resitting exams are not subject to the new portfolio requirements under transition arrangements.

Further information will be provided in June on our website including an updated exam calendar and guide to applying for a certificate of competence.

If you have further questions about portfolios please contact the mining competence team by mca@planning.nsw.gov.au or 1300 814 609 (option 2 then 3). More information is available on our website. 

New drill and blast forums added to events line-up 

The inaugural open cut and underground drill and blast forums start next week to provide industry with collaborative meetings to improve legislative compliance outcomes of blasting activities in NSW mines. The forums will be held face-to-face and online on the following days:

• Open cut drill and blast forum - 25 May 2022, Hunter Valley and online
• Underground drill and blast forum - 7 June 2022, Dubbo and online

Who should attend?

• Drill and blast engineers, superintendents, managers, MEMs, quarry managers
• Appointed supervisors (shotfirers)
• Suppliers and contractors

Book now for MISHEF

The Metalliferous Industry Safety and Health Engagement Forum (MISHEF) is returning to Dubbo on 8 June 2022. An online ticket option is also available for those wishing to attend via Zoom.

Our inspectors will review emerging issues and trends in metalliferous mines including a review of recent incidents, topical issues, updates on guidelines and standards, discussion of published safety alerts, bulletins, investigation releases and relevant incidents and events at mines for the previous six months.

Final call for speakers

Individuals keen to submit their expression of interest to present at the Mining Engineering Managers' Safety Seminar (MEMSS) on 12 and 13 October 2022 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Sydney NSW have until next Friday (27 May) to submit their application. Presentations can address the following:

• WHS lessons learnt from significant incidents
• WHS practices/standards improvement or innovation
• WHS related technology update, advancement or emergence
• WHS related educational material including WHS practices/standards, general management and mental wellbeing.

Call for speakers

We are seeking expressions of interest from enthusiastic and experienced presenters to be part of our Electrical Engineering Safety Seminar on 9 and 10 November 2022 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, Sydney NSW.

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals to share their experience, insights and learnings with the NSW mining industry.

Reminder - maintenance of competence compliance auditing 

We have contracted Core Mine Training and Mines Rescue to complete 100 audits of practising certificate holders for their compliance with the maintenance of competence condition by 30 June 2022.

Practising certificate holders should download the revised logbook from our maintenance of competence webpage. They should complete the self-assessment worksheet to ensure their log is ready to be audited, should it be requested.

Further information can be sought from the Mining competence team at mca@planning.nsw.gov.au or 4063 6461. 

Scaffolding Industry Safety Standard launched

A new Scaffolding Industry Safety Standard has been launched to provide a clear guide to prevent scaffolding-related injuries and deaths.

The Safety Standard details practical management tools to principal contractors, scaffolders, engineers, and other parties involved in scaffolding work, ensuring best practice for the scaffolding industry.

More information is available on the Safe Work website. 

In case you missed it...

The following are recent publications and updates available on our website:

• MESS 2022 tickets on sale
• Fact sheet - Bullying and harassment