Unit of competency details

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

Use manual-handling techniques to move loads and materials.

1.1

Hazards are identified  and risk assessment and control methods implemented prior to moving loads and materials.

1.2

Manual-handling techniques  are used, including OHS procedures appropriate for the type of load and material being moved.

2

Use mechanical-handling aids to move loads and materials.

2.1

Mechanical-handling aids  are used to assist with safe manual handling of loads and materials according to industry and legislative requirements  and workplace procedures .

2.2

Mechanical-handling aids are maintained according to organisational requirements  and manufacturers’ specifications.

2.3

Faulty mechanical-handling aids are reported to relevant persons  according to organisational requirements.

3

Adhere to regulatory requirements for moving and transporting dangerous material.

3.1

Requirements of relevant dangerous goods regulations, and ODS and SGG are followed when moving material or load that is assessed as dangerous or hazardous.

3.2

Requirements of relevant dangerous goods regulations and ODS, SGG and OHS policies and procedures  are followed when transporting by road any material or load that is assessed as dangerous or hazardous.

3.3

Required transport documents  and signage  are used when transporting dangerous goods.

3.4

General requirements for storing dangerous goods that form part of fire protection equipment or systems are followed.

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

Required skills 

• assessing hazards and risks, such as:

• movement paths for loads and materials
• safe working loads

• language and literacy skills to:

• interpret safety signs
• read, understand and comply with work instructions

• skills to work safely when:

• controlling risks
• manual handling loads and materials, including containers
• moving and transporting dangerous goods, including ODS and SGG materials

• problem-solving skills to resolve problems in practical and safe ways

Required knowledge 

• dangerous goods commonly used in the fire protection industry and key requirements, including:

• general storage requirements for all dangerous goods
• identification of dangerous goods by diamond-shaped symbol
• requirements for transporting dangerous goods by a vehicle, especially class 2.2 for placarded loads and bulk loads
• storage requirements for gaseous containers, especially those containing ODS and SGG

• manual-handling techniques, including implications of:

• ignoring safety precautions used with mechanical manual-handling aids
• incorrect manual-lifting techniques

• maximum safe loads for vehicles
• meaning of material handling applied to role of service technician
• methods used to prevent ODS and SGG emissions in the workplace
• purpose and structure of relevant dangerous goods legislation, including HAZCHEM signs and emergency information panels
• purpose of hazard identification, hazard assessment and hazard control
• reasons for preventing ODS and SGG emissions in the workplace

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 by observation of two practical demonstrations of the safe movement of loads, including ODS and SGG containers, in different workplace settings.

All practical demonstrations must adhere to the safety and environmental regulations relevant to each state or territory.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the required skills and knowledge specified in this unit.

In particular the person should demonstrate the ability to:

• communicate effectively, including reporting procedures for faulty mechanical-handling aids
• comply with:

• OHS, ODS and SGG regulations, policies and procedures applicable to the materials or load being moved or transported
• relevant dangerous goods regulations, policies and procedures, including transport of dangerous goods using company vehicle

• handle materials in compliance with relevant OHS procedures
• move loads and ODS and SGG containers, including:

• identifying potential hazards and risks prior to moving loads
• identifying risk assessment and control methods prior to moving loads

• use and maintain mechanical-handling aids.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context. It is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

• suitable work area or simulated workplace environment with appropriate loads and containers that allows demonstration of manual-handling techniques
• suitable load and manual-handling aids for candidate to demonstrate manual-handling techniques
• PPE commonly used in manual handling
• manuals and relevant documentation
• assessment documentation forms and record books.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

• satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Property 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.

Guidance information for assessment

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.

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.

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, for example:

• CPPCMN2002A Participate in workplace safety arrangements.

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.

Identification of hazards  may include activities associated with:

• checking equipment and work area before work commences and during work
• checking for potential ODS and SGG emissions
• regular housekeeping activities
• workplace inspections of equipment and work areas.

Hazards  may include:

• environmental, such as improper use of hazardous materials and chemicals, including ODS or SGG materials
• ergonomic, such as incorrect manual-handling methods
• hazards associated with electrical or mechanical faults
• obstructive, such as blocked access to emergency entry and exit points.

Manual-handling techniques  may include:

• carrying
• lifting
• pulling
• pushing.

Mechanical-handling aids  may include:

• hand trucks
• hooks
• lifting magnets
• lifting straps
• non-licensed mechanical-handling aids, including:

• cranes
• hoists
• manually-operated forklifts and pallet trucks

• suction grips
• trolleys
• wheelbarrows.

Industry and legislative requirements  may include:

• building surveyor requirements
• fire protection industry codes of practice
• licensing arrangements
• ODS and SGG legislation, codes and regulations, such as:

• Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act 1989

• OHS legislation, codes and regulations
• relevant Australian standards, such as:

• AS 1851 Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment
• note: Australian standards are frequently revised and users must always check for currency and amendments

• relevant federal, state and territory building Acts, regulations and codes, such as Building Code of Australia (BCA)
• other relevant legislation relating to fire protection equipment, including:

• international shipping codes
• marine codes for different Australian States
• requirements of Australian petroleum industry.

Workplace procedures  may include:

• assignment instructions
• equipment manufacturers’ requirements
• instructions from colleagues, supervisors and managers
• personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements
• reporting and documentation requirements
• specific customer requirements
• work instructions to prevent the emission of ODS and SGG in the workplace.

Organisational requirements  may be located in quality assurance and procedures manuals relating to:

• documentation and information systems and processes
• legal and organisational policies and guidelines, including personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations
• legislation relevant to service operation
• ODS and SGG policies, procedures and programs
• OHS policies, procedures and programs
• use of electronic job scheduling and communication devices.

Relevant persons  may include:

• colleague
• customer
• manager
• supervisor
• team leader.

OHS policies and procedures  may relate to:

• assessing work site for hazards and risks prior to preparing it for the work procedure
• displaying signs and using barriers in work area
• employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• equipment maintenance and use
• first aid
• incident and accident investigation
• OHS audits and safety inspections
• risk assessment and control measures
• safe operating procedures and instructions, including:

• awareness of electrical hazards
• emergency procedures
• following confined spaces procedures
• hazard and risk identification and reporting
• using PPE, including:

• appropriate gloves and overalls
• dust masks
• earmuffs or plugs
• hard hats
• safety boots or shoes
• safety glasses or goggles
• sunhats

• working safely:

• around electrical wiring, cables and overhead powerlines
• around tools and equipment
• on ladders and raised platforms

• the OHS hierarchy of control
• use and storage of hazardous substances.

Transport documents  include:

• dangerous goods driving licence
• emergency procedure guide
• material safety data sheet (MSDS).

Signage  includes:

• dangerous goods signage (diamond-shaped symbol)
• emergency information panel.