Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

1) Scope: 

1.1) Descriptor 

This Unit covers the compliance of environmental polices and procedures whilst undertaking tasks in a utilities industry workplace and refers to relevant legislation, codes and practices and established procedures. The competency standard refers to compliance with relevant sections of Commonwealth and State OHS and Environmental Protection Acts. The checking of plant and equipment should be performed through visual and mechanical checks. The plant and equipment used is that typically used in preparing work sites for underground services and compliance with environmental policies and procedures. Relevant regulations and procedures are referred to, but not limited to, the work site and the use of plant; machinery/equipment; cleaning materials and aids; equipment operation; personal protective equipment.

Application of the Unit 

2) 

This competency standard shall apply to any basic and safe work site where Gas Industry operations occur. It could also apply, where applicable to other workplaces in the electricity supply industry (transmission and distribution and generation), the electrotechnology industry and the water industry, subject to all Occupational Health and Safety and duty of care requirements being met for the workplace.

License to practice 

3)  

The skills and knowledge described in this unit are not subject to licence regulation other than those directly related to Occupational Health and Safety, gas/electricity/water industry safety and compliance, industrial relations, environmental protection, telecommunications, anti discrimination and training. Commonwealth, State/Territory or Local Government legislation and regulations may exist that limit the age at which a person can operate certain equipment.

Prerequisite Unit(s) 

4)  

Competencies 

4.1) 

Granting of competency in this unit shall be made only after competency in the following unit(s) has/have been confirmed:

Nil

Literacy and numeracy skills 

4.2)  

Participants are best equipped to achieve this unit if they have reading, writing and numeracy skills indicated by the following scales. Description of each scale is given in Volume 2, Part 3 ‘Literacy and Numeracy’

Reading

3

Writing

3

Numeracy

3

Employability Skills 

5)  

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements.

6)  Elements describe the essential outcomes of a competency standard unit

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1

Prepare to comply with environmental policies and procedures

1.1

Work instructions are received and confirmed

1.2

Relevant requirements and established procedures to be followed for the work to be performed are discussed with all persons to establish and confirm the work schedule

1.3

OHS, sustainable energy and environmental policies and procedures to be followed for the work to be performed are received and confirmed

1.4

Suggestions to assist with complying with environmental policies and procedures are made to others involved in the work

1.5

Hazards are identified, OHS risks assessed and control measures are prioritised, implemented and monitored including emergency exits kept clear according to established procedures

1.6

Scope of responsibility under any relevant work permits are received and confirmed according to requirements and established procedures with relevant persons

1.7

Resources including environmental compliance personal protective equipment required for the job are obtained and in working order according to established procedures

1.8

Relevant responsibilities associated with First Aid and other related work safety procedures at the work site are confirmed in accordance with requirements and established procedures to ensure safety measures are followed in the instance of an incident.

1.9

Client issues are referred to appropriate persons in accordance with industry and community standards

1.10

Site is reviewed according to given instructions and the work schedule for a quality outcome and to minimise risk and damage to property, commerce and individuals in accordance with established procedures

1.11

Road signs, barriers and warning devices required for the work are identified and positioned in accordance with given instructions and requirements

2

Carry out compliance with environmental policies and procedures

2.1

OHS policies and procedures and safe work practices are followed to eliminate or minimise incidents and hazards

2.2

Environmental requirements for the work are mentioned, reviewed and control measures recommended for inclusion in the work process

2.3

Any environmental incidents and potential problems are referred to appropriate persons in accordance with established procedures

2.4

Lifting, climbing, working in confined spaces and or aloft, and use of power tools, techniques and practices are safely followed in accordance with given instructions and according to requirements confirmed to eliminate the prospects of incidents

2.5

Operational knowledge for compliance with environmental policies and procedures is confirmed to ensure completion in an agreed timeframe and to quality standards with a minimum of waste according to requirements and established procedures

2.6

Compliance with environmental policies and procedures is carried out in accordance with given instructions and established procedures

2.7

Hazard warnings and safety signs are recognised and hazards assessed and OHS risks are reported to the immediate authorised persons for directions according to established procedures

2.8

Non-routine events are referred to the immediate authorised persons for directions according to established procedures

2.9

Problems associated with complying with environmental polices and procedures are dealt with using acquired known solutions and skills related to routine procedures to ensure work instructions and established procedures are met

2.10

Ongoing checks of quality of the work are undertaken in accordance with given instructions and established procedures

3

Complete the compliance with environmental policies and procedures

3.1

Work undertaken is checked against work schedule and anomalies reported to authorised persons in accordance with established procedures

3.2

Accidents and incidents are actioned and reported to authorised persons in accordance with established procedures

3.3

Work site is rehabilitated, cleaned up and made safe in accordance with given instructions and established procedures

3.4

Tools, equipment and any surplus resources and materials are, where appropriate, cleaned, checked and returned to storage in accordance with established procedures

3.5

Appropriate persons are notified of work completion according to established procedures

3.6

Environmental completion records, report forms/data sheets are completed accurately in accordance with given instructions and established procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Evidence shall show that knowledge has been acquired of safe working practices for complying with environmental policies and procedures.

