Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers using personal protective equipment (PPEs), identifying the particular hazards and emergency procedures, and observing safe working practices in that environment.

Application of the unit 

This unit may be applied in a workplace in which materials and chemicals which are subject to codes and regulations are stored and used, for example, chemicals, solvents, dangerous materials, acids, noxious waste products etc.

Evidence of competency is to encompass the satisfactory application of current State/Territory OHS legislation, standards and codes of practice, and the hierarchy of hazard control measures with elimination, substitution, isolation and engineering control measures being selected before safe work practices and PPEs.

This unit describes the competencies which are beyond those safety requirements normally applied in the workplace as described in Unit MEM13014A (Apply principles of occupational health and safety in the work environment) or specifically described in individual units such as welding.

Band : A 

Unit Weight : 2 

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. Use personal protective equipment

1.1. Correct and appropriate safety clothing including personal protective equipment is selected and used correctly based on information in relevant material safety data sheet (MSDS).

2. Identify emergency procedures

2.1. Emergency procedures and plan relevant to the particular work environment are documented, understood and demonstrated as laid down in approved safety instructions.

3. Observe safe working practices

3.1. Hazardous areas and materials are identified and special handling procedures are identified and understood.

3.2. Permits to work (if necessary) are obtained.

3.3. All equipment and hazardous materials are used in accordance with relevant OHS legislation, manufacturers' instructions and standard operating procedures.

3.4. All site-specific safety policies, safety signs, symbols and labels are correctly identified and understood.

3.5. Material safety data sheets are understood and applied.

3.6. Safe manual handling procedures (including equipment) are used.

3.7. Decanted chemicals and storage is to State/Territory dangerous goods and OHS legislation and requirements.

3.8. Housekeeping duties are performed according to standard operating procedures to maintain a safe working environment.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• undertaking risk assessment
• communicating with others
• performing proper manual handling techniques
• interpreting safety signage, labelling and placarding

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• dangerous goods classification and labelling/placarding
• testing, use and maintenance of PPE
• inherent hazardous properties of the chemicals to be used
• interpretation of the relevant MSDS
• basic fire fighting procedures
• site-specific emergency plan procedures
• chemical spill confinement procedures
• dangerous occurrence (near miss) reporting procedures
• hierarchy of control

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 work safely and efficiently with various chemicals.

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 on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then 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 working safely with industrial chemicals and materials 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.

Personal protective equipment 

Personal protective may include appropriate:

• goggles/face shields
• respirators
• air supplied or self-contained helmets
• safety boots, gloves and appropriate clothes/garments

Safe working practices 

• Environment is inspected
• Hazards (and chemical reactive hazards) are assessed and controlled using hierarchy of hazard control
• Properly maintained PPE is available
• Emergency management plan is documented/understood
• Work to be undertaken in safe 'thermal' environments and all possible ignition sources are to be identified and controlled

Storage 

All storage containers (minor quantities and in consumer packages) are suitable for chemical exposure and are properly labelled and/or placarded. Chemical manifests are updated at completion of work activity

State or Territory legislative requirements 

Appropriate OHS, dangerous goods acts and regulations, Australian standards, Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADGC), NOHSC codes of practice

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Occupational health and safety