Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to operate environmental measuring devices within the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Application of the Unit 

The application of this unit in the workplace includes operating environmental measuring devices  to record environmental conditions, interpreting measurements against organisational health stress guidelines, and providing accurate advice to commanders regarding physical activity levels and work/rest ratios to minimise the risk of heat injury to organisational participants.

This unit of competency is applicable to preventive medicine personnel. This function is limited to the performance of tasks in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Pre-requisite Unit /s 

Nil

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. Set up environmental measuring device 

1.1 Device is prepared in accordance with operating instructions

1.2 Device is positioned in an area to optimise its function and accuracy of measurement

1.3 Device is checked for serviceability and correct function

1.4 Device found to be not functioning correctly is referred for repair action

2. Take measurements using environmental measuring device 

2.1 Settings are confirmed to enable desired measurement to be acquired in accordance with operating instructions

2.2 Data is measured in accordance with organisational policies and procedures 

2.3 Data is transferred to computing platform for interpretation, using thermal environment monitoring systems

3. Interpret and report data acquired from environmental measuring device 

3.1 Data is interpreted against organisational heat stress guidelines to identify desired work/rest activity levels and required hydration level

3.2 Data is recorded in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

3.3 Environmental conditions report is drafted and reported to relevant persons  including recommendations on work/rest activity levels and required hydration level

4. Refurbish environmental measuring device 

4.1 Device is cleaned and disassembled in accordance with operating instructions

4.2 Device is inspected for repair action in accordance with organisational policies and procedures

4.3 Device is stored to enable it to be available for use on the next desired opportunity

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required Skills 

• follow operating instructions for environmental measuring devices
• interpret environmental data to draw conclusions
• operate a laptop computer
• operate computer based thermal environmental monitoring systems
• prioritise tasking
• set up, operate and disassemble environmental measuring devices

Required Knowledge 

• best use of available resources
• causes of manpower wastage
• documentation processes relevant to own workplace
• health surveillance system
• impact of the environment on human performance
• operating instructions for environmental measuring devices
• organisational policies and procedures
• relationship between heat/humidity and hydration
• time management strategies to set priorities
• weather systems and patterns

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• prepare environmental measuring devices in accordance with manufacturers' instructions
• undertake measurements that include temperature, humidity and heat stress index.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated over a minimum of two assessment occasions.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace situation or in a simulated situation or scenario.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• environmental measuring devices
• organisational policies and procedures.

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.

Environmental measuring devices may include 

Altimeter

Heat stress monitor

Humidity meter

Microwave oven radiation leakage detection device

Temperature probe

Organisational policies and procedures may include 

Codes of ethics

Codes of practice

Environmental health policy

Health and hygiene guidelines

Health surveillance policy documents

Industry professional body standards

Industry standards (state/territory and national)

Organisational health policy directives

Relevant Australian Standards

Relevant Commonwealth Acts

Workplace safety guidelines

Relevant persons may include 

Activity commander

Environmental health officer

Team leader

Technical supervisor

Co-requisite Unit /s 

Nil