All knowledge and skills detailed in this unit should be contextualised to current industry practices and technologies.

KS01-G104B 

Environmental policies and procedures in a gas industry work environment 

G 2.1.1

Working in the Gas Sector

Evidence shall show an understanding of how work is conducted in the Gas Industry, specifically:

• The Gas Industry in Australia
• Australian gas resources
• Types of gas and uses
• Combustion.

G 2.1.2

Identify roles of statutory authorities

Evidence shall show an understanding of the roles of statutory authorities (government agencies, both State and Federal) that operate in the Gas Industry, including identifying:

• Statutory bodies
• Roles of statutory bodies
• Employer and employee responsibilities to statutory bodies.

G 2.1.3

Identify employment roles and responsibilities

Evidence shall show an understanding of the roles of major groups in the Gas Industry, that is employers and employees, including:

• The role of the employer
• Industry associations
• Employer obligations to safety
• Identification of disadvantaged and minority groups in Australian society
• Employers obligations to persons from disadvantaged and minority groups
• Employers obligations to occupational health and safety
• The role of commonwealth and state training regulatory authorities and industry skills councils and state training advisory bodies
• Roles and responsibilities of gas industry employees
• The employment contract
• Working to safety requirements
• Work according to lawful commands
• Belonging to employee organisations
• How to work with people from disadvantaged and minority groups
• Understanding the employees obligations to occupational health and safety
• Sources of support.

G 2.1.4

Apply relevant OHS regulations, policies and procedures

Evidence shall show an understanding of the basic workplace health and safety legislation and how this applies to individuals in a Gas Industry workplace, indicated by the following:

• Employer's responsibilities to relevant OHS legislation
• Employee's responsibilities to OHS legislation and organisation's policies and procedures
• OHS policies and procedures at the worksite.
• Australian Standards, guidelines and codes of practice

G 2.1.5

Maintain safe, clean and healthy workplace

Evidence shall show an understanding of how to work safely in the gas industry indicated by the ability to:

• Correctly interpret and comply with Safety Signs including workplace Hazards, Warnings and PPE requirements
• Correctly interpret gas markers
• Identify the correct PPE required for work in the Gas Industry
• Locate and comply with procedures for correctly checking, maintaining and storing PPE
• Apply the process of Hazard identification, Risk assessment and Control
• Complete Risk Assessment forms such as Work Permits and JHA’s, JSA’s, JSEA’s, SWM’s etc
• Report workplace hazards

G 2.1.6

Work safely with hazardous materials and equipment

Evidence shall show an understanding of what constitutes hazardous materials and the equipment and processes used to safely work with these indicated by the following:

• Identify hazardous materials and equipment
• Location and purpose of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
• Read, interpret and discuss MSDS
• Knowledge of methods for safe disposal of hazardous waste materials
• Read, interpret and discuss relevant manufacturer's specifications
• Use and dispose of hazardous materials and equipment safely
• Use of spill kits and PPE

G 2.1.7

Apply safe manual handling techniques in the workplace

Evidence shall show an understanding of manual handling and how to apply this knowledge to handling heavy and awkward objects in a Gas Industry workplace, specifically:

• Principles for managing manual handling
• Characteristics and types of safe manual handling
• Safe manual handling techniques
• Manual handling and risk management

G 2.1.9

Respond to emergency and accident situations

Evidence shall show knowledge and skills in dealing with emergency or accident situations at a Gas Industry workplace, indicated by the following:

• Situations of accidents and emergency
• Comply with procedures for accidents and incidents
• Correct use of emergency equipment and procedures for a fire
• Correct use of breathing apparatus
• Correct use of gas detectors/oxygen monitoring devices
• Correct use of emergency equipment and procedures for a gas leak or vapour emission
• Report emergencies and accidents

G 2.1.14

Read and interpret workplace documents

Evidence shall show an ability to read and interpret Gas Industry documents indicated by the following:

