AHCEXP303 — Prepare and use explosives

1 Prepare for blasting

• 1.1Obtain permits/licences and approved warning signs installed and prominently displayed according to legislative requirements
• 1.2Notify property manager, neighbours and controlling authority and other stakeholders of blasting plan and timing according to legislation
• 1.3Clear blast site of stones and other potential missiles and ensure the site is made safe
• 1.4Place explosive products at required safety distance from identified hazards
• 1.5Prepare holes for charge(s) according to blasting plan
• 1.6Remove equipment used for preparing holes to prescribed safe distance according to Australian Standards, legislation and regulations

2 Prepare explosives

• 2.1Calculate quantities of explosive components required to achieve the desired blast for prevailing conditions
• 2.2Transport explosives or explosive mix to site according to workplace health and safety procedures and legislative requirements
• 2.3Calculate the precise explosive components to ensure minimum residual mix to be destroyed
• 2.4Prepare explosives according to defined recipe and requirements according to workplace procedures
• 2.5Assemble fusing and detonating components for explosive requirements in preparation for blasting

3 Place charges

• 3.1Place or pack explosives elements in prepared holes according to safe working procedures, Australian Standards, legislation and regulations
• 3.2Stem and tamp holes prior to the attachment of the firing system according to blasting requirement and safety procedures
• 3.3Check electrical firing circuits or fire fuses for continuity and/or earthing
• 3.4Clear extraneous materials from blast site to safe distances in accordance with workplace standards
• 3.5Re-check blast site and surrounds to ensure that non-essential personnel are not endangered
• 3.6Place blasting mats or other control devices according to blasting plan
• 3.7Guard blast area according to legislative requirements and workplace procedures

4 Fire charges

• 4.1Implement prescribed warning notification procedures according to workplace procedures and industry standards
• 4.2Re-check blasting site to ensure correct placement of explosives and all safety procedures have been implemented according to supervisor or shot firer instructions
• 4.3Implement audible and visual warning signals according to workplace safety procedures
• 4.4Initiate firing procedures using manual or electric firing system according to blasting plan

5 Conduct post-firing procedures

• 5.1Ensure misfires are identified prior to all-clear signals being given by count charges during firing procedure or inspection of blast site
• 5.2Implement misfire procedures according to workplace and regulatory requirements
• 5.3Ensure site is safe and all-clear signal is given according to industry practice and legislative requirements
• 5.4Discard, destroy or store surplus, unserviceable and defective explosives and detonators according to workplace and environmental procedures
• 5.5Maintain records according to workplace and legislative requirements

What does an assessment tool for AHCEXP303 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for AHCEXP303 needs to address all 51 unit components: 5 elements with 27 performance criteria, 11 performance evidence requirements, 9 knowledge evidence requirements, and the foundation skills. A coverage matrix mapping each question and task to these components is what an auditor looks for.

How does Auditori generate an assessment tool for AHCEXP303?

Auditori pulls the current release of AHCEXP303 from training.gov.au and generates a complete package: candidate assessment, assessor guide with model answers and observation criteria, and a coverage matrix mapping every component. A suitably qualified person then reviews and approves the draft in a built-in workflow — consistent with ASQA's guidance on AI use in VET — before export as branded PDF and editable Word.

Is the first assessment tool really free?

Yes. Every new account includes one free credit — enough to generate the complete assessment tool for AHCEXP303 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing AHCEXP303 assessment instead of generating a new one?

Yes — upload your existing assessment or learner guide and Auditori maps it against every element, performance criterion, PE and KE of AHCEXP303, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.