Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:23 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:23 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Apply occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk
Apply occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPSOHS605A
PSPSOHS605A
State Code
C8363
C8363
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
07/07/2014
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
07/07/2014
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit covers application of occupational hygiene knowledge and the techniques to control OHS risk arising from health hazards at work. In practice, applying occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as promoting ethical practice, applying government systems, influencing opinion, fostering leadership, managing resources, managing compliance with legislation.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Identify health hazards that may result from features of the workplace or working environment
- 1.1 Workplace factors that may affect the health of workers are identified.
- 1.2 Health hazards that may result from work processes, work operations, equipment and work procedures are identified.
- 1.3 Possible routes of entry to the body and consequent effects on the body are identified for different workplace factors.
- 1.4 Situations are identified where OHS specialists and other advisers may be required.
2 Analyse the risks of worker exposure to potentially harmful agents and factors
- 2.1 Sources of exposure and related factors to potentially harmful agents and factors in work processes and methods are determined.
- 2.2 Equipment, sampling plan and techniques for assessing the exposure to selected agents and factors within a workplace are identified.
- 2.3 Monitoring and sampling results to provide an assessment of exposure are interpreted and evaluated.
- 2.4 Exposure standards are utilised in the assessment of risks.
- 2.5 Workplace measurements, interpretations and recommendations are reported to stakeholders in a suitable format for target group.
3 Design risk control strategies and advise on implementation
- 3.1 The hierarchy of control is applied to design risk control strategies, noting that personal protective equipment is regarded as the least satisfactory control measure.
- 3.2 Inadequacies in existing control measures are identified and remedial advice is provided.
- 3.3 Effective consultation and collaboration is undertaken with organisation, affected employees and others when developing, selecting and implementing risk control measures.
- 3.4 External sources of information and data and specialist advisers are accessed as required on nature of health hazard, level of risk, and risk control options.
4 Monitor and evaluate control strategies to minimise workplace exposures
- 4.1 Quality and outcomes of interventions are monitored and evaluated regularly in consultation with stakeholders and relevant employees.
- 4.2 Modifications to interventions are facilitated including consultations, as required, as a result of findings of regular evaluation and monitoring.
- 4.3 Training needs are identified in consultation with workplace stakeholders, documented and arranged if required.
- 4.4 Recommendations are made regarding future interventions as a result of evaluation and monitoring.
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 italics in the Performance criteria is explained here.
Workplace factors may include:
chemical agents such as:
solids, liquids, gases, hazardous or non hazardous substances and toxins, vapours, dusts, mists, fibres
chemical hazards occurring through airborne exposure and through skin contact
other chemical contaminants arising through direct use or as by-product contaminants
physical agents such as:
noise, vibration, pressure, light, thermal
ionising and non-ionising radiation
biological agents such as:
viruses
bacteria
zoonoses
animals
animal products
plants and plant products
allergens that may induce asthma, dermatitis etc
ergonomic factors such as:
body position in relation to use of equipment or controls/awkward postures
harmful repetitive work
psychosocial factors such as:
exposure to harmful/psychological stress at work such as work demand, environment
A hazard is:
a source or situation with a potential for harm in terms of human injury or ill health, damage to property or the environment, or a combination of these
OHS specialists may include:
specialist occupational hygienists
ergonomists
internal and external OHS professionals
occupational health advisers
allied health
toxicologists
injury management and return to work advisers
Other advisers may include:
equipment manufacturers and suppliers
substance manufacturers, importers and suppliers
engineers (ventilation, mechanical, chemical, electrical)
Sources of exposure may include:
substances/products created or generated by work processes, for example fume, carbon monoxide and dust
noise etc produced by plant and machinery
working with animals and animal products
needle stick exposures
occupationally related contact
Related factors may include:
synergistic/potentiation effects (increased effect of multiple exposures) compared with antagonistic effects (lessening effects of two or more substances than the effect of each in isolation)
dose related impacts
Exposure standards are:
established concentrations of substances that are given as guidance in assessing the risk of exposure
may be state, national and/or international publications
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)
External sources of information and data include:
state and territory OHS regulatory bodies
National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC)
Australian standards, national codes of practice, guidance notes
engineers
external OHS professionals and specialists
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
union and employer associations
academic institutions, centres of research and libraries
Workplace Exposure Standards (WES)
material safety data sheets (MSDSs)
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
OHS professional associations