• Understand and use signs, symbols terminology and legends as used in gas industry procedures and documents
• Identify, locate and implement gas industry standards, policies and procedures
• Interpret and read basic drawings and diagrams

G 2.1.15

Complete routine workplace forms, memos and reports

Evidence shall show an ability to complete routine Gas Industry forms, memos and reports either written or electronic, indicated by the following:

• Identify, locate, interpret and use workplace forms, and reports
• Enter the required information accurately on gas industry forms and reports

G 2.1.16

Identify requirements of work activity

Evidence shall show ability to:

• Clarify expected outcomes of a work activity in a Gas Industry workplace
• Receive, clarify and respond to verbal work instructions for work activity
• Interpret and discuss an organisation's policies, quality requirements and specifications for work activity

G 2.1.17

Apply basic planning skills

Evidence shall show a demonstrated ability to apply basic planning skills in a Gas Industry workplace, indicated by the following:

• Develop checklists of tasks
• Prioritise tasks
• Identify resources required to complete tasks safely and efficiently
• Identify resource or scheduling conflicts and apply solutions
• Develop time lines to complete tasks

G 2.1.18

Conduct tasks to complete work activities

Evidence shall show ability to organise the activities to complete a job in a Gas Industry workplace, indicated by the following:

• Locate and organise equipment, tools and machinery required to complete tasks safely and efficiently
• Complete tasks according to planned sequences and within appropriate timeframes
• Understand quality assurance and work according to established and standard operating procedures

G 2.1.19

Review work activities

Evidence shall show an ability to review work activities undertaken in a Gas Industry workplace, indicated by the following:

• Check work activities against a work plan
• Seek feedback on the outcome of work activities with appropriate persons
• Report outcomes of work activities in writing or orally according to enterprise procedures

G 2.1.25

Protect the environment

Evidence shall show an understanding and ability to perform work in the gas industry in a manner that protects the environment indicated by the following:

• Understanding of the relevant Commonwealth/State/Territory environmental legislation, regulations and codes of practice
• Understanding of employee's and employer's responsibilities to relevant environmental legislation, regulations and codes

• Understanding and compliance with enterprise procedures for flora control
• erosion control
• fauna control
• the protection of indigenous and cultural heritage sites

• Understanding the role of regulatory bodies in monitoring environmental activities, risk and incident compliance
• Understanding community expectations for protecting the environment
• Correct use of environment protection procedures, records, inspections and incident reporting
• Identifying environmental hazards
• Assessing environmental risks
• Implementing environmental control measures
• Ability to respond to workplace environmental incidents

Note: Environmental damage can be caused by chemicals, oil, water contamination, carcinogenic agents, gases, dusts, waste contamination and noise

G 2.1.26

Communicate in the workplace

Evidence shall show an understanding and ability to communicate effectively in a Gas Industry work team indicated by the following:

• Effective use oral and written communications methods to achieve work related outcomes and solutions.
• Effectively receive, interpret and respond to workplace information and instructions
• Effectively convey and report work related information to fellow workers and customers
• Interact with fellow workers in a socially and culturally appropriate manner

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

9)  The Evidence Guide forms an integral part of this Unit and shall be used in conjunction with all components parts of this unit and performed in accordance with the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Overview of Assessment 

9.1) 

Longitudinal competency development approaches to assessment, such as Profiling, require data to be reliably gathered in a form that can be consistently interpreted over time. This approach is best utilised in Apprenticeship programs and reduces assessment intervention. It is the Industry’s preferred model for apprenticeships. However, where summative (or final) assessment is used it is to include the application of the competency in the normal work environment or, at a minimum, the application of the competency in a realistically simulated work environment. It is recognised that, in some circumstances, assessment in part or full can occur outside the workplace. However, it must be in accord with industry and regulatory policy in this regard.

Methods chosen for a particular assessment will be influenced by various factors. These include the extent of the assessment, the most effective locations for the assessment activities to take place, access to physical resources, additional safety measures that may be required and the critical nature of the competencies being assessed.

The critical safety nature of working with electricity, electrical equipment, gas or any other hazardous substance/material carries risk in deeming a person competent. Hence, sources of evidence need to be ‘rich’ in nature so as to minimise error in judgment.

Activities associated with normal every day work have a bearing on the decision as to how much and how detailed the data gathered will contribute to its ‘richness’. Some skills are more critical to safety and operational requirements while the same skills may be more or less frequently practised. These points are raised for the assessors to consider when choosing an assessment method and developing assessment instruments. Sample assessment instruments are included in the Assessment Guidelines of this Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

9.2) 

Before the critical aspects of evidence are considered all prerequisites shall be met.

