Unit of competency details

Elements and Performance Criteria 

Element 

Performance Criteria 

1

Prepare for environmental audit 

1.1

Relevant legislation, authority and enterprise requirements pertinent to the operations of the workplace are identified and followed

1.2

Practices and facilities required to be audited are identified and implications of non-conformance established

1.3

Technical and/or calibration requirements for audits are noted and, where necessary, appropriate support personnel are identified

1.4

Work schedules are investigated to identify appropriate schedule for audit

2

Schedule internal audit 

2.1

Audit timings are planned to ensure that relevant procedures are conducted within workplace agreed time intervals and timeframes

2.2

Audit frequency is adjusted to ensure minimal disruption to the workplace

2.3

Contact is made with appropriate personnel and appointments for the audit are made

3

Conduct environmental audit and document findings 

3.1

Operational procedures and assessment methods for the environmental audit are confirmed with affected personnel

3.2

Observations and interviews are conducted with (any) required approved third party

3.3

Documentation of observations and interview responses is completed

4

Report environmental audit results 

4.1

Outcomes of the audit process are compared to workplace procedures

4.2

Audit results are discussed with relevant personnel

4.3

Reports of non-compliance are documented including options for environmental system improvements

4.4

Reports are forwarded to appropriate personnel for action

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS 

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

Required knowledge :

Relevant OH&S and environmental protection procedures and regulations, including the ADG Code where applicable

Workplace processes for the conduct of an environmental audit

Problems that may occur during the conduct of an environmental audit and action that can be taken to report or resolve the problems

Hazards that may exist in the conduct of an environmental audit and ways of controlling the risks involved

Focus of operation of workplace in relation to potential environmental risks and control/prevention measures

Environmental risk management and control procedures

Audit procedures and compliance implementation strategies

Regulatory and guidance material on environmental safety

Workplace business policies and plans including procedures for identification of non-compliance and best practice

Equipment applications, capacities, configurations, safety hazards and control

Application of relevant Australian Standards and associated certification requirements

Resource availability including the competencies of individuals in the team or group

Relevant workplace documentation procedures

Required skills :

Communicate effectively with others when conducting an environmental audit

Read and interpret instructions, technical data, regulatory requirements and workplace policies and procedures relevant to the conduct of an environmental audit

Interpret and follow operational instructions and prioritise work

Complete documentation related to the conduct of an environmental audit

Operate electronic communication equipment to required protocol

Provide leadership and work collaboratively with others when conducting an environmental audit

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

Promptly report and/or rectify any problems identified when conducting an environmental audit in accordance with regulatory requirements and workplace procedures

Apply precautions and required action to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during work activities

Plan and organise environmental audit activities

Monitor work activities in terms of planned schedule

Modify activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

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

Select and apply appropriate technology, information systems and procedures

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 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/or equipment, and/or

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 appropriately simulated activities at the registered training organisation, and/or

in an appropriate range of situations in the workplace

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.

Work may be undertaken:

in various work environments in the warehousing, storage, transport and distribution industries

Customers may be:

internal or external

Operations may be conducted:

by day or night in all weather conditions

The workplace environment may involve:

twenty-four hour operation

single and multi-site location

large, medium and small workplaces

Services, products, risks, work systems and requirements potentially vary:

in different sectors of the warehousing, storage, transport and distribution industries

Environmental audits may be conducted:

as part of enterprise or site specific procedures

Audits may be conducted:

alone or in conjunction with other staff from the enterprise or external contractors

Audits may involve:

movement of processed materials, dangerous goods, hazardous substances, waste disposal, run-offs, etc.

Consultative processes may involve:

employees, supervisors and managers

customers and suppliers

relevant environmental authorities and local government departments

representatives of other enterprises and organisations related to the international transfer of freight

industrial relations and OH&S specialists

other professional, maintenance or technical staff

Communications systems may involve:

fixed or mobile telephone

radio

fax

email

electronic data transfer of information

mail, forms and internal memos

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

company procedures

enterprise procedures

organisational procedures

established procedures

Documentation/records may include:

environmental codes of practice and regulations relevant to workplace activities

regulations and codes of practice for the handling, storage and transport of dangerous goods and hazardous substances, including the ADG Code where applicable

workplace operating procedures, instructions and policies relevant to environmental protection

operations manuals, job specifications and procedures and induction documentation

local government environmental protection policies and guidelines

supplier and/or client instructions

relevant Australian Standards, criteria and certification requirements

manufacturers specifications and/or suppliers handling and storage advice

material safety data sheets

communications technology equipment and oral, aural or signed communications

quality assurance standards and procedures

emergency procedures

relevant competency standards and training materials

QA plans, data and document control

conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including workplace agreements and awards

Applicable procedures and codes may include:

relevant state/territory and local government environmental protection legislation and regulations

Australian and international regulations and codes of practice for the handling and transfer of dangerous goods and hazardous substances

relevant Australian and international standards and certification requirements

relevant state/territory OH&S legislation

relevant licence or permit requirements and associated regulations

relevant workplace relations legislation

relevant workers compensation legislation

equal opportunity, equal employment opportunity and affirmative action legislation