Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

2

DEF12V2

Removal of repetitive Performance Criteria Statement

Application added

Minor change to Unit Descriptor and Range Statement

Changes to Evidence Guide

1

DEF12V1

Primary release.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised  text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Identify laser safety issues 

1.1 Potential laser source,  is identified in accordance with relevant organisational policy and procedures.

1.2 Type  and Australian Standard class is identified in accordance with the relevant organisational policy and procedures.

1.3 Dangers/risks associated with lasers  are identified.

1.4 laser safety controls  are applied.

1.5 Laser warning signage  is identified and correctly interpreted.

2. Apply safe work practices 

2.1 Lasers deployed in the workplace are identified.

2.2 Laser exposure situations  are identified and interpreted.

2.3 Appropriate personal protective equipment  (PPE) is identified and applied.

2.4 Other control measures are identified and adhered to.

3. Report on workplace laser incidents 

3.1 Incident reporting  procedures are applied.

3.2 Health surveillance requirements, including eye testing, are complied with..

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• access, read, interpret and apply information on laser operations
• identify laser sources

Required Knowledge 

• work health and safety (WHS) requirements relevant to laser emissions in the workplace
• organisational policy and standards relevant to laser operations emissions

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

Assessment must confirm the ability:

• identify laser safety issues, apply safe work practices and monitor and report on workplace incidents.
• demonstrate knowledge of relevant work health and safety legislative frameworks
• identify inspection tools and methods appropriate to the workplace
• demonstrate the application of the principles and practices of work health and safety when working with lasers
• identify intervention points for advice to assist in work and to guide problem solving

Consistency in performance 

Evidence for competency in this unit must be gathered over time and across a range of workplace or simulated situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or under conditions that accurately simulate a realistic workplace in accordance with all relevant legislation and organisation requirements.

Evidence should be gathered while observing the individual working with lasers in an actual or simulated workplace. A record of all relevant reports, interviews and tests should also be submitted as evidence for assessment.

Specific resources for assessment 

There are no special resource implications for this unit.

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Potential laser source  may include:

• Bar-code scanners
• Medical/dental instruments
• Range finders (as found on military weapons and survey equipment)

Laser type  may include:

• Liquid
• Gas
• Semiconductor
• Solid

Dangers/risks associated with lasers  may include:

• Awareness of the effect of weather and/or reflecting surfaces on differing types of laser transmission
• Extended source viewing
• Irradiance and radiant exposure
• Point source and intra-beam viewing
• Specular reflections
• Use of magnifying optics

Laser safety controls  may include:

• Establishment of nominal ocular hazard areas (NOHA)
• Exclusion zone/specification of laser hazard areas
• Maintenance of a laser register
• Protective eye wear specified in accordance with perceived laser threat
• Use of interlocks to prevent inadvertent discharge of laser when safety features are not in place
• Use of keys to activate laser
• Warnings to avoid observation of source

Laser warning signage  may include:

• Labelling/signage on equipment
• Notification of responsibilities and provision of safety information
• Warning signage/notices surrounding exclusion zone or work areas where lasers may be operating

Laser exposure situations  may include:

• Laboratories, medical and dental clinics where laser equipment is in use
• Maintenance workshops
• Military training and field operations where laser devices are in use

Personal protective equipment  may include:

• Protective clothing
• Specific eye protection goggles

Incident reporting  may include:

• Affected person reporting
• Laser operator reports
• Organisational reporting procedures