Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:22 PM AWST
23/07/2026 12:22 PM 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.
Assist with workplace monitoring processes
Assist with workplace monitoring processes
Unit of competency
National Code
BSBWHS409A
BSBWHS409A
State Code
WE731
WE731
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
27/02/2013
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
27/02/2013
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assist with monitoring a range of physical agents and conditions relevant to work health and safety (WHS).
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Assist with selecting measuring devices
- 1.1 Assist with identifying regulatory requirements and standards that apply to monitoring
- 1.2 Identify agent and/or condition to be measured through consultation with relevant individuals and parties
- 1.3 Identify characteristics of agent and/or condition
- 1.4 Determine the area where measurements are to be taken
- 1.5 Assist with identifying types of appropriate measuring equipment
- 1.6 Assist with the selection of measuring equipment appropriate to the agent and/or condition, the environment, the activities being carried out and the level of risk
- 1.7 Recognise limits of own expertise and available equipment, and seek expert advice and equipment as appropriate
2. Assist with preparations to collect workplace information and data
- 2.1 Determine a sampling process
- 2.2 Consult with and advise those involved in workplace activities to collect information and data about the requirements, and nature and purpose of the monitoring
- 2.3 Assist with defining a sampling plan after inspecting area and consulting with workers and affected parties about the nature of the problem
- 2.4 Assist with checking the operability of equipment
3. Assist with collecting workplace information and data
- 3.1 Assist with selecting and calibrating monitoring equipment, and selecting appropriate scale
- 3.2 Assist with tests
- 3.3 Assist with correct use and maintenance of equipment to collect information and data
- 3.4 Ensure own health and safety while collecting information and data, and record readings using expert support and advice as appropriate
- 3.5 Assist with dismantling and cleaning equipment and parts, or dispose of appropriately
- 3.6 Assist with correctly storing equipment or making it ready for re-use as appropriate
4. Assist with documenting and evaluating results of monitoring
- 4.1 Assist with interpreting and evaluating results against a recognised standard and documenting results
- 4.2 Assist with preparing reports on the monitoring process, including any regulatory requirements, and consider purposes of report and the target audiences
- 4.3 Assist with presenting required information and data clearly and logically
- 4.4 Assist with retaining results and records in a format that enables them to be readily retrieved according to regulatory requirements and standards
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Regulatory requirements and standards may include:
Australian and international standards, such as those produced by Standards Australia and Safe Work Australia
biological exposure indices
commonwealth and state or territory WHS Acts, regulations and codes of practice
exposure standards for atmospheric contaminants in occupational environments
guidance material, such as guidance notes, guides, fact sheets and technical reports that provide practical guidance and directions for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk controls
safety data sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals.
Agent and/or condition may include:
biological agents, such as insects, mites and bacteria
electricity
fibres, dusts and particulates
fumes, mists, gases and vapours
heat and humidity
light
noise
radiation, including ionising, non-ionising and laser
vibration.
Individuals and parties may include:
contractors and subcontractors
duty holders as specified in WHS Acts:
PCBUs or their officers
workers
other persons at a workplace
health and safety committees
health and safety representatives
suppliers
WHS entry permit holders
WHS inspectors
WHS regulators
WHS specialists, such as occupational hygienists or occupational physicians.
Characteristics may include:
dose factors relating to concentration and time
how an agent affects specific parts of the body, such as:
extent of damage to tissue
effects, such as additive, antagonistic, synergism and potentiation
how an agent can affect WHS
how an agent is absorbed into the body
way an agent behaves in the environment, including over distance and time
work environments, such as confined spaces.
Determining the area may include:
area or space available
location
movements of people and equipment
number of persons occupying area
other factors that may impact on the sampling or data-collection processes
physical features of equipment, such as emitting sources
tasks or activities being undertaken.
Sampling process may include:
process, substance or hazard likely to be causing the ill-health or symptoms
size of the workforce (i.e. individual worker or work teams)
type of exposure
other practical and financial considerations.
Information and data collected may include:
conditions, such as activities and number of people present when measurements were made
date, time and duration of collection
locations where information and data were collected
readouts and measurements taken
sampling method, for example:
continuous
grab
longitudinal
specifications of equipment used.
Operability of equipment may include:
availability of appropriate attachments, leads and filters
battery serviceability checks
check and function tests
calibration requirements
National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) tested and certified, with certificate of currency as appropriate.
Purposes of report may include:
as a basis for design of improved and/or new risk controls
communicating the results and ramifications of monitoring to individuals and parties
hazard identification
legal compliance
risk assessment.
Target audiences may include:
contractors, such as hygienists, involved in sampling methodologies and procedures
designers and engineers
individuals and parties.
