MPQDS06

Dimension stone block pre-splitting

Overview What is this standard about? This standard states the skills, knowledge and understanding required to demonstrate competence in splitting dimension stone using manual equipment, commonly referred to as delving or "plug and feather" splitting. You will be able to split the stone using plugs and feathers with either a hand or hydraulic hammer equipment and wedges to produce dimension stone products. Who is this standard for? This standard is applicable to operatives in the dimensional stone quarrying industry.

MPQDS06 Dimension stone block pre-splitting 1 MPQDS06

Dimension stone block pre-splitting

Performance criteria

You must be able to: 1. carry out work activities according to approved policies, procedures and practices. 2. select, check and use personal protection equipment (PPE) for the work activity 3. select tools and equipment for the work activity, and check they are clean and in good repair 4. position and stabilise the dimension stone to be split 5. ensure that the area selected for splitting has sufficient room for rock displacement 6. determine and mark out the applicable drilling pattern for the area selected 7. check the depth of the drill holes to ensure sufficient clearance for the plugs and feathers to operate correctly 8. insert the plugs and feathers into the drill holes with the ears on the feathers facing the required way 9. strike the wedges in sequence maintaining the consistency of the tension 10. monitor the split and tension until separation has been achieved 11. stop the tensioning 12. remove the split block or blocks 13. remove, check and store the plugs, feathers and other equipment applicable to the task 14. inspect and make safe the area for subsequent operation 15. notify relevant persons of the work activity

MPQDS06 Dimension stone block pre-splitting 2 MPQDS06

Dimension stone block pre-splitting

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and 1. the approved policies, procedures and practices for the work activity understand: 2. your personal responsibilities for health and safety and working safely 3. the personal protection equipment (PPE) for the work activity and how this should be used 4. the hazards and risks associated with the work and the control measures in place 5. the types of tools and equipment used with the operation and work activity 6. the checks that should be made on tools, equipment and the work area before work commences 7. the methods of defining, demarcating and clearing the work area 8. the actions to be taken in the event of problems occurring 9. the methods of reporting and communication with relevant persons within the work activity 10. the procedures for the safe positioning of the rock to be split 11. how the geology of the rock effects the selection of stone for splitting 12. what factors of the geology of the dimension stone impact on the placement of the drill holes 13. the use of hand tools in the splitting operation 14. the methods to remove dimension stone from work area 15. the methods of safe storage of tools and equipment 16. the procedures for making the area safe for ongoing operations

MPQDS06 Dimension stone block pre-splitting 3 MPQDS06

Dimension stone block pre-splitting

Scope/range 1. approved policies, procedures and practices: legislative, organisational, operational, accident or emergency, health and safety, first aid, and environmental as appropriate to the work site and work activity 2. relevant persons: supervision, work colleagues, maintenance engineers, designated persons and/or those affected by the work activity, as appropriate to the work activity

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Dimension stone block pre-splitting

Developed by MPQC

Version Number 1

Date Approved November 2015

Indicative Review January 2020 Date

Validity Current

Status Original

Originating MPQC Organisation

Original URN MPQDS06

Relevant Mineworker; Quarry workers and related operatives Occupations

Suite Dimension Stone

Keywords delve; plug; feather; split; rock; dimension; stone; quarry; mine; hammer

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