Standard 11

RIISS00034 - Surface Coal Mine Safety Skill Set Townsville

RIISS00034 Surface Coal Mine Safety Skill Set, commonly known as Standard 11, is designed for people who need the core safety competencies used in Queensland surface coal mining. The course combines theory and practical training across workplace communication, risk control, site procedures, work health and safety, initial first aid response and emergency response.


Participants complete six nationally recognised units as part of the skill set. Training includes hazard identification, workplace communication, responding to incidents and emergencies, following site procedures and completing common mining safety documentation. Practical assessment uses simulated workplace scenarios to test how participants apply these skills in situations they may encounter on a mine site.


Standard 11 training in Townsville can suit new mine workers, contractors and existing employees preparing for work across Queensland's surface coal mining industry. Townsville is a major service, transport and logistics hub for North Queensland, with strong links to mining, manufacturing, construction and the wider North West Minerals Province. This makes the city a practical location for workers preparing for regional resources roles.


FindTraining can help you compare available RIISS00034 Standard 11 courses in Townsville by provider, venue, date and delivery format. Enrolment for nationally recognised training listed through the Allens Training network is with Allens Training Pty Ltd RTO 90909, with approved providers able to deliver and assess training on its behalf where stated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Standard 11 training?

Standard 11 is the common industry name for training aligned with Queensland's Recognised Standard 11: Training in Coal Mines.

The FindTraining course delivers RIISS00034 Surface Coal Mine Safety Skill Set, which combines six nationally recognised units covering workplace communication, safety procedures, local risk control, initial first aid and emergency response.

What is RIISS00034 Surface Coal Mine Safety Skill Set?

RIISS00034 is a nationally recognised skill set from the Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package.

It brings together competencies relevant to workers operating under established procedures in surface coal mining environments and is commonly used as the training product associated with Standard 11.

Who should complete Standard 11 training in Townsville?

The course is commonly relevant to people preparing to work in Queensland surface coal mines, including new workers, contractors and employees who need the competencies covered by RIISS00034.

Townsville-based workers may complete Standard 11 before travelling to mining and resources operations elsewhere in North and regional Queensland. The exact requirements depend on the role, employer and mine site's training scheme.

Why is Townsville a useful location for Standard 11 training?

Townsville is a major North Queensland service centre with strong transport, logistics, manufacturing and resources connections.

The Port of Townsville and regional freight networks support mining and mineral industries across North and North West Queensland. Workers based in Townsville may therefore complete Standard 11 locally before travelling to regional projects or mine sites.

What units are included in the Standard 11 course?

RIISS00034 includes six units covering:

  • communicating in the workplace;
  • responding to local emergencies and incidents;
  • applying initial response first aid;
  • conducting local risk control;
  • working safely and following WHS policies and procedures; and
  • complying with site work processes and procedures.

These units are delivered together as the Surface Coal Mine Safety Skill Set.

What will I learn during Standard 11 training?

Participants learn how to identify and control hazards, communicate workplace safety information, follow mine-site procedures and respond appropriately to incidents and emergencies.

Training also covers practical activities and workplace documentation such as risk assessments, pre-operation checks, incident reports, permits and hazard identification forms.

Is Standard 11 nationally recognised training?

Yes. RIISS00034 Surface Coal Mine Safety Skill Set is a nationally recognised VET training product.

Its use as Standard 11 is particularly associated with Queensland coal mining. Completing the skill set does not automatically satisfy every training, induction or competency requirement for every mine site.

Is Standard 11 required for every Queensland coal mine worker?

Queensland's Recognised Standard 11 provides guidance for the training schemes used by coal mines, including induction, competency assessment, refresher training and verification of competency.

The exact training an individual needs depends on their role, existing competencies and the mine operator's training scheme. Workers should confirm the requirements of their employer or intended mine site before booking.

Is Standard 11 only for surface coal mining?

RIISS00034 is formally titled Surface Coal Mine Safety Skill Set and is primarily aligned with surface coal mining work.

Workers entering underground coal mines, metalliferous mines or other resources operations may have different training and induction requirements. This distinction is especially relevant in North Queensland, where significant mining activity involves minerals other than coal.

Check the requirements for the specific operation before enrolling.

Does Standard 11 apply to workers heading to the North West Minerals Province?

Not automatically. The North West Minerals Province is known primarily for metalliferous and critical-minerals operations rather than surface coal mining.

RIISS00034 is specifically the Surface Coal Mine Safety Skill Set. Workers travelling from Townsville to mineral mines should confirm which induction, competencies and site-specific training their employer requires rather than assuming Standard 11 is the correct course.

How long does Standard 11 training take in Townsville?

The FindTraining course lists a minimum face-to-face contact time of 16 hours for standard face-to-face delivery.

An online learning option with face-to-face assessment may reduce classroom contact time, but it still includes substantial online learning and practical face-to-face assessment. Check the individual Townsville listing for the exact timetable.

Can I complete Standard 11 fully online in Townsville?

Generally, no. RIISS00034 includes practical assessment activities that require participants to demonstrate their skills.

Some providers may offer online theory followed by face-to-face practical assessment in Townsville. Others may deliver the entire course face to face.

What practical assessments are included in Standard 11?

Participants complete several simulated workplace scenarios. These may include:

  • completing a vehicle inspection;
  • responding to local emergencies or incidents;
  • completing a risk assessment;
  • preparing for a site emergency;
  • responding to an equipment fault; and
  • responding to a fire emergency.

Participants also complete written knowledge assessment and workplace-style safety documentation.

Do I need PPE for Standard 11 training in Townsville?

Participants need suitable protective footwear or safety shoes and appropriate clothing for practical training and assessment.

Additional requirements may vary by provider, so check the course joining instructions before attending.

Are there physical requirements for completing Standard 11?

Yes. Participants need sufficient physical and psychological capacity to safely complete the practical activities.

Learners must also be able to recognise important visual and audible safety signals, such as alarms, hand signals and flags, where these form part of the assessment.

Does Standard 11 expire?

RIISS00034 itself should not be treated as having one universal expiry date.

Queensland coal mines maintain training schemes that address matters such as induction, competency, refresher training and verification. The currency or refresher requirements that apply to a worker can therefore depend on the employer, site and role.

What is the difference between Standard 11 and a mine-site induction?

Standard 11 provides a set of recognised safety competencies associated with Queensland coal mining.

A mine-site induction is specific to an individual operation and can cover local hazards, emergency procedures, site rules, access requirements and other information unique to that mine.

Completing Standard 11 does not necessarily remove the need to complete the induction required by the mine where you will work.

Will completing Standard 11 in Townsville guarantee me access to a mine site?

No. Completing RIISS00034 does not guarantee employment or access to a particular mine.

An employer or mine operator may also require a site-specific induction, medical assessment, additional competencies, licences, verification of competency or other evidence before allowing a person to work on site.

Can Townsville employers organise Standard 11 training for a group?

Group or workplace training may be available through participating providers, depending on participant numbers, trainer availability, location and the facilities needed for assessment.

Businesses preparing several employees or contractors for Queensland mining work can compare public course places with private or group delivery options where available.

Where can I find Standard 11 training in Townsville?

Use FindTraining to compare current RIISS00034 Standard 11 courses in Townsville by provider, venue, date, price and delivery format.

Availability, course schedules and delivery methods can vary between providers, so check the individual listing before booking.