Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the process of transporting, handling and storing chemicals safely and identifies the standard required to: correctly maintain and use personal protective equipment (PPE) according to label; follow emergency procedures for chemical spillage; follow legislative requirements for the safe transport of chemicals; and maintain storage area and chemical manifest.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the safe transport, handling and storage of liquid and dry chemical formulations across a range of industry sectors. The work is likely to be carried out unsupervised. Responsibility for and limited organisation of the work of others may be involved. This unit may be deemed to have a time limit when used as part of an accreditation or licensing process.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Transport and handle chemicals and biological agents

1.1. Transport requirements are identified and followed from legislative and regulatory requirements, including Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).

1.2. Risks involved in the transport and handling of chemical and biological agents are assessed and minimised.

1.3. Containers are confirmed as being in a sound condition to transport.

1.4. PPE is used as required according to manufacturer specifications and OHS requirements.

1.5. Instructions from chemical material safety data sheets (MSDS) are followed in the event of a spill.

1.6. Transport incidents are reported as required according to legislative and/or regulatory requirements.

1.7. Appropriate first aid kit and spill kit are confirmed as being on hand for all stages of transport, handling and storage.

2. Store chemicals in the workplace

2.1. Appropriate storage methods are used according to chemical labels, MSDS, and/or legislative and regulatory requirements.

2.2. Risks involved in storage of chemical and biological agents are assessed and minimised.

2.3. Storage area is maintained according to legislative and regulatory requirements, including OHS and environmental protection.

2.4. Products are retained in original containers with labels intact.

2.5. Storage methods are utilised to prevent contact with people or animals, contamination of produce or the environment.

2.6. Correct disposal procedures are applied for used chemical drums and storage containers.

2.7. Unwanted and/or out-of-date chemicals are disposed of according to legislative and/or regulatory requirements and industry programs.

3. Record storage details

3.1. Chemical storage inventory and records are maintained according to legislative and regulatory requirements, including OHS.

3.2. Storage incidents are reported as required according to legislative and/or regulatory requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• transport, handle and store chemicals safely
• follow chemical label and MSDS requirements for transport handling and storage
• maintain records
• use literacy skills to read, interpret and follow organisational policies and procedures, follow sequenced written instructions, record information collected accurately and legibly, and select and apply procedures for a range of tasks
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning techniques, active listening, clarifying information and consulting with supervisors as required
• use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record routine workplace measures
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge 

• transport handling and storage requirements on chemical labels and MSDS
• types and application of PPE used in transport and handling
• legislation and regulations, including OHS and licensing requirements in relation to chemical storage and transport
• risk factors, including human, animal health and environmental associated with transport, handling and storage
• requirements for disposal of excess, unwanted and/or out-of-date chemicals
• requirements for disposal of used chemical containers and/or drums
• processes for clearing spillages and clean up.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• transporting, handling and storing chemicals safely
• identify the standard required to correctly maintain and use PPE according to label
• follow emergency procedures for chemical spillage
• follow legislative requirements for the safe transport of chemicals
• maintain storage area and chemical manifest.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Chemicals handling may include:

• requirements for the safe transport, handling and storage of chemicals and products used in the control of pest, weeds and diseases, including animal health products.

This unit does not cover:

• operation of specialised chemical application equipment and machinery, application of chemicals. See separate units of competency under the appropriate category.

Unit sector 

Chemicals

Co-requisite units 

Competency field