Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement links the required knowledge and organisational and technical requirements to the workplace context. It describes any contextual variables that will be used or encountered when applying the competency in work situations. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables are listed alphabetically and may be present for this particular unit.
Appropriate personnel may include:
health and safety representatives
managers
OHS personnel
other persons including emergency service personnel, authorised or nominated by the enterprise or industry to:
perform specified work/functions
approve specified work
inspect specified work
direct specified work/functions
supervisors/team leaders.
Company requirements may include:
counselling/disciplinary processes
maintenance of plant and equipment
purchasing of supplies and equipment
work procedures and work instructions.
Emergencies may include:
accidents (including motor vehicle accidents)
acts of violence
bomb threats
chemical spills
fire and explosions
inhalation of dangerous substances
natural disasters.
Emergency procedures may include:
accident/incident reporting
chemical containment
evacuations
following instructions from authorised or appropriate personnel during hazardous events
provision of First Aid.
Hazards may include:
associated with electrical or mechanical faults
environmental e.g. improper use of hazardous materials/chemicals
ergonomic e.g. improper manual handling methods
obstructive e.g. blocked access to emergency entry/exit points.
Manufacturers' specifications may include:
equipment operational manuals
instructional guides
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
other resources supplied by the manufacturer (such as laminated cards, notices and wall posters)
product labels
safety instructions pre-printed on equipment.
OHS information may include:
hazards and risk management procedures
provisions relating to roles and responsibilities of health and safety representatives and/or OHS committees
the induction of new workers
the nature of work, tasks and procedures
to assist in work tasks
to communicate legislation and codes of practice e.g. relating to hazards in the work area
workplace OHS policies and procedures.
OHS legislation may include:
general duty of care under OHS legislation and common law
provisions relating to OHS issue resolution
provisions relating to roles and responsibilities of health and safety representatives and/or OHS committees
regulations and codes of practice including regulations and codes of practice relating to hazards present in the workplace or industry
state/territory/Commonwealth OHS Acts.
Participative arrangements may include:
formal and informal meetings of:
OHS committees
other committees e.g. consultative, planning and purchasing
suggestions, requests and concerns put forward by employees to management.
Safe operating practices may include:
awareness of electrical hazards
emergency procedures
First Aid
follow confined space procedures
risk and hazard recognition
working safely around electrical wiring, cables and overhead power lines
working safely around tools and equipment.
Workplace procedures may include specific OHS procedures and organisational policies and procedures relating to:
assessing and controlling risks
consultation and participation arrangements for employees
emergency response
OHS issue resolution
safe operating procedures or instructions that cover:
awareness of electrical hazards
compliance with safety instructions contained in MSDS
confined space procedures
First Aid
safe use of tools and equipment
working safely around electrical wiring, cables and overhead power lines
reporting OHS issues
specific hazards
use of personal protective equipment
workplace safety inspections.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
Critical aspects of competency
Ability to accurately follow work instructions in order to minimise and control workplace risks.
Ability to identify hazards and emergencies in the workplace and report such hazards and emergencies to appropriate personnel.
Ability to correctly follow emergency procedures in emergency situations. Note that evidence in this area may be gathered through simulations.
Ability to operate tools and equipment safely.
Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.
Rights and responsibilities of parties in the workplace under relevant OHS Acts, regulations and codes of practice.
Communication channels and procedures to report OHS concerns.
Common workplace hazards and risk control measures including:
range and meanings of safety signs and symbols in the workplace
types and purpose of personal protective equipment
site safety plan
ways in which OHS is maintained in emergency situations
equipment and material use, storage, cleaning and disposal procedures.
Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria
To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These relate to the ability to:
follow safe work procedures
identify potential and existing risks or hazards
follow emergency response procedures
communicate OHS to appropriate personnel
use tools, equipment and products safely
use literacy and language skills to:
understand and comply with work instructions
interpret safety signs
read and comprehend product instructions
participate in OHS training.
Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit
Competency in this unit will underpin competency in other aspects of the candidate's role in managing their work tasks.
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.
Resources required to assess this unit
The candidate and the assessor should have access to the appropriate documentation and resources normally utilised in the workplace. This includes access to the following:
a suitable work area or a simulated workplace environment that allows for identification of hazards
personal protective equipment commonly used to reduce workplace risk
relevant products, tools, specialist equipment and associated instructions
manuals and relevant documentation including company health and safety policies and procedures
assessment documentation forms and record books.
Gaining evidence to assess this unit
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment). The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
When assessing candidates, assessment techniques that allow a collection of evidence from relevant workplace experience should be used. Assessment against this unit may involve the following:
continuous assessment in the workplace (observation) or a setting that simulates the conditions of a workplace (simulation), taking into account the range of variables affecting performance
self-assessment of performance on the same terms as those described above
interviews and/or provision of learning activities to check underpinning knowledge requirements
supplementary evidence that may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence or reports from supervisors or team leaders.
Performance and assessment of this unit must be carried out within the relevant requirements of the legislative and industry framework and as set out in company OHS policies and procedures.
Key competency levels
There are a number of processes learnt throughout work and daily life that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work environments. Some of these work processes are covered by the key competencies listed below. Information provided to each question highlights how these processes are applied in this unit of competency.
The number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency should be demonstrated.
1
Perform the process
2
Perform and administer the process
3
Perform, administer and design the process






How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1)?
Compare information regarding the work environment against relevant policies and procedures.
How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied?
Report or discuss OHS issues with relevant or appropriate personnel.
How are activities planned and organised (1)?
Organise work tasks according to safe work practices.
How can teamwork (1) be applied?
Participate in ensuring a safe work environment.
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied?
Mix chemicals and follow equipment maintenance schedules.
How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied?
Identify and report hazards.
How can the use of technology (1) be applied?
Use products and equipment.