Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The range statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance criteria is explained here.
External sources of information and data may include:
OHS regulatory authorities
National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC)
industry bodies
employer groups
unions
OHS specialists
legislation, codes of practice and standards
databases such as national and state injury data and NICNAS (National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme)
journals and web sites
manufacturers' manual and specifications
A hazard is:
a source or a situation with a potential for harm in terms of injury or ill-health, damage to property, damage to the environment, or a combination of these
Workplace sources of information and data may include:
employees
OHS representatives
hazard, incident and investigation reports
workplace inspections
minutes of meetings
reports and audits
material safety data sheets (MSDSs)
Appropriate tools may include:
checklists produced as part of codes of practice
photographs
notes or drawings
tools developed for a specific work environment, situations or hazard
tools provided by external sources or advisors
Stakeholders include:
managers
supervisors
health and safety and other employee representatives
OHS committees
employees
Key personnel include:
managers in related areas
people involved in OHS decision making or who are or are affected by OHS decisions
OHS specialists may be internal or external and include:
ergonomists
engineers
occupational hygienists
toxicologists
organisational psychologists
workplace injury and return to work advisors
Equipment may include:
basic instrumentation such as sound level meters, light meters, goniometer, simple gas sampling devices and temperature and humidity measuring devices
Strategies may include:
questionnaire, interview, focus group
Recognised standards may include:
OHS regulations
national and industry standards
codes of practice
exposure standards
guidance notes
Risk is:
the chance of something happening that will result in injury or damage
measured in terms of consequences (injury or damage) and likelihood of the consequence
A risk register covers:
a list of hazards, their location and people exposed
a range of possible scenarios or circumstances under which these hazards may cause injury or damage
the results of the risk assessment
and may include possible control measures and dates for implementation
Hierarchy of control means developing risk controls within the following priority order:
eliminate hazards
and where this is not practicable, minimise risk by:
substitution
isolating the hazard from personnel
using engineering controls
using administrative controls (e.g. procedures, training)
using personal protective equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is:
equipment designed to be worn by a person to provide protection from hazards, and may include:
head protection
face and eye protection
respiratory protection
hearing protection
hand protection
clothing and footwear
Factors with a potential to impact on effectiveness of controls may include:
language
shift work and rostering arrangements
literacy and numeracy levels
workplace organisational structures (size of organisation, geographic, hierarchical)
cultural diversity
training required
workplace culture related to OHS including commitment by managers and supervisors and compliance with procedures and training
Ethical manner includes attention to:
confidentiality
privacy as appropriate
commercial in confidence information and data as appropriate
own currency of knowledge

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the unit descriptor, performance criteria, The range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include:
PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
PSPGOV512A Use complex workplace communication strategies
PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPSOHS504A Apply principles of OHS risk management
PSPSOHS506A Monitor and facilitate the management of hazards associated with plant.
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
knowledge requirements of this unit
skill requirements of this unit
application of employability skills as they relate to this unit.
Resources required to carry out assessment
Resources essential for assessment include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to management of hazards in the work environment
workplace documentation, case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when managing hazards in the work environment.
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when managing hazards in the work environment, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
management of hazards in the work environment in a range of 3 or more contexts or occasions, over time, and across at least 4 of the major hazard groups.
Assessment methods should reflect but not exceed workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of individuals who might be disadvantaged.
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit must use authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses and may include a combination of two or more of:
workplace projects
simulation or role plays
case studies and scenarios
observation.
portfolios.
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate and where the person has a disability the principle of reasonable adjustment should be applied during assessment.
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.