Elements and Performance Criteria

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 may be present for this particular unit.

Hazard identification may include activities associated with
checking equipment and the work area before work commences and during work
workplace inspections of equipment and work areas
regular housekeeping activities.

Hazards may be
ergonomic e.g. improper manual handling methods
environmental e.g. improper use of hazardous materials/chemicals
obstructive e.g. blocked access to emergency entry/exit points
associated with electrical or mechanical faults.

Manual handling techniques may include
lifting
pushing
pulling
carrying.

Manual handling aids may include
lifting magnets
suction grips
lifting straps
hooks
wheelbarrows
hand trucks
trolleys
non-licensed mechanical handling aids including cranes, hoists, manually operated forklifts and pallet trucks.

Legislative and industry requirements may include
relevant Commonwealth and state/territory building Acts/regulations/codes
OHS legislation, codes and regulations
relevant current Australian Standards e.g. AS1851
Building Code of Australia
dangerous goods regulations
licensing arrangements
environmental regulations
building surveyor requirements
other relevant legislation (including international and shipping/marine codes) relating to fire protection equipment
Australian petroleum industries' requirements.

Workplace procedures may include
instructions from colleagues/supervisor/manager
specific customer requirements
assignment instructions
equipment manufacturers' requirements
reporting and documentation requirements
personal protective equipment requirements.

Organisational requirements may be located in quality assurance and/or procedures manuals relating to
legal and organisational policy/guidelines
personnel practices and guidelines outlining work roles, responsibilities and delegations
legislation relevant to the service operation
OHS policies, procedures and programs
documentation and information systems and processes
use of electronic job scheduling and communication devices.

Relevant persons may include
team leaders
supervisors
managers
colleagues
customers.

OHS policies and procedures may relate to
employer/employee rights and responsibilities
the OHS hierarchy of control
assessing the work site for hazards and risks prior to preparing the work site for the work procedure
displaying signs and/or utilising barriers in the work area
hazard and risk identification and reporting
risk assessment and control measures
incident/accident investigation
OHS audits and safety inspections
safe operating procedures/instructions including:
working safely around electrical wiring, cables and overhead powerlines
working safely around tools and equipment
working safely on ladders and raised platforms
risk and hazard recognition
emergency procedures
awareness of electrical hazards
following confined spaces procedures
utilising personal protective equipment including:
safety glasses or goggles
safety boots or shoes
hard hat
ear muffs or plugs
appropriate gloves and overalls
sun hat
dust mask
equipment maintenance and use
use and storage of hazardous substances
First Aid.

Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit of competency 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.
The meaning of materials handling as applied to the role of the service technician.
The purpose of hazard identification, hazard assessment and hazard control.
The implications of incorrect manual lifting techniques.
The implications of ignoring safety precautions used with mechanical and manual handling aids.
The purpose and structure of the relevant dangerous goods legislation including HAZCHEM signs and emergency information panels.

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These relate to the ability to:

assess and control risk and hazards
apply correct manual handling techniques
assess safe working loads
solve problems in practical and safe ways
assess movement paths for loads and materials
move dangerous goods safely

apply literacy and language skills to:

understand and comply with work instructions
interpret safety signs
read and comprehend instructions
participate in manual handling training.

Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function, for example:

PRMCMN201A Participate in workplace safety arrangements
PRMCMN301A Contribute to workplace safety arrangements.

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:

a suitable work area, or a simulated workplace environment, that allows for the demonstration of manual handling techniques
suitable load and manual handling aids for the candidate to demonstrate manual handling techniques
personal protective equipment commonly used in manual handling
manuals and relevant documentation
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.
Assessment of competency may be made through practical demonstrations in the work environment or in a simulated work environment. Oral or written questioning methods may be used to assess understanding of underpinning knowledge areas. (In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning and written assessment, questions are to be identical.) Evidence of competency is best obtained by observing various activities involving manual handling techniques in the workplace.
Supplementary evidence may be obtained by relevant authenticated written correspondence from supervisors, team leaders or management staff.
Information derived from enterprise policy and practices must be treated as commercial-in-confidence.

Performance and assessment of this unit must be carried out within the relevant requirements of the following legislative and industry framework:

building Acts/regulations/codes
Australian Standards identified as relevant to the required maintenance procedure
environmental regulations
manufacturers' specifications
organisational requirements, including OHS policies and procedures
OHS legislation, codes and regulations.

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
Communicating ideas and information
Collect information regarding the work environment and analyse against relevant policies and procedures. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Resolve manual handling issues with relevant or designated personnel. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Organise work tasks according to safe work practices cognisant of regulatory framework. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Contribute to a safe work environment. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Calculate load weights and adhere to equipment maintenance schedules. (1)

Solving problems
Identify and report hazards and display initiative to identify problems. (2)

Using technology
Use manual handling aids and apply correct techniques. (2)