Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:55 AM AWST
23/07/2026 12:55 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.
Respond to environmental health complaints
Respond to environmental health complaints
Unit of competency
National Code
LGAEHRR402A
LGAEHRR402A
State Code
D2845
D2845
TGA Status
Deleted
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
14/08/2014
Field of Education
061303 - Environmental Health
Original Release Date
14/08/2014
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit covers the skills and knowledge required to respond to environmental health complaints and conduct preliminary investigations under direction and supervision.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Contact complainant to gather and provide information
- 1.1 Notifications of environmental health issues are received and recorded.
- 1.2 Relevant legislation and council procedures for different types of complaints are identified and clarified with senior team members.
- 1.3 For designated complaints, complainant is contacted and relevant details are gathered and recorded.
- 1.4 Complaints procedures are explained to complainant and questions are answered or referred to team members for follow-up and advice.
2. Plan preliminary investigation of complaints
- 2.1 Preliminary investigation activities are identified and planned in consultation with team members and according to council policy.
- 2.2 Data gathering, recording and reporting requirements are identified and relevant equipment and documentation are prepared.
- 2.3 Contingency plans for dealing with potential conflict are considered and discussed with senior team members.
3. Conduct and report on preliminary investigations
- 3.1 Investigation is carried out efficiently and effectively according to council policy and advice from senior team members.
- 3.2 On-site discovery of issues beyond the authority of the investigator are referred to senior team members.
- 3.3 Data and information are collected and recorded.
- 3.4 Communications with community members are cordially conducted and potential conflicts managed effectively.
- 3.5 Report is prepared and submitted to the team for information or direction.
- 3.6 External authorities are notified, as required by council procedures.
- 3.7 Complainant is advised of outcome or referred to senior officers according to council policy.
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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.
Environmental health issues may include:
air, water or land pollution
pest or vector control
excessive noise
intensity of insects or pest animals
implications of seasonal conditions
stray animals
contaminated sites
Relevant legislation and council procedures may include:
federal, state or territory and local government legislation, including the Health Act and Australian standards
professional journals and reports
environmental protection legislation
public and environmental health legislation
local government legislation
council policies, procedures and guidelines
strategic, business and management plans
local ordinances, laws and by-laws
Data may include:
air, soil and water samples
noise level readings
dates and times of nuisance
degree of disturbance or annoyance
observation of:
pests or evidence of pests
insects
mould
rubbish
sharps
water
stray animals
pollution
External authorities may include:
police and emergency services
environmental protection authority
water authorities
justice department
conservation authorities
industry
local government departments
community services
youth services
aged services
Environmental health issues may include:
air, water or land pollution
pest or vector control
excessive noise
intensity of insects or pest animals
implications of seasonal conditions
stray animals
contaminated sites
Relevant legislation and council procedures may include:
federal, state or territory and local government legislation, including the Health Act and Australian standards
professional journals and reports
environmental protection legislation
public and environmental health legislation
local government legislation
council policies, procedures and guidelines
strategic, business and management plans
local ordinances, laws and by-laws
Data may include:
air, soil and water samples
noise level readings
dates and times of nuisance
degree of disturbance or annoyance
observation of:
pests or evidence of pests
insects
mould
rubbish
sharps
water
stray animals
pollution
External authorities may include:
police and emergency services
environmental protection authority
water authorities
justice department
conservation authorities
industry
local government departments
community services
youth services
aged services
Overview of assessment requirements
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the elements to the required performance level detailed in the performance criteria. The unit's skill and knowledge requirements must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
The demonstrated ability to:
analyse complaints and select appropriate responses
conduct communication with complainants and community members efficiently and effectively, managing potential conflict effectively
plan and conduct preliminary investigations and data gathering efficiently and effectively
refer issues beyond the authority of the investigator to senior team members and notify external authorities as required
collect, record and report data and information according to council procedures
Context of assessment
On the job or in a simulated work environment.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies
written and oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documentation
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor
Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
Competency must be demonstrated in all elements across a range of variables relevant to council's size, location and strategic plan.
Resource implications
Access to a workplace or simulated case study that provides the following resources:
copies of federal, state or local government legislation, including Health Acts and environmental protection
appropriate Australian standards
professional journals and reports
council policies, procedures and guidelines
relevant data sources
relevant authorities
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the elements to the required performance level detailed in the performance criteria. The unit's skill and knowledge requirements must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered
The demonstrated ability to:
analyse complaints and select appropriate responses
conduct communication with complainants and community members efficiently and effectively, managing potential conflict effectively
plan and conduct preliminary investigations and data gathering efficiently and effectively
refer issues beyond the authority of the investigator to senior team members and notify external authorities as required
collect, record and report data and information according to council procedures
Context of assessment
On the job or in a simulated work environment.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies
written and oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documentation
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of self-paced learning materials, including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor
Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance
Competency must be demonstrated in all elements across a range of variables relevant to council's size, location and strategic plan.
Resource implications
Access to a workplace or simulated case study that provides the following resources:
copies of federal, state or local government legislation, including Health Acts and environmental protection
appropriate Australian standards
professional journals and reports
council policies, procedures and guidelines
relevant data sources
relevant authorities
No information
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D350 | LGA50208 | Diploma of Local Government (Health and Environment) | Qualification |