Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers following basic chemical safety rules and defines the standard required to: interpret chemical safety rules; follow safety instructions including handling and storage; use personal protective equipment and communicate information about spillage or accidents.

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to the observance of basic chemical safety rules. including those about labels, transport, handling, storage and personal protective equipment.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Follow workplace requirements and instructions concerning chemicals

1.1. Roles and responsibilities of people in the workplace are identified.

1.2. Safety procedures involved in chemical handling and use are recognised and followed as required.

1.3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified and reported to the supervisor.

1.4. Organisational procedures are followed with regard to chemicals.

2. Recognise risks associated with chemicals

2.1. Functions of chemicals in the workplace are recognised.

2.2. Chemical labels and symbols are recognised and hazards identified.

2.3. Chemical storage locations are identified.

2.4. Instructions for transport, handling and storage of chemicals are recognised and observed.

2.5. Instructions for use, maintenance and storage of personal protective equipment and application equipment are identified and observed.

3. Follow chemical handling and storage rules

3.1. Chemical handling and storage instructions on labels are followed.

3.2. Safety rules are followed when working in areas where chemicals are stored.

3.3. Appropriate personal protection equipment is obtained and used when working in areas were chemicals are stored.

3.4. Procedures are followed in the event of an accident or spillage.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• interpret labels and instructions
• follow workplace instructions and directions from the chemical label or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
• communicate information about spillages, accidents or deficiencies in procedures and practice
• use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• recognise caution or hazard signs and symbols
• interpret tasks or information from labels, manuals or written instructions
• record information accurately or verbally report information
• use oral communication skills/language competence to communicate effectively with others
• use numeracy skills to complete basic calculations
• use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds.

Required knowledge 

• basic occupational health&safety rules required to work near and around chemicals
• level of hazard and the Poisons Schedule in the relevant State or Territory
• chemicals being used for the control of pests and weeds
• personal protection equipment and when and how it should be used, stored and maintained
• correct wearing/fit of personal protective equipment
• environmental impacts of chemical use
• OHS, environmental and pesticides legislation and enterprise procedures.

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 

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

• interpret chemical safety rules
• follow safety instructions including handling and storage
• use personal protective equipment
• communicate information about spillage or accidents.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

RANGE STATEMENT 

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Safety rules may include:

• those about labels
• transport
• handling
• storage
• personal protective equipment.

Unit sector 

Chemicals

Co-requisite units 

Competency field