Elements and Performance Criteria

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. Add any 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.
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.
Context
This unit describes OHS requirements applicable for those with managerial responsibilities for maintaining and improving an established OHSMS within the organisation. This may be as a worker or as an owner of a business. This competency assumes that the OHSMS has been established by others, either internal or external and that expert advice is available either internally or externally.
The competency is to be exhibited within the area of managerial responsibility, which may be an entire organisation or department of an organisation. Roles and responsibilities will vary from organisation to organisation.
While relevant positions for maintaining and improving the OHSMS will include managers, OHS officers/managers it should be quite clear that the legal responsibility for OHS rests with the line managers.
Analysis of data may include statistical analysis, qualitative analysis or informal review.
Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.
Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.
Hazards
Typical hazards include:
handling chemicals and hazardous materials
chemical and or hazardous materials spillage
gases and liquids under pressure
moving machinery
materials handling
working at heights, in restricted or confined spaces, or environments subjected to heat, noise, dusts or vapours
fire and explosion.
OHS Information Sources
Sources of OHS information may be external and include:
OHS legislation, codes of practice and Australian and International standards
OHS regulators and Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC)
industry bodies
Internet sites, journals and newsletters
OHS policies and procedures
manufacturer manuals
risk assessments, JSAs, workplace inspections
MSDSs and registers
hazard and incident reports.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, required skills and knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Overview of assessment
A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.
Assessment will occur on an industrial site and will be undertaken in a work-like environment.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to:
interact with the workforce to maintain the process that comprise the OHSMS
access and analyse information to identify areas for improvement
develop appropriate improvement strategies
apply a quality improvement process to implement and monitor change
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see thatthe required level includes a working knowledge of the workplace OHSMS. Look to see knowledge and understanding of:
OHS responsibilities of all levels in the workplace
the consultation processes, either general or specific to OHS
hazard identification and risk assessment
implementation of risk control measures by applying the hierarchy of control
new and relevant OHS information
OHS record keeping
OHS issue resolution legislative requirements for consultation prior to the implementation of change
sources and types if information that provide realistic information on the performance of the OHSMS
techniques for analysing OHS data, including simple statistical analysis and graphing of trends
types of internal and external change that may impact on OHS.
These aspects may be best assessed in a realistic workplace. Where this is difficult to access then steps should be taken to arrange access to realistic data and a visit to a workplace. Scenarios and case studies may provide a suitable adjunct. These assessment activities should include a range of problems that may be encountered when maintaining reviewing and implementing improvement to the OHSMS.
Assessment method and context
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
on an appropriate, industrial plant/site
in a situation allowing the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems
by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
through a combination of these techniques.
In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.

Specific resources for assessment
This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.