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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Transport and handle chemicals and biological agents
  2. Store chemicals in the workplace
  3. Record storage details

Evidence Required

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in transporting handling and storing chemicals requires evidence that a person can safely and securely transport handle and store chemicals in the workplace without harming people foodstuffs or the environment The skills and knowledge required to transport and store chemicals must be transferable to other workplaces For example this could include different transport methods storage structures and workplaces

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below

Australian Standards Association ASA levels and standards

Risks to the environment

Different methods of transport

OHS risks management principles as they apply to hazardous substances

Hazards and risks involved in the transport of the specific chemical concerned and related control measures

Relevant OHS legislative requirements and Codes of Practice with regards to hazardous substances and the use of chemicals

Correct wearingfit of personal protective equipment

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required These include the ability to

Accurately read and interpret instructions for transporting and handling chemicals

Accurately read and interpret instructions for action to be taken to control and minimise the effects of a spillage of chemicals

Communicate with others regarding transport and storage processes

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Information about the transport arrangements for chemicals will need to be communicated to relevant authorities supervisor and colleagues

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Information about hazards and risks associated with transporting chemicals will be collected and analysed

How are activities planned and organised

Transport and storage will need to occur without harming or interrupting other workplace activities

How can team work be applied

Ensuring others are aware of transport of chemicals and the hazards and control measures

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Amounts of chemical that can be safely transported in one load and how they can be stored

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Difficulties with transport vehicles or the storage area may require problem solving

How can the use of technology be applied

The use of the storage manifest may require use of appropriate technology

What are the special assessment conditions for this competency standard

Where this competency standard is being used as part of an accreditation or licence for purchase or use of chemicals the assessor must meet the requirements of the issuing body This may include

Accreditation with that issuing body Maintenance of current competency in this and the following standards

1. Accreditation with that issuing body.
2. Maintenance of current competency in this and the following standards:

RTCA Prepare and apply chemicals

RTC3704A - Prepare and apply chemicals

RTCA Minimise risks in the use of chemicals

RTC4702A - Minimise risks in the use of chemicals

RTCA Plan and implement a chemical use program

RTC4703A - Plan and implement a chemical use program.

Involvement in professional development programs comprising technical and legislative updates on an annual basis

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to both the Assessment Guidelines and the relevant Sector Booklet


Range Statement

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables explains the contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment requirements may depend on the work situations available.

What chemicals may be transported, handled and stored?

Chemicals may include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, bactericides, algaecides, biologicals, nematacides, rodenticides, antimicrobial agents, anthelmintics, hormone growth promotants, molluscicides and avicides, or a range of veterinary chemicals used to treat animals for disease.

What risks may need to be minimised during the transport and storage of a chemical?

May include serious potential affects on worker's health during transport due to spillage or accident, poisoning, affects on public health through possible cross-contamination of produce, damage to the environment and the general public in the event of spillage or leakage during transport, lack of appropriate insurance coverage, chemicals flowing into drains, water sources or produce growing areas.

What hazards and risks may occur during the transport of a chemical?

Contact with chemicals through the skin, inhalation or ingestion may cause acute poisoning, or chronic or long-term health effects. These may occur through direct contact with a spilled chemical, or through contamination of food. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) provide health information. Other hazards and risks include fire and explosion.

What personal protective equipment may be relevant to this standard?

May include boots, overalls, chemical resistant gloves, aprons, face shields, respirators or hats.

What hazards may be relevant to this standard?

Hazards will be listed on labels and the MSDS for the chemical concerned and may include flammability, toxicity, health hazards, damage to non-target organisms, environmental damage or residues in foods.

What storage methods might be relevant to this standard?

Storage methods may include on site or off site, approved drums, bottles or containers.

What equipment may be found in a storage area?

Equipment may include specific dispensing and preparation equipment, recording of processes and use, and associated safety equipment such as eyewash and emergency showers.

What directions and standards might be relevant to this standard?

May include directions on a label, in an operator's manual, on a MSDS, in an industry standard, or from Codes of Practice, and advisory material outlining legislation relevant to chemical use. Regulations to be followed may include segregation, wash down areas and sumps.

What safe working procedures are relevant to this standard?

Safe working procedures may include following manufacturers instructions, separating chemicals from passengers, observing loading instructions, ensuring liquids are top side up, ensuring chemicals are correctly labelled, ensuring no cross-contamination, safe driving and vehicle operation, ensuring load is not stacked too high, ensuring the chemicals are protected from the weather, and ensuring the load is secure.

What legislation may be relevant to this standard?

Legislation may include Pesticides Acts, Occupational Health and Safety Acts and associated Hazardous Substances Regulations/ Codes of Practice, Dangerous Goods Acts, Poisons Schedule or Protection of the Environment Acts.

What procedures following a spill or accident might be relevant to this standard?

Procedures may include directions on labels, MSDS, OHS and environmental regulations or operator's manuals, and may cover cleaning the site, monitoring and protecting the environment where possible, securing the area and notifying authorities.

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.