Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This Unit first released with BSB07 Business Training Package version 7.0.

Replaces and is equivalent to BSBOHS406C Use equipment to conduct workplace monitoring.

Element 

Performance Criteria 

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Assist with selecting measuring devices

1.1 Assist with identifying regulatory requirements and standards  that apply to monitoring

1.2 Identify agent and/or condition  to be measured through consultation with relevant individuals and parties 

1.3 Identify characteristics  of agent and/or condition

1.4 Determine the area  where measurements are to be taken

1.5 Assist with identifying types of appropriate measuring equipment

1.6 Assist with the selection of measuring equipment appropriate to the agent and/or condition, the environment, the activities being carried out and the level of risk

1.7 Recognise limits of own expertise and available equipment, and seek expert advice and equipment as appropriate

2. Assist with preparations to collect workplace information and data

2.1 Determine a sampling process 

2.2 Consult with and advise those involved in workplace activities to collect information and data  about the requirements, and nature and purpose of the monitoring

2.3 Assist with defining a sampling plan after inspecting area and consulting with workers and affected parties about the nature of the problem

2.4 Assist with checking the operability of equipment 

3. Assist with collecting workplace information and data

3.1 Assist with selecting and calibrating monitoring equipment, and selecting appropriate scale

3.2 Assist with tests

3.3 Assist with correct use and maintenance of equipment to collect information and data

3.4 Ensure own health and safety while collecting information and data, and record readings using expert support and advice as appropriate

3.5 Assist with dismantling and cleaning equipment and parts, or dispose of appropriately

3.6 Assist with correctly storing equipment or making it ready for re-use as appropriate

4. Assist with documenting and evaluating results of monitoring

4.1 Assist with interpreting and evaluating results against a recognised standard and documenting results

4.2 Assist with preparing reports on the monitoring process, including any regulatory requirements, and consider purposes of report  and the target audiences 

4.3 Assist with presenting required information and data  clearly and logically

4.4 Assist with retaining results and records in a format that enables them to be readily retrieved according to regulatory requirements and standards

Overview of assessment 

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

• seeking advice and support when required
• ensuring safety of self and others during monitoring process
• assisting with the use of appropriate equipment to monitor selected agents and/or conditions in the workplace
• knowledge of relevant Acts, regulations, codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material specific to measuring processes to identify hazards, assess risk and monitor the effectiveness of risk controls.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• a workplace or a simulated workplace with hazards requiring testing and monitoring
• all measuring devices and equipment appropriate to the agent and/or condition
• appropriate office and workplace equipment and resources
• relevant legislation, standards and guidelines.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios
• explanation of techniques used to measure and monitor workplace hazards
• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of techniques for correctly using safe measuring and monitoring equipment
• review of documented results
• review of reports on testing undertaken
• evaluation of equipment operability.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• BSBWHS404A Contribute to WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control.

Regulatory requirements and standards  may include:

• Australian and international standards, such as those produced by Standards Australia and Safe Work Australia
• biological exposure indices
• commonwealth and state or territory WHS Acts, regulations and codes of practice
• exposure standards for atmospheric contaminants in occupational environments
• guidance material, such as guidance notes, guides, fact sheets and technical reports that provide practical guidance and directions for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk controls
• safety data sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals.

Agent and/or condition  may include:

• biological agents, such as insects, mites and bacteria
• electricity
• fibres, dusts and particulates
• fumes, mists, gases and vapours
• heat and humidity
• light
• noise
• radiation, including ionising, non-ionising and laser
• vibration.

Individuals and parties  may include:

• contractors and subcontractors
• duty holders as specified in WHS Acts:

• PCBUs or their officers
• workers
• other persons at a workplace

• health and safety committees
• health and safety representatives
• suppliers
• WHS entry permit holders
• WHS inspectors
• WHS regulators
• WHS specialists, such as occupational hygienists or occupational physicians.

Characteristics  may include:

• dose factors relating to concentration and time
• how an agent affects specific parts of the body, such as:

• extent of damage to tissue
• effects, such as additive, antagonistic, synergism and potentiation

• how an agent can affect WHS
• how an agent is absorbed into the body
• way an agent behaves in the environment, including over distance and time
• work environments, such as confined spaces.

Determining the area  may include:

• area or space available
• location
• movements of people and equipment
• number of persons occupying area
• other factors that may impact on the sampling or data-collection processes
• physical features of equipment, such as emitting sources
• tasks or activities being undertaken.

Sampling process  may include:

• process, substance or hazard likely to be causing the ill-health or symptoms
• size of the workforce (i.e. individual worker or work teams)
• type of exposure
• other practical and financial considerations.

Information and data  collected may include:

• conditions, such as activities and number of people present when measurements were made
• date, time and duration of collection
• locations where information and data were collected
• readouts and measurements taken
• sampling method, for example:

• continuous
• grab
• longitudinal

• specifications of equipment used.

Operability of equipment  may include:

• availability of appropriate attachments, leads and filters
• battery serviceability checks
• check and function tests
• calibration requirements
• National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) tested and certified, with certificate of currency as appropriate.

Purposes of report  may include:

• as a basis for design of improved and/or new risk controls
• communicating the results and ramifications of monitoring to individuals and parties
• hazard identification
• legal compliance
• risk assessment.

Target audiences  may include:

• contractors, such as hygienists, involved in sampling methodologies and procedures
• designers and engineers
• individuals and parties.

Required information and data  may include:

• agent/condition being monitored and key issues associated with it
• interpretation and discussion of results
• ramifications for workers and the workplace
• sampling process:

• conditions at time of sampling, including whether or not the sampling period represented normal operating conditions
• how measurements were taken
• locations where samples were taken
• specifications of equipment used

• tables of results
• target audiences for report
• where, when and why measurements were taken.