Range of VariablesThe Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this standard may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts |
What might be included in work site activities? | Work site activities may be part of small or short-term projects or be part of larger projects. |
What material, equipment/ machinery and personnel resource requirements are likely to be identified? | Materials may include goods that will be consumed by the project such as fertilisers, plants, stakes and mulch in a planting program. Equipment and machinery may include hand tools, tractors, vehicles, watering equipment and personal protective equipment. Personnel may include those obtained from within an enterprise, staff "borrowed" from another enterprise, hired from a contracting firm, or hired for the project from outside the industry. |
What might be the environmental implications of proposed work site activities? | Environmental implications may include threats to flora and fauna; risk of contamination of soils, water or adjoining property through fertilisers and chemicals flowing into drains and water sources. Land used for a planting program for example may include chemical residues in the soil, spray drift, contaminated run-off water, run off from over-watering, diseased plant material, waste plant material, and physical damage such as soil compaction from machinery.Where new sites are established the interruption of native corridors and degradation of the ecosystem edge may compromise existing native ecosystems.If the project involves construction activities, this may impact on the environment due to excess noise, dust or water.Compliance with local, State/Territory, and Commonwealth environmental legislation may be required if removing trees for example.Legislation may address management requirements for water, natural heritage, vegetation clearance and waste. |
What OHS hazards may apply to work site activities? | Hazards may include disturbance of services, solar radiation, dust, noise, through traffic, uneven surfaces and holes, moving machinery and machinery parts, powered equipment and hand tools, confined spaces, hazards from use of hired equipment (untrained staff), and overhead hazards including powerlines. |
What PPE is likely to be selected? | PPE will be determined by the type of activity being undertaken and may include work boots, gloves, overalls, sun hat and sunscreen lotion, safety harness, hard hat, hearing or eye protection, respirator or face mask. |
Where might the materials be available from? | Materials to be consumed by the activity may be available through the enterprise as a stockpile or stored goods, or it may be purchased for the job. Materials are often available through supply companies. The enterprise may have purchasing policies and procedures and existing accounts with some suppliers. |
Where might equipment/machinery be sourced? | Equipment and machinery to be used for the activity may be available through the enterprise, or hired or "borrowed" for the job. There are many commercial places that hire machinery on a daily charge out rate, or some enterprises may lend specialist equipment or machinery as part of a reciprocating arrangement. |
What type of activities may require external agency permits? | Some typical activities that may need a permit include: pruning or removal of large trees, connecting to water systems, application and disposal of chemicals and polluted waters, operating specialised machinery (e.g., chainsaws, skid steer loaders, forklifts), working outside normal hours, setting up traffic and pedestrian barriers and digging near services (phone, gas, power, water, sewerage and drains). |
What situations may require neighbours and affected parties to be notified? | Neighbours may need to be notified if the activities involve high levels of noise, dust or chemical use. Often the local council requires notices to be sent out in advance of such work. |
Why would activities etc be documented? | Documentation of work site activity may allow you to determine if the work is on track, provide progress reports to supervisors, and plan for delivery and storage of materials and hiring of equipment to minimise costs and time wasting for the enterprise. |
What might be considered contingency situations? | Contingency situations may include the delay in delivery and/or breakdowns with equipment and machinery, poor weather conditions, poor quality materials and unforseen soil problems. A coordinator of work site activities may need to be prepared for such situations and provide other work on the project until the problem is fixed, provide other work away from the site, or delay the project if possible. |
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What might be included in a simple project report? | A project report may include the project name, authors name and date, project description, progress of activities, major issues, OHS issues, expenditure and any future activities that may need to be planned. |
For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet. |
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