Unit of competency details

CPCCOHS1001A

Work safely in the construction industry

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

Prepare for asbestos removal.

1.1

Work instructions and asbestos removal control plan (ARCP) are obtained and confirmed for preparation purposes.

1.2

Safety requirements  and data gathered from an on-site assessment, an asbestos register where available, and other information sources are used to prepare for a safe and compliant removal process.

1.3

Tools, equipment  and personal protective equipment  (PPE) consistent with job requirements are selected to carry out tasks and checked for serviceability; and faults are rectified or reported prior to commencement.

1.4

ARCP is accessed according to legislative and company requirements, and understood.

2

Prepare asbestos removal area and removal site.

2.1

Non-friable asbestos containing materials  to be removed are identified, referring to the asbestos register or following clarification by an approved competent person as required and according to workplace procedures .

2.2

Signage and barricade requirements are identified and implemented to delineate the work area.

2.3

Decontamination procedure is tested according to workplace procedures.

2.4

Materials and equipment required for removal of ACM from project sites  are identified, checked and prepared for operation.

2.5

Processes are undertaken to ensure the safety of the site, including deactivating or securing utilities  where necessary prior to commencing work.

3

Isolate removal site.

3.1

Requirements to isolate the removal site  safely are identified from the ARCP, and implemented according to legislative and company requirements.

3.2

Boundaries of asbestos removal site are designated according to ARCP requirements.

3.3

Occupants, neighbours and other affected parties are notified according to legislation and within limits of own responsibility and the code of practice.

4

Carry out asbestos removal process.

4.1

Asbestos is removed  from work area and work site as specified by the supervisor and in the appropriate manner, ensuring the safe use of tools and according to ARCP, legislative and regulatory requirements, and codes of practice.

4.2

Removed asbestos is contained , wrapped or otherwise sealed, and placed into removal bags or bins, sealed, labelled and, where loaded into a truck, the tray or skip is lined prior to removal of ACM from site according to regulatory requirements and company standards.

5

Carry out decontamination process.

5.1

Decontamination of the work area and tools is carried out according to workplace procedures, ARCP and regulatory requirements.

5.2

Decontamination of asbestos removal workers is carried out  according to workplace procedures, ARCP and regulatory requirements.

5.3

Asbestos removal and decontamination equipment is removed from the area according to ARCP and regulatory requirements.

6

Clean up work site.

6.1

Work area is cleared and materials disposed of according to legislation, regulations, codes of practice and job specification.

6.2

Plant, tools and equipment are cleaned, decontaminated, checked, maintained, removed from the work area, and stored according to manufacturer recommendations and regulatory requirements.

7

Contribute to and use documentation in line with regulatory requirements.

7.1

Contribution is made within limits of own responsibility to the preparation and use of documentation  for regulatory notification processes according to legislative and company requirements.

7.2

Steps are taken within limits of own responsibility to ensure clearance inspection requirements are met and clearance certificate is gained from a competent person or licensed asbestos assessor.

7.3

Contribution is made within limits of own responsibility to the preparation and use of an emergency plan according to legislative and company requirements.

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

Required skills 

• communication and appropriate level of language skills to:

• determine requirements
• enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand
• follow instructions
• read and apply:

• documentation from a variety of sources
• drawings and specifications

• use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

• initiative and enterprise skills to:

• evaluate own actions and make judgements about performance and necessary improvements
• identify and report faults in tools, equipment and materials to appropriate personnel

• planning and organising skills to:

• set out work
• recognise procedures, follow instructions and contribute to workplace responsibilities, such as current environmental and safety systems and the ARCP

• teamwork skills to:

• coordinate own work with others to action tasks
• relate to people from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities

• self-management skills to:

• work independently and in teams to read and interpret relevant documentation and to prepare for non-friable asbestos removal tasks according to the recommended safe work method and ARCP
• set up the asbestos removal area and removal site according to the safe work method and ARCP
• check, fit and use PPE, and hand and power tools safely
• apply general WHS procedures for construction work, including:

