Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to work safely in an environment where lasers may be employed.

This unit does not include the operation of laser equipment.

Application of the Unit 

The application of this unit in the workplace - the environments, complexities and situations involved - will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

This text will be useful for the purposes of job descriptions, recruitment advice or job analysis; where possible, it will not be too job specific to allow other industries to import it into other Training Packages, where feasible.

Prerequisite Unit /s 

Nil

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify laser safety issues 

1.1 Potential laser source  is identified in accordance with relevant organisational policy and procedures

1.2 Type  and class of laser  is identified in accordance with the relevant organisational policy and procedures

1.3 Dangers /risks associated with lasers  are identified in accordance with organisational policy and procedures

1.4 Laser safety controls  are applied in accordance with legislative and organisational policy and procedures

1.5 Laser warning signage  is identified and correctly interpreted

2. Apply safe work practices 

2.1 Lasers deployed in the workplace are identified in accordance with legislative and organisational procedures

2.2 Laser exposure situations  are identified and interpreted

2.3 Appropriate personal protective equipment  (PPE) is identified and applied in accordance with legislative and organisational procedures

2.4 Other control measures are identified and adhered to in accordance with legislative and organisational procedures

3. Report on workplace laser incidents 

3.1 Incident reporting  procedures are applied in accordance with organisational procedures

3.2 Health surveillance  requirements are adhered to in accordance with current organisational policy and procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• access, read, interpret and apply information on laser operations
• identify laser sources

Required Knowledge 

• occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements relevant to laser emissions in the workplace
• organisational policy and standards relevant to laser operations emissions

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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

Assessment must confirm the ability, when observing laser warning signs or being informed of the presence of lasers, to implement sound protective measures, while still undertaking one's core function, within acceptable tolerances of the laser hazard described or present.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated in an environment where lasers are present. This may be in a workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment.

Specific resources for assessment 

There are no special resource implications for this unit.

Guidance information for assessment 

Information that will assist or guide assessment will be written during Phase II of the Review of the PUA00 Public Safety Training Package.

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Potential laser source may include 

Bar-code scanners

Medical/dental instruments

Range finders (as found on military weapons and survey equipment)

Type of laser may include 

Liquid

Gas

Semiconductor

Solid

Class of laser may include 

Lasers classified in accordance with the Australian Standards system in accordance with the potential for causing biological damage

Dangers /risks associated with lasers may include 

Awareness of the effect of weather and/or reflecting surfaces on differing types of laser transmission

Extended source viewing

Irradiance and radiant exposure

Point source and intra-beam viewing

Specular reflections

Use of magnifying optics

Laser safety controls may include 

Establishment of nominal ocular hazard areas (NOHA)

Exclusion zone/specification of laser hazard areas

Maintenance of a laser register

Protective eye wear specified in accordance with perceived laser threat

Use of interlocks to prevent inadvertent discharge of laser when safety features are not in place

Use of keys to activate laser

Warnings to avoid observation of source

Laser warning signage may include 

Labelling/signage on equipment

Notification of responsibilities and provision of safety information

Warning signage/notices surrounding exclusion zone or work areas where lasers may be operating

Laser exposure situations may include 

Laboratories, medical and dental clinics where laser equipment is in use

Maintenance workshops

Military training and field operations where laser devices are in use

Personal protective equipment may include 

Protective clothing

Specific eye protection goggles

Incident reporting may include 

Affected person reporting

Laser operator reports

Organisational reporting procedures

Health surveillance may include 

Eye testing

Co-requisite Unit /s 

Nil