Unit of competency details

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. Identify site specific environmental and heritage concerns

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation  relevant to environmental and heritage issues 

1.2. Identify and report environmental and heritage issues to relevant authority  according to site procedures, regulations and other compliance requirements

1.3. Accurately identify the nature of environment and/or heritage concerns from site information

1.4. Enact emergency plan

1.5. Enact relevant isolation procedures according to relevant requirements

1.6. Remove and/or contain contaminants  upon identification

2. Assess and respond to environmental and heritage concerns

2.1. Inspect site on receipt of relevant clearances to confirm environment and/or heritage issues

2.2. Complete all required records and documentation accurately and promptly

3. Work within environmental and heritage guidelines

3.1. Adhere to environment and heritage issues

3.2. Conform to environmental and heritage guidelines in the organisation of work activities

3.3. Contact and inform appropriate authorities of environmental and/or heritage issues

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

Required skills 

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to identify and assess environmental and heritage concerns:

• apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for identifying and assessing environmental and heritage concerns
• apply diagnostic techniques
• make decisions
• apply procedures for operating, maintaining and cleaning equipment
• identify hazards
• apply hazardous goods handling techniques
• interpret plans, reports, maps, specifications
• apply records maintenances requirements and procedures
• organise work tasks
• apply safe work practices
• work in a team
• use communications equipment

Required knowledge 

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to identify and assess environmental and heritage concerns:

• contamination principles
• emergency procedures
• environmental and heritage procedures
• equipment safety requirements
• fire management strategies
• future land use principles
• hazardous goods procedures and consequences of spills
• isolation procedures
• mine operational system
• night and day working procedures
• OHS procedures
• open cut procedures
• operational procedures and checks
• site procedures
• site safety requirements

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 worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

• knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for identifying and assessing environmental and heritage concerns
• implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient identification and assessment of environmental and heritage concerns
• working with others to undertake and complete the identification and assessment of environmental and heritage concerns that meet all of the required outcomes
• consistent timely completion of the identification and assessment of environmental and heritage concerns that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
• The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
• Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
• Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
• Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.
• Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
• Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

• written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
• observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
• consistently achieving the required outcomes

• first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

• working with others to undertake and complete the identification and assessment of environmental and heritage concerns

Guidance information for assessment 

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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.

Relevant Compliance documentation  may include:

• Australian standards
• environmental agencies regulations
• Environmental Protection Act
• isolation procedures
• manufacturer's specifications and recommendations
• mine safety and health legislation and regulations
• OHS legislation
• site regulations, requirements and procedures

Environmental and heritage issues  may include:

• ancient fossils
• culturally-sensitive sites and artefacts
• drainage
• dust
• emissions
• flora and fauna
• hazardous chemicals
• heritage legislation
• historical site (homestead)
• noise
• possible Indigenous site
• runoff
• spills
• water quality

Relevant authorities  may include:

• environmental authorities
• experts (scientific, historic, biological)
• local Aboriginal leaders

Contaminants  may include:

• diseased vegetation
• leakage into ground water
• oil spill
• saline water