Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1 

Access information about OH&S and the workplace policies and procedures 

1.1

Relevant provisions of occupational health and safety legislation and codes of practice are accurately followed

1.2

Information on workplace occupational health and safety policies, procedures and programs is stored in a readily accessible location and manner

1.3

Information is accurately and clearly explained to the work team

1.4

Information about the outcomes of risk identification and control procedures is provided to appropriate personnel

2 

Implement and monitor procedures for identifying and assessing hazards 

2.1

Existing and potential hazards in the work area are identified and reported

2.2

Identified hazards are assessed in relation to relative risk

2.3

Appropriate action is initiated to minimise and control the risks/hazards

3 

Implement and monitor procedures for controlling risks 

3.1

Existing risk control measures are implemented, monitored and reviewed

3.2

Work procedures to control risks are implemented and adherence to them by the work group is monitored

3.3

Required improvements to existing risk control measures are identified, including required resources for implementation, and reported to appropriate personnel

3.4

Procedures for monitoring and controlling risks provide for a hierarchy of control

4 

Plan and supervise housekeeping arrangements 

4.1

Housekeeping tasks are identified and incorporated in enterprise work roles

4.2

Housekeeping equipment is maintained

4.3

Team members are allocated housekeeping tasks and supervised

4.4

Housekeeping procedures and practices are planned to conform with environmental and occupational health and safety requirements

5 

Implement and monitor procedures for dealing with hazardous events 

5.1

Workplace procedures for dealing with hazardous events are implemented whenever necessary to ensure that prompt control action is taken

5.2

Hazardous events are investigated to identify causes

5.3

Control measures are implemented to prevent recurrence and minimise risks of hazardous events or issues and are referred to designated personnel for implementation

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

Required knowledge: 

• Relevant OH&S procedures and guidelines

• Risks when using manually-operated equipment to shift loads and related precautions to control the risk

• Reporting procedures in regard to unsafe situations, fire hazards, broken or damaged equipment or fittings, sickness and accidents

• Location and use of safety alarms, manifests, emergency shut-off systems, emergency communication systems

• Signs and signals used for OH&S warnings

• Terms used in material safety data sheets

• HAZCHEM symbols and implications for safe work and storage

• Procedures for the storage and use of hazardous substances

• Procedures for the storage and use of flammable materials

• Manual and mechanically assisted lifting and load shifting procedures

• Transport requirements for goods within workplace

• Emergency and evacuation procedures

• Housekeeping standards and procedures required in the workplace

• Site layout and obstacles

Required skills: 

• Communicate effectively with others when implementing and monitoring compliance with OH&S procedure and policies

• Read and interpret instructions, procedures, information and signs relevant to the implementation and monitoring of compliance with OH&S procedure and policies

• Identify containers and goods coding, ADG and IMDG markings and, where applicable, emergency information panels

• Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

• Complete documentation related to the implementation and monitoring of compliance with OH&S procedure and policies

• Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

• Estimate the size, shape and special requirements of loads

• Work collaboratively with others when implementing and monitoring compliance with OH&S procedure and policies

• Adapt appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions with others

• Promptly report and/or rectify any identified problems, faults or malfunctions that may arise when implementing and monitoring compliance with OH&S procedure and policies in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

• Implement contingency plans for unanticipated situations that may occur when implementing and monitoring compliance with OH&S procedure and policies

• Ensure that precautions and required action are taken to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during work activities

• Monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

• Modify activities depending on differing operational contingencies, risk situations and environments

• Apply fatigue management knowledge and techniques

• Work systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment

• Operate and adapt to differences in equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

• Select and use required personal protective equipment conforming to industry and OH&S standards

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.