databases such as NICNAS (National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme)
manufacturers' manuals and specifications
Training needs may include:
legislative requirements
risks associated with specific tasks
methods of minimising exposure
interpretation of information and data contained in material safety data sheets (MSDS), technical documents or brochures about substances, tools, equipment and plant
workplace housekeeping
personal hygiene
maintenance of equipment, tools and plant to ensure effective performance of control systems
requirements for health monitoring of use of certain workplace hazardous substances such as lead
correct selection, use, servicing, storage and disposal of PPE
Workplace factors may include:
chemical agents such as:
solids, liquids, gases, hazardous or non hazardous substances and toxins, vapours, dusts, mists, fibres
chemical hazards occurring through airborne exposure and through skin contact
other chemical contaminants arising through direct use or as by-product contaminants
physical agents such as:
noise, vibration, pressure, light, thermal
ionising and non-ionising radiation
biological agents such as:
viruses
bacteria
zoonoses
animals
animal products
plants and plant products
allergens that may induce asthma, dermatitis etc
ergonomic factors such as:
body position in relation to use of equipment or controls/awkward postures
harmful repetitive work
psychosocial factors such as:
exposure to harmful/psychological stress at work such as work demand, environment
A hazard is:
a source or situation with a potential for harm in terms of human injury or ill health, damage to property or the environment, or a combination of these
OHS specialists may include:
specialist occupational hygienists
ergonomists
internal and external OHS professionals
occupational health advisers
allied health
toxicologists
injury management and return to work advisers
Other advisers may include:
equipment manufacturers and suppliers
substance manufacturers, importers and suppliers
engineers (ventilation, mechanical, chemical, electrical)
Sources of exposure may include:
substances/products created or generated by work processes, for example fume, carbon monoxide and dust
noise etc produced by plant and machinery
working with animals and animal products
needle stick exposures
occupationally related contact
Related factors may include:
synergistic/potentiation effects (increased effect of multiple exposures) compared with antagonistic effects (lessening effects of two or more substances than the effect of each in isolation)
dose related impacts
Exposure standards are:
established concentrations of substances that are given as guidance in assessing the risk of exposure
may be state, national and/or international publications
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)
External sources of information and data include:
state and territory OHS regulatory bodies
National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC)
Australian standards, national codes of practice, guidance notes
engineers
external OHS professionals and specialists
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
union and employer associations
academic institutions, centres of research and libraries
Workplace Exposure Standards (WES)
material safety data sheets (MSDSs)
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)
OHS professional associations
databases such as NICNAS (National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme)
manufacturers' manuals and specifications
Training needs may include:
legislative requirements
risks associated with specific tasks
methods of minimising exposure
interpretation of information and data contained in material safety data sheets (MSDS), technical documents or brochures about substances, tools, equipment and plant
workplace housekeeping
personal hygiene
maintenance of equipment, tools and plant to ensure effective performance of control systems
requirements for health monitoring of use of certain workplace hazardous substances such as lead
correct selection, use, servicing, storage and disposal of PPE
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:
PSPETHC601B Maintain and enhance confidence in public service
PSPGOV605A Persuade and influence opinion
PSPLEGN601B Manage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPSOHS601A Develop a systematic approach to managing OHS
PSPSOHS603A Analyse and evaluate OHS risk
PSPSOHS604A Apply ergonomic principles to control OHS risk
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 the application of occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk
workplace documentation, case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when applying occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk.
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 applying occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
application of occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk in a range of 3 or more contexts or occasions, over time
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.
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:
PSPETHC601B Maintain and enhance confidence in public service
PSPGOV605A Persuade and influence opinion
PSPLEGN601B Manage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPSOHS601A Develop a systematic approach to managing OHS
PSPSOHS603A Analyse and evaluate OHS risk
PSPSOHS604A Apply ergonomic principles to control OHS risk
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 the application of occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk
workplace documentation, case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when applying occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk.
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 applying occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
application of occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk in a range of 3 or more contexts or occasions, over time
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.
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J326 | PSP60612 | Advanced Diploma of Government (Occupational Health & Safety) | Qualification |