Required information and data may include:
agent/condition being monitored and key issues associated with it
interpretation and discussion of results
ramifications for workers and the workplace
sampling process:
conditions at time of sampling, including whether or not the sampling period represented normal operating conditions
how measurements were taken
locations where samples were taken
specifications of equipment used
tables of results
target audiences for report
where, when and why measurements were taken.
Regulatory requirements and standards may include:
Australian and international standards, such as those produced by Standards Australia and Safe Work Australia
biological exposure indices
commonwealth and state or territory WHS Acts, regulations and codes of practice
exposure standards for atmospheric contaminants in occupational environments
guidance material, such as guidance notes, guides, fact sheets and technical reports that provide practical guidance and directions for hazard identification, risk assessment and risk controls
safety data sheets (SDS) for hazardous chemicals.
Agent and/or condition may include:
biological agents, such as insects, mites and bacteria
electricity
fibres, dusts and particulates
fumes, mists, gases and vapours
heat and humidity
light
noise
radiation, including ionising, non-ionising and laser
vibration.
Individuals and parties may include:
contractors and subcontractors
duty holders as specified in WHS Acts:
PCBUs or their officers
workers
other persons at a workplace
health and safety committees
health and safety representatives
suppliers
WHS entry permit holders
WHS inspectors
WHS regulators
WHS specialists, such as occupational hygienists or occupational physicians.
Characteristics may include:
dose factors relating to concentration and time
how an agent affects specific parts of the body, such as:
extent of damage to tissue
effects, such as additive, antagonistic, synergism and potentiation
how an agent can affect WHS
how an agent is absorbed into the body
way an agent behaves in the environment, including over distance and time
work environments, such as confined spaces.
Determining the area may include:
area or space available
location
movements of people and equipment
number of persons occupying area
other factors that may impact on the sampling or data-collection processes
physical features of equipment, such as emitting sources
tasks or activities being undertaken.
Sampling process may include:
process, substance or hazard likely to be causing the ill-health or symptoms
size of the workforce (i.e. individual worker or work teams)
type of exposure
other practical and financial considerations.
Information and data collected may include:
conditions, such as activities and number of people present when measurements were made
date, time and duration of collection
locations where information and data were collected
readouts and measurements taken
sampling method, for example:
continuous
grab
longitudinal
specifications of equipment used.
Operability of equipment may include:
availability of appropriate attachments, leads and filters
battery serviceability checks
check and function tests
calibration requirements
National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) tested and certified, with certificate of currency as appropriate.
Purposes of report may include:
as a basis for design of improved and/or new risk controls
communicating the results and ramifications of monitoring to individuals and parties
hazard identification
legal compliance
risk assessment.
Target audiences may include:
contractors, such as hygienists, involved in sampling methodologies and procedures
designers and engineers
individuals and parties.
Required information and data may include:
agent/condition being monitored and key issues associated with it
interpretation and discussion of results
ramifications for workers and the workplace
sampling process:
conditions at time of sampling, including whether or not the sampling period represented normal operating conditions
how measurements were taken
locations where samples were taken
specifications of equipment used
tables of results
target audiences for report
where, when and why measurements were taken.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
seeking advice and support when required
ensuring safety of self and others during monitoring process
assisting with the use of appropriate equipment to monitor selected agents and/or conditions in the workplace
knowledge of relevant Acts, regulations, codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material specific to measuring processes to identify hazards, assess risk and monitor the effectiveness of risk controls.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a workplace or a simulated workplace with hazards requiring testing and monitoring
all measuring devices and equipment appropriate to the agent and/or condition
appropriate office and workplace equipment and resources
relevant legislation, standards and guidelines.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios
explanation of techniques used to measure and monitor workplace hazards
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of onthejob performance by the candidate
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of techniques for correctly using safe measuring and monitoring equipment
review of documented results
review of reports on testing undertaken
evaluation of equipment operability.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBWHS404A Contribute to WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
seeking advice and support when required
ensuring safety of self and others during monitoring process
assisting with the use of appropriate equipment to monitor selected agents and/or conditions in the workplace
knowledge of relevant Acts, regulations, codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material specific to measuring processes to identify hazards, assess risk and monitor the effectiveness of risk controls.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a workplace or a simulated workplace with hazards requiring testing and monitoring
all measuring devices and equipment appropriate to the agent and/or condition
appropriate office and workplace equipment and resources
relevant legislation, standards and guidelines.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios
explanation of techniques used to measure and monitor workplace hazards
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third-party reports of onthejob performance by the candidate
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of techniques for correctly using safe measuring and monitoring equipment
review of documented results
review of reports on testing undertaken
evaluation of equipment operability.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBWHS404A Contribute to WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WB915 | BSBOHS406C | Use equipment to conduct workplace monitoring | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUI93 | BSBWHS409 | Assist with workplace monitoring processes | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J347 | BSB51312 | Diploma of Work Health and Safety | Qualification |
| J346 | BSB41412 | Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety | Qualification |