Unit of competency

Modification History

Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL943002A Participate in laboratory/field workplace safety

Application

This unit of competency covers the ability to follow work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, deal with the identification and control of hazards, work safely at all times, follow emergency response procedures and contribute to the maintenance of workplace safety.

This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants and instrument operators working in all industry sectors. WHS responses are restricted to a 'first response' approach, including the notification of appropriate workplace personnel. Workers will be provided with clear directions, information, training and appropriate supervision.

While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Competency Field

Work health and safety

Unit Sector

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range of Conditions

Unit Mapping Information

Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL943002A Participate in laboratory/field workplace safety

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL943002A Participate in laboratory/field workplace safety

Performance Evidence

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

• working safely at all times by following work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures
• following workplace incident, first aid and emergency response procedures
• identifying hazards and controlling risks
• performing routine safety checks, including:

• conducting general housekeeping, such as recognising possible trip hazards
• checking functionality of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety equipment
• inspecting reagents, equipment and instruments
• checking availability of emergency equipment

• seeking assistance to clarify obligations, procedures and work instructions that impact on safety and legal liability
• recognising potential incidents and taking appropriate corrective action
• reporting hazards and incidents
• communicating WHS and environmental issues or concerns to designated personnel promptly
• participating in workplace fire drill, incident, first aid and emergency evacuation procedures
• using, storing and maintaining PPE
• storing, transporting and disposing of dangerous goods following workplace instructions and procedures.

Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

• personal roles, rights and responsibilities and those of the employer
• signage, symbols and signals relating to WHS
• examples of hazards relevant to the work area, likely impacts and ways of addressing these using the hierarchy of control
• site layout, including emergency exits, location and use of safety alarms, emergency response system and procedures, and designated WHS personnel
• location, use, care and storage requirements for PPE and emergency/hazard control equipment in the work area
• sources of advice and information on WHS issues, including material safety data sheets (MSDS) and key personnel
• requirements and procedures for reporting (potential) WHS hazards and incidents, injuries, illness and near misses, and safety and environmental issues or concerns
• standard operating procedures (SOPs), workplace procedures and safe work practices relevant to job role, including:

• handling, storage and disposal of hazardous substances and requirements for labelling of hazardous substances
• handling equipment and any task-specific manual handling techniques as required by work role
• instructions that govern personal work, equipment use, and response to incidents and emergencies.

Assessment Conditions

• Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.
• This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
• Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
• Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
• Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).
• This unit of competency may be assessed with:

• other relevant technical units of competency

• Holistic assessment methods include:

• feedback from peers and supervisors about the candidate’s ability to conduct work safely
• review of candidate's responses to WHS case studies, scenarios and/or 'what ifs'
• review of workplace documents, such as incident report forms, completed by the candidate
• written and/or oral questioning to assess required knowledge and likely reactions in hazardous/emergency situations
• observation of the candidate preparing for and undertaking a range of work tasks.

• Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

• laboratory/field work environment, equipment and materials
• PPE
• emergency equipment, such as first aid equipment, eye wash kit or shower and fire extinguisher
• workplace procedures.

• Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
• The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.
• Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

• relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR
• relevant workplace experience.

• Currency can be demonstrated through:

• performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR
• having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa