Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

MSS027005 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Contribute to improving environmental performance

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSS027005 - Contribute to improving environmental performance
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the ability to perform activities associated with the review or internal audit of the environmental performance of a workplace. Personnel work under the guidance of a manager or a lead auditor and the scope of activities performed will depend on their job role, the size of the workplace and complexity of its environmental management system (EMS) and auditing requirements. They also work under the supervision of an environmental scientist or engineer, site manager or workplace environmental manager.This unit of competency is applicable to environmental site coordinators, environmental managers and senior environmental officers working in all industry sectors. Note that the term ‘manager’ is used to refer to management of a function, project and/or program and does not necessarily imply line management.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, environmental monitoring and management activities are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace, or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of results of review/audit activities and the supporting documentation prepared by the candidate

feedback from site personnel, lead auditor or manager that the candidate follows relevant audit standards and procedures and provides reliable outputs within the agreed timeframe

oral and/or written questions to assess the candidate’s understanding of environmental management terms, principles and information, and workplace procedures for review/audit activities

analysis of case studies involving environmental performance issues/problems within the candidate’s scope of responsibility

observation of the candidate presenting of audit/review findings and recommendations and/or interacting with site personnel during review/audit activities.

Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:

background information for site

current site documentation

relevant legislation, codes, audit standards, workplace EMS, policies, plans and procedures

workplace review/audit procedures and tools

access to site personnel, computer, internet, workplace reports, published case studies and research.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with an organisation providing relevant environmental monitoring, management or technology services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Management
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Plan review/audit activities with manager or lead auditor
  • Review legislative and/or regulatory compliance requirements and relevant workplace policies and procedures.
  • Clarify objectives and scope of the activities planned together with the risks, constraints and resources available.
  • Clarify site, sections, work areas, functions and/or practices to be reviewed/audited.
  • Confirm own role and responsibility for specific review/audit tasks.
  • Plan the review/audit activities to minimise workplace disruption and ensure they can be safely conducted within agreed time intervals/timeframes.
       