Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers determining appropriate handling methods and storing bulk fluids and gases.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to activities in a range of environments that involve handling commercial quantities of fluids and gases greater than the quantities required by individuals to do their own jobs.

Emergency procedures are predetermined by appropriately qualified and authorised personnel.

Material properties are determined from instructions, charts, manufacturers' specifications and information sheets.

The unit applies to all containers used to store bulk fluids/gases.

Band : A 

Unit Weight : 4 

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Determine handling methods

1.1. Type of material is determined from labels, colour codes, signage.

1.2. Material properties are understood.

1.3. All relevant material properties are identified or clarified with appropriately qualified and authorised authority.

1.4. All relevant safety and emergency procedures are understood and implemented as required.

1.5. All relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice are understood and observed.

1.6. Correct and appropriate handling methods are undertaken.

2. Store bulk fluids/gases

2.1. Correct storage conditions are determined from instructions/manufacturers' specifications/directions.

2.2. Containers are checked for safe and clean use.

2.3. Containers are filled/emptied in accordance with standard operating procedures, regulations/legislative requirements.

2.4. Containers are handled and moved in accordance with site procedures, regulations/legislative requirements.

2.5. Containers are correctly labelled and stored to standard operational procedures, regulations/legislative requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• reading, interpreting and following handling and storage instructions, labels, colour codes, signage and terminology
• calculating quantities
• communicating with users of the materials and appropriately qualified and authorised authority
• orally reporting routine information
• checking and clarifying task-related information
• applying appropriate Materials Safety Data Sheet
• selecting personal protective clothing and equipment
• filling/emptying applicable containers
• storing and handling bulk fluids/gases
• entering routine and familiar information onto labels, proformas and standard workplace forms

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• OH&S and dangerous goods acts and regulations, transport of dangerous goods code, and industry codes of practice and standards relevant legislative requirements
• organisation's emergency response plan
• procedures for filling and emptying storage containers
• packaging requirements for dangerous goods
• personal protective clothing and equipment for various substances
• cleaning requirements for storage containers
• relevant hazards and control measures related to the competency

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 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to handle and store bulk fluids and gases.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both. Where assessment occurs off the job, i.e. the candidate is not in productive work, an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with handling and storage bulk fluids and gases or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment 

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment 

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Material properties 

• Gas, solid, liquid
• Material properties are determined from material safety data sheet, dangerous goods code, manifest or register

Safety and emergency procedures 

Emergency procedures are determined by organisational emergency response plan, and advice may be sought from appropriately qualified and/or authorised personnel

Legislation , regulations and codes of practice 

Relevant jurisdictions OH&S and dangerous goods acts and regulations, transport of dangerous goods code, and industry codes of practice and standards

Storage conditions 

Separation and segregation to legislative requirement and dangerous goods code

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Materials handling