Unit of competency details

Elements and Performance Criteria 

Element 

Performance Criteria 

1

Transport and handle chemicals and biological agents

1.1

Transport methods according to label and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) are identified and confirmed to safely transport the chemical. 

1.2

Risks  involved in transport and handling are identified and minimised.

1.3

Personal protective equipment (PPE)  is used to transport and handle chemicals where required.

1.4

Requirements for safe working procedures  and legislation  are recognised and followed during transport.

1.5

Procedures  and risk control measures are in place and followed in the event of a spill or accident.

1.6

Reports of injury or poisoning associated with transport of chemicals are made to the manager.

2

Store chemicals in the workplace

2.1

Storage method  selected is appropriate for the chemical concerned.

2.2

OHS hazards in the storage area  are identified and risks controlled.

2.3

Storage method selected is appropriate to prevent contact with people or animals, and contamination of produce or the environment.

2.4

Requirements to maintain storage area in accordance with directions and standards  related to chemicals are defined.

2.5

Safe working procedures for the storage of chemicals are defined.

3

Record storage details

3.1

Chemical store inventory is maintained.

3.2

Storage of chemicals is recorded in accordance with OHS and enterprise requirements.

3.3

Records of injury or poisoning associated with transport and storage of chemicals are made and provided to the manager.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole ?

Competence in transporting, handling and storing chemicals requires evidence that a person can safely and securely transport, handle and store chemicals in the workplace without harming people, foodstuffs or the environment. The skills and knowledge required to transport and store chemicals must be transferable  to other workplaces. For example, this could include different transport methods, storage structures and workplaces.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria ?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below:

Australian Standards Association (ASA) levels and standards.

Risks to the environment.

Different methods of transport.

OHS risks management principles as they apply to hazardous substances.

Hazards and risks involved in the transport of the specific chemical concerned and related control measures.

Relevant OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice with regards to hazardous substances and the use of chemicals.

Correct wearing/fit of personal protective equipment.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria ?

To achieve the performance criteria, appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required. These include the ability to:

Accurately read and interpret instructions for transporting and handling chemicals.

Accurately read and interpret instructions for action to be taken to control and minimise the effects of a spillage of chemicals.

Communicate with others regarding transport and storage processes.

What processes should be applied to this competency standard ?

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies , although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.

1. How can communication of ideas and information  (2 ) be applied?

Information about the transport arrangements for chemicals will need to be communicated to relevant authorities, supervisor and colleagues.

2. How can information be collected , analysed and organised  (2 )?

Information about hazards and risks associated with transporting chemicals will be collected and analysed.

3. How are activities planned and organised  (2 )?

Transport and storage will need to occur without harming or interrupting other workplace activities.

4. How can team work  (3 ) be applied?

Ensuring others are aware of transport of chemicals, and the hazards and control measures.

5. How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques  (2 ) be applied?

Amounts of chemical that can be safely transported in one load and how they can be stored.

6. How can problem -solving skills  (2 ) be applied?

Difficulties with transport vehicles or the storage area may require problem solving.

7. How can the use of technology  (2 ) be applied?

The use of the storage manifest may require use of appropriate technology.

What are the special assessment conditions for this competency standard ?

Where this competency standard is being used as part of an accreditation or licence for purchase or use of chemicals, the assessor must meet the requirements of the issuing body. This may include:

1. Accreditation with that issuing body.
2. Maintenance of current competency in this and the following standards:

RTC3704A - Prepare and apply chemicals

RTC4702A - Minimise risks in the use of chemicals

RTC4703A - Plan and implement a chemical use program.

3. Involvement in professional development programs comprising technical and legislative updates on an annual basis.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one ?

This competency standard could  be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance  and where and how it may be assessed , in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. All users of these competency standards must have access  to both the Assessment Guidelines  and the relevant Sector Booklet .

Range of Variables 

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What chemicals  may be transported, handled and stored?

Chemicals may include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, bactericides, algaecides, biologicals, nematacides, rodenticides, antimicrobial agents, anthelmintics, hormone growth promotants, molluscicides and avicides, or a range of veterinary chemicals used to treat animals for disease.

What risks  may need to be minimised during the transport and storage of a chemical?

May include serious potential affects on worker's health during transport due to spillage or accident, poisoning, affects on public health through possible cross-contamination of produce, damage to the environment and the general public in the event of spillage or leakage during transport, lack of appropriate insurance coverage, chemicals flowing into drains, water sources or produce growing areas.

What hazards and risks  may occur during the transport of a chemical?

Contact with chemicals through the skin, inhalation or ingestion may cause acute poisoning, or chronic or long-term health effects. These may occur through direct contact with a spilled chemical, or through contamination of food. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide health information. Other hazards and risks include fire and explosion.

What personal protective equipment  may be relevant to this standard?

May include boots, overalls, chemical resistant gloves, aprons, face shields, respirators or hats.

What hazards  may be relevant to this standard?

Hazards will be listed on labels and the MSDS for the chemical concerned and may include flammability, toxicity, health hazards, damage to non-target organisms, environmental damage or residues in foods.

What storage methods  might be relevant to this standard?

Storage methods may include on site or off site, approved drums, bottles or containers.

What equipment may be found in a storage area ?

Equipment may include specific dispensing and preparation equipment, recording of processes and use, and associated safety equipment such as eyewash and emergency showers.

What directions and standards  might be relevant to this standard?

May include directions on a label, in an operator's manual, on a MSDS, in an industry standard, or from Codes of Practice, and advisory material outlining legislation relevant to chemical use. Regulations to be followed may include segregation, wash down areas and sumps.

What safe working procedures  are relevant to this standard?

Safe working procedures may include following manufacturers instructions, separating chemicals from passengers, observing loading instructions, ensuring liquids are top side up, ensuring chemicals are correctly labelled, ensuring no cross-contamination, safe driving and vehicle operation, ensuring load is not stacked too high, ensuring the chemicals are protected from the weather, and ensuring the load is secure.

What legislation  may be relevant to this standard?

Legislation may include Pesticides Acts, Occupational Health and Safety Acts and associated Hazardous Substances Regulations/ Codes of Practice, Dangerous Goods Acts, Poisons Schedule or Protection of the Environment Acts.

What procedures  following a spill or accident might be relevant to this standard?

Procedures may include directions on labels, MSDS, OHS and environmental regulations or operator's manuals, and may cover cleaning the site, monitoring and protecting the environment where possible, securing the area and notifying authorities.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.