Evidence for competence in this unit shall be considered holistically. Each element and associated Performance Criteria shall be demonstrated on at least two occasions in accordance with the ‘Assessment Guidelines — UEG11’. Evidence shall also comprise:

• A representative body of Performance Criteria demonstrated within the timeframes typically expected of the discipline, work function and industrial environment. In particular this shall incorporate evidence that shows a candidate is able to:

• Implement Occupational Health and Safety workplace procedures and practices including the use of risk control measures as specified in the Performance Criteria and range

• Apply sustainable energy principles and practices as specified in the Performance Criteria and range

• Demonstrate an understanding of the essential knowledge and associated skills as described in this unit to such an extent that the learner’s performance outcome is reported in accordance with the preferred approach; namely a percentile graded result, where required by the regulated environment

• Demonstrate an appropriate level of employability skills

• Conduct work observing the relevant Anti discrimination legislation, regulations, polices and workplace procedures

• Demonstrate performance across a representative range of contexts from the prescribed items below.

Range of tools/equipment/procedures/workplace 

Group No 

The minimum number of items on which skill is to be demonstrated 

Item List 

A

At least 3

Interpret alignment sheets, maps, technical drawings and symbols

Identify of potential environmental hazards

Carry out risk assessment, JHA or JSA

Ensure practical application of Environmental legislation and codes of practise (such as APIA)

B

At least 5

Prevent environmental incidents by implementing control measures such as:

Install siltation control methods such as straw and synthetic bails

Curb side filter rolls

Erosion prevention

Weed spread mitigation

Apply MSDS information

Noise control techniques

Odourant handling and testing processes

Excavation restoration, compaction and seeding

C

At least 2

Control and minimise the impact of an environmental incident:

Control environment incident·

Incident Investigation

Apply incident reporting and notification procedures

D

At least 2

Review environmental incident

Make recommendations to prevent reoccurrence

Implement recommendations

E

All

Work utilising the relevant OHS legislation, policies and procedures effectively

Maintain a safe and clean workplace environment

Apply safe manual handling techniques

Communicate effectively with others

Apply basic planning techniques

F

At least one occasion

Deal with an unplanned event by drawing on essential knowledge and associated skills to provide appropriate solutions incorporated in the holistic assessment with the above listed items

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

9.3) 

This unit should be assessed as it relates to normal work practice using procedures, information and resources typical of a workplace. This should include:

• OHS policy and work procedures and instructions.

• Suitable work environment, facilities, equipment and materials to undertake actual work as prescribed by this Unit.

• Appropriate environmental regulation and work practices.

• Appropriate organisational requirements.

• Appropriate work environment, equipment and tools.

In addition to the resources listed above, in Context of and specific resources for assessment, evidence should show demonstrated competency in complying with environmental policies and procedures.

Assessment of this competency must also be undertaken in either an actual workplace or under a simulated work environment. Assessment must also integrate the employability skills.

Method of assessment 

9.4) 

This Unit shall be assessed by methods given in Volume 1, Part 3 ‘Assessment Guidelines’.

Note: Competent performance with inherent safe working practices is expected in the Industry to which this Unit applies. This requires that the specified Essential Knowledge and Associated Skills are assessed in a structured environment which is primarily intended for learning/assessment and incorporates all necessary equipment and facilities for learners to develop and demonstrate the Essential Knowledge and Associated Skills described in this unit.

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units 

9.5) 

There are no recommended concurrent assessments with this unit, however in some cases efficiencies may be gained in terms of learning and assessment effort being concurrently managed with allied Units where listed.

UEGNSG102B

Carry out work activities in a utilities industry work environment

UEGNSG103B

Comply with workplace OHS procedures and practices

UEGNSG105B

Establish the work site

RANGE STATEMENT 

10)  This relates to the competency standard unit as a whole providing the range of contexts and conditions to which the Performance Criteria apply. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

This Unit shall be demonstrated in relation to compliance with environmental policies and procedures

The following constants and variables included in the element/Performance Criteria in this unit are fully described in the Definitions Section of this volume and form an integral part of the Range Statement of this unit:

Legislation (2)

Inspection (2)

Safety equipment (2)

Personal Protective Equipment (2)

Relevant regulation and procedures (2)

Emergency and hazardous work situations (2)

Relevant sections of standard operating procedures (2)

Competency Field 

11)  

Cross discipline.