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 and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria of this unit and include demonstration of applying:

• the underpinning knowledge and skills
• relevant legislation and workplace procedures
• other relevant aspects of the range statement

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Performance is demonstrated consistently over a period of time and in a suitable range of contexts

Resources for assessment include:

• a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulated practical and knowledge assessment, and/or
• access to an appropriate range of relevant operational situations in the workplace

In both real and simulated environments, access is required to:

• relevant and appropriate materials and equipment, and
• applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

Method of assessment 

Assessment of this unit must be undertaken by a registered training organisation

As a minimum, assessment of knowledge must be conducted through appropriate written/oral tests

Practical assessment must occur:

• through activities in an appropriately simulated environment at the registered training organisation, and/or
• in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

The implementation and monitoring of OH&S within work operations may be conducted:

• in a range of work environments
• by day or night

Customers may be:

• internal or external

Workplaces may comprise:

• large, medium or small worksites

Work may be conducted in:

• restricted spaces
• exposed conditions
• controlled or open environments

Workplace hazards may include:

• chemicals and other harmful substances
• movements of equipment, goods, vehicles
• toxic substances
• damaged packing material and containers
• broken and damaged equipment
• inflammable materials and fire hazards
• lifting practices
• waste management and disposal
• extremes in weather conditions
• lighting levels
• floor surfaces
• water hazards
• traffic flows, vehicle and equipment operation
• dangerous storage areas
• violent incidents such as armed robberies

Responsibilities in the implementation/monitoring of OH&S may include:

• provision of OH&S information to staff
• consultation and participation in meetings on OH&S matters
• emergency procedures and response
• housekeeping
• identifying and minimising workplace hazards
• assessing and controlling OH&S risks
• OH&S training and assessment
• use of personal protective equipment
• keeping of OH&S records
• reporting of OH&S issues and incidents
• resolution of OH&S issues
• checking work area and/or equipment before and during work
• participation in OH&S audits and workplace inspections

Controlling OH&S risks may include

• measures to remove the cause of a risk at its source
• consultation with workers and their representatives
• application of the hierarchy of control, namely:

• elimination of the risk
• engineering controls
• administrative controls
• personal protective equipment

Procedures for dealing with hazardous events may include:

• evacuation
• chemical containment
• first aid
• accident/safety incident reporting and investigation.

OH&S training may include:

• induction training
• specific hazard training
• specific task or equipment training
• emergency and evacuation training
• training as part of broader programs, for example equipment operation

OH&S records may include:

• OH&S audits and inspection reports
• health surveillance and workplace environmental monitoring records
• records of instruction and training
• manufacturers and suppliers information, including material safety data sheets and dangerous goods storage lists
• hazardous substances registers
• maintenance and testing reports
• workers compensation and rehabilitation records
• first aid/medical post records.

Personnel in the work area may include:

• workplace personnel and management
• site visitors
• OH&S specialists
• union representatives
• contractors
• official OH&S representatives

Personal protective equipment may include:

• gloves
• safety headwear and footwear
• safety glasses
• two-way radios
• high visibility clothing

Participative arrangements may include:

• formal and informal meetings which deal with OH&S issues
• workplace OH&S committees
• other committees, for example, consultative, planning and purchasing
• OH&S representatives
• suggestions, requests, reports and concerns put forward by staff

Designated personnel may include:

• workplace personnel
• supervisors
• team leaders
• management
• occupational health and safety personnel
• other persons authorised or nominated by the organisation

Depending on the type of organisation concerned and the local terminology used, workplace procedures may include:

• company procedures
• enterprise procedures
• organisational procedures
• established procedures

Information/documents may include:

• OH&S regulations, responsibilities and obligations
• workplace OH&S procedures and policies
• codes of practice including the National Standards for Manual Handling and the Industry Safety Code
• material safety data sheets
• policies and procedures for entry and work in confined spaces
• manufacturers instructions concerning the use and servicing of equipment
• supplier and/or client instructions
• emergency procedures
• regulations and policies concerning noise, smoking, work station ergonomics and other critical OH&S issues
• goods identification numbers and codes
• manifests, bar codes, goods and container identification
• relevant legislation, regulations and related documentation
• award, enterprise bargaining agreement, other industrial arrangements
• standards and certification requirements
• quality assurance procedures

Applicable regulations and legislation may include:

• relevant state/territory OH&S legislation and safety codes, including manual handling, noise, confined spaces, smoking, workplace ergonomics, etc.
• general duty of care under OH&S legislation
• workplace relations regulations
• workers compensation regulations
• dangerous goods regulations