Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:16 PM AWST
22/07/2026 10:16 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.
Identify and minimise environmental hazards
Identify and minimise environmental hazards
Unit of competency
National Code
MSAPMSUP172A
MSAPMSUP172A
State Code
W8283
W8283
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/05/2014
Field of Education
039901 - Environmental Engineering
Original Release Date
29/05/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This competency covers the awareness of environmental issues and organisation environmental policies and procedures to minimise environmental threats.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify potential environmental threats.
- 1.1 Recognise the type and severity of environmental threat posed by the materials and processes used for own work.
- 1.2. Identify ways materials used may enter the environment.
- 1.3. Identify sensitive features of the local environment and their impact on work practice and procedures.
2. Identify workplace procedures and policies to minimise environmental threats.
- 2.1 Identify workplace policy for environmental protection.
- 2.2. Identify in relevant standard operating procedures environmental protection measures appropriate for work.
- 2.3. Explain contact procedures for personnel involved in environmental response teams.
- 2.4. Recognise abnormal or unacceptable emission levels.
3. Follow procedures to minimise environmental threats.
- 3.1 Implement environmental protection measures in relevant procedures.
- 3.2. Report abnormal emissions/environmental issues to appropriate personnel.
- 3.3. Apply containment procedures in accordance with SOPs where appropriate.
- 3.4. Implement approved waste management procedures and practices.
- 3.5. Follow approved safety procedures and use personal protective equipment as specified in procedures.
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 competency applies to all work environments and sectors in the industries. Responses are restricted to a 'first response' approach, including the notifying of appropriate organisation personnel.
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.
Tools and equipment
This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:
PPE
spill kits.
Hazards
Typical workplace hazards include:
chemicals and hazardous materials
gases and liquids under pressure
moving machinery
materials handling.
Emissions/discharges
Typical emissions/discharges include:
noise
light
odour
gas
smoke vapour
liquid and solids
particulates
fumes.
Problems
Respond to routine problems means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical problems include:
required information/materials not available
required tool/equipment not available
Appropriate action for non-routine problems may be reported to designated person or other action specified in the procedures.
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 competency applies to all work environments and sectors in the industries. Responses are restricted to a 'first response' approach, including the notifying of appropriate organisation personnel.
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.
Tools and equipment
This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:
PPE
spill kits.
Hazards
Typical workplace hazards include:
chemicals and hazardous materials
gases and liquids under pressure
moving machinery
materials handling.
Emissions/discharges
Typical emissions/discharges include:
noise
light
odour
gas
smoke vapour
liquid and solids
particulates
fumes.
Problems
Respond to routine problems means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical problems include:
required information/materials not available
required tool/equipment not available
Appropriate action for non-routine problems may be reported to designated person or other action specified in the procedures.
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.
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 toidentify actual and potential environmental breaches as appropriate to the job level.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:
standard procedures are followed
deviations from desired conditions are recognised
action specified in the standard procedures is carried out
the impact of work practices/actions on the environment is understood.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur using a simulation and will occur in a work like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
by observation over time on a processing plant
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 that 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.
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.
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 toidentify actual and potential environmental breaches as appropriate to the job level.
Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:
standard procedures are followed
deviations from desired conditions are recognised
action specified in the standard procedures is carried out
the impact of work practices/actions on the environment is understood.
Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur using a simulation and will occur in a work like environment.
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
by observation over time on a processing plant
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 that 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.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C5563 | PMBENV100A | Identify and minimise environmental hazards | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXO38 | MSMENV172 | Identify and minimise environmental hazards | Unit of competency |