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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Prepare for pickup
  2. Pick up and transport items
  3. Maintain transport equipment
  4. Maintain a safe work environment

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories; laboratory safety; quality management and environmental management; and labelling, storage, transport and disposal of hazardous materials

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, and national environmental protection measures

specific codes, guidelines and procedures, such as Australian Dangerous Goods Code, Australia Post Guides and International Air Transport Association (IATA) Regulations

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); material safety data sheets (MSDS); safety procedures for specific materials and equipment; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; spillage and waste containment and disposal protocols; maps and site plans; protocols regarding customer liaison and use of communication devices; vehicle log books and incident/accident report forms

Workplace requirements for the transport of samples and/or equipment

Workplace requirements for the transport of samples and/or equipment include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

using appropriate sample containers (glass, plastic and opaque) and preservatives

using appropriate sample and equipment boxes (insulated, shockproof and waterproof)

wrapping containers in foil to exclude light

using temperature control, which may involve prevention of direct contact between the sample and coolant

restraining containers to prevent movement

checking sample viability during transport while avoiding unnecessary handling

Work safety procedures

Work safety procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

using safe vehicle driving practices

handling, labelling and storing hazardous material and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures and regulations, and signage

using PPE

regular cleaning and/or decontamination of equipment and vehicle

containing and cleaning up spillage or breakages

using appropriate techniques and equipment to safely dispose of waste materials

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant

Performance Evidence

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

planning the pickup of items in conjunction with a supervisor on at least one (1) occasion

safely picking up and transporting samples or test/calibration equipment on at least two (2) occasions in a way that ensures the integrity of subsequent test results

checking that the vehicle, transport containers and materials, and communication devices are present and fit for purpose prior to departure

using communication devices to maintain contact between the courier, reception centre and routine pickup locations

communicating effectively and courteously with individuals, customers, clients and reception staff

maintaining confidentiality and reporting problems, accidents and incidents in accordance with procedures

recording details of item exchange in relevant sections of chain of custody forms, as required

maintaining stocks of consumables and collecting equipment at collection centres, as required

cleaning up spills, if they occur, and minimising and disposing of waste in accordance with workplace procedures.

Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

need for appropriate and timely transport and the importance of effective communication with clients and customers to workplace business

nature of samples and/or equipment transported and the effects of changes in environmental conditions, vibration and shock on them

control measures for minimising exposure to hazardous materials and equipment

procedures for safe, efficient containment and clean up of spillages and breakages and their disposal

maintenance requirements of vehicle and equipment used in the handling and transporting samples and equipment

workplace procedures for responding to emergencies

relevant hazards, work health safety (WHS) and environment requirements

Additional knowledge requirements will apply for different industry sectors. For example for biomedical samples:

labile nature of biological and environmental samples

possible infectivity of biological materials

effects of exposure to radioactive materials.