• identifying, avoiding and eliminating electrical hazards
• working safely at heights and in confined spaces
• applying safe work practices to the use of tools appropriate to ACM removal
• handling hazardous materials safely
• applying safe work methods for the removal of non-friable asbestos

• follow correct cleaning, decontamination and disposal procedures

Required knowledge 

• range of materials manufactured using asbestos, the type of asbestos used in each material, and the usual applications associated with the material, together with an understanding of:

• health effects caused by exposure to ACM and requirement for safe handling and removal
• health impacts on the community and requirement for safe handling and disposal

• general WHS procedures for construction work as required, including identifying and mitigating risks
• health hazards associated with friable ACM and circumstances that may change the nature of ACM from non-friable to friable, such as:

• weathering
• wear and tear
• application of tools and equipment
• accidental damage

• licensing requirements for the use of specific equipment, such as excavators
• safe work methods for the removal of non-friable asbestos
• requirements of current legislation and standards relating to asbestos safety, and the decontamination, transport and disposal of asbestos waste
• general construction terminology
• handling requirements of differing types of asbestos materials
• hazards associated with removal processes
• work area procedures
• job safety analysis (JSA) and safe work method statements (SWMS) if required for construction
• safety data sheets (SDS)
• materials storage and hazardous waste management
• method of operation, and cleaning, use and maintenance requirements of equipment
• plans, drawings and specifications, asbestos registers and register amendments
• quality requirements relating to the removal of non-friable asbestos
• risk assessment processes and contingency planning relating to the removal of non-friable asbestos
• techniques associated with enclosing and removing asbestos
• types, characteristics, uses and limitations of plant and equipment involved in enclosing and removing asbestos
• workplace and equipment safety requirements
• purpose and application of documentation for notification; and use of ARCP and clearance inspections

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

This unit of competency could be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, providing that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

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

A person should demonstrate the ability to:

• obtain and apply work instructions for the safe and correct removal of non-friable asbestos
• set up the work area and test equipment for use in the removal process of non-friable asbestos
• isolate the site prior to removal, complying with regulatory requirements
• remove non-friable asbestos safely and comply with regulatory requirements
• contain the ACM and ensure its handling and disposal are safe and comply with requirements
• decontaminate self, work equipment, and the work site safely and correctly
• complete documentation that supports the removal process within limits of own responsibility.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

• an induction procedure and requirement
• realistic tasks or simulated tasks covering the mandatory task requirements
• relevant specifications and work instructions
• tools and equipment appropriate to applying safe work practices
• support materials appropriate to activity
• workplace instructions relating to safe work practices and addressing hazards and emergencies
• research resources, including industry-related systems information
• safety data sheets.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

• satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package
• include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
• reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
• confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

• competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
• where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person’s demonstrated ability and applied knowledge
• all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Safety requirements  will be specified from a range of sources that include:

• asbestos removal control plan
• company policies and procedures, including:

• accessing toilets and other amenities
• managing work hours to minimise risk from tiredness
• working in heat and avoiding heat stress

• JSA
• legislation and regulations, including the Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos
• operating manuals and specifications for materials and equipment
• SWMS
• asbestos register.

Tools and equipment  may require separate licensing for use and may include:

• high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum cleaners to comply with AS3544-1988 and AS4260-1997 as amended from time to time
• atomiser and water spray bottles (not pressurised)
• hoses and spray fittings
• barricades, including tape, para-webbing and fencing
• bars (crow and pinch)
• bolt cutters
• buckets
• cold chisels
• excavators
• hand drills (manual and low-speed only)
• fire extinguishers
• hammers
• hand tools (full kit)
• ladders conforming to construction regulations
• scaffolds
• scrapers
• shovels and spades
• staple guns.

Personal protective equipment  will be specified to the requirements of the job and must include:

• protective clothing, such as:

• disposable coveralls with fitted hood and cuffs
• safety footwear (pull-on, not lace-up)
• protective eyewear
• disposable or protective gloves

• correct face fitting and use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
• respiratory protection required for the job, including class P1 and P2 face masks
• spare sets of PPE.

Materials  may include:

• approved and branded plastic bags, including heavy-duty polythene bags (200 μm minimum thickness)
• duct tape
• foam infill spray
• acrylic paint to seal ACM
• polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) adhesive as spray to seal ACM
• rags or other material wipes (used once)
• signs
• 200 μm unused (not recycled) plastic sheeting or drop sheet.

Non-friable asbestos containing materials  may include:

Note:

• Non-friable asbestos is also known as bonded asbestos
• ACM notionally listed as non-friable may become friable due to weathering or damage

• asbestos cement
• asbestos cement moulded guttering
• asbestos cement sheets
• asbestos tiles
• bitumastic felts and materials
• adhesives and glues
• compressed asbestos cement panels
• floor vinyl covering
• mortar
• resinous backing board
• sealant mastic
• tape.

Workplace procedures  may include:

• environmental requirements, such as:

• clean-up management
• dust and noise management
• notification to occupants, neighbours and other affected parties
• sedimentation control
• vibration management
• waste management, including the safe disposal of ACM

• quality requirements, such as:

• internal company quality policy and standards
• manufacturer specifications
• relevant regulations, including Australian standards
• workplace operations and procedures.

Project sites  may include:

• residential, commercial, industrial and public buildings
• plant, equipment and fire boards (e.g. friction plant and gaskets)
• demolition sites
• electricity supply authority or work site
• fences
• ships and other forms of transport
• sites for new building development.

Utilities  may include:

• air conditioning
• electricity
• water services.

Requirements to isolate the removal site :

• will reflect the nature of the site
• must comply with legislative requirements and the ARCP
• may include:

• using barriers
• using signage
• ensuring occupants are aware of the need to stay away from the removal site
• ensuring isolation has occurred by a licensed electrician and that this is documented.

Asbestos is removed  in a manner that complies with legislative and company requirements, and may include:

• wet method (most preferred):

• saturate material by gently spraying with water and surfactant mixture (PVA in water ratio of 5:1)
• remove materials in sections with the minimum amount of cutting and separation and using hand tools as appropriate
• place removed sections in appropriate containers or packaging
• Note: The application of the wet asbestos removal method requires the disconnection of the building’s power supply and use of a temporary power source fitted with earth leakage and residual current device (RCD)

• dry method (least preferred):

• to be used only where conditions prohibit use of the wet spray method, i.e. in the vicinity of electrical conductors
• fully encapsulate the work area with plastic sheeting
• use air respirators appropriate to the job
• ensure removal methods minimise the production of airborne material, for example the use of asbestos vacuum cleaners for shadow vacuuming (Note:  domestic vacuum cleaners even fitted with a HEPA filter are unsuitable)
• place removed material immediately in appropriate containers and dampen with sprayed mist.

Asbestos is contained  and sealed using a range of techniques, including:

• double-bagging
• using heavy-duty polythene bags (200 μm minimum thickness) labelled with an appropriate warning
• using drums or bins in good condition with well-fitting lids labelled with appropriate warning signage or labels.

Note:  If too large for a bin or bag, a skip or vehicle tray may be used provided it is double-lined with heavy-duty thick plastic sheeting. When ACMs are loaded on a truck tray, the ACMs must be wetted down and then fully wrapped and sealed with a layer of 200 μm sheeting or bagged. Labelling must occur.

Decontamination of asbestos removal workers is carried out :

• using a range of techniques, including :

• ‘buddy’ vacuumi ng
• decontamination unit for large non-friable removals in certain circumstances
• wet wiping.

Documentation  may include:

• air-monitoring results, where necessary
• asbestos register
• notification to regulator of asbestos removal work
• clearance certificates
• asbestos removal control plans
• procedures for the WHS management system and the emergency plan
• equipment test reports
• health-monitoring program
• RPE face fits
• competency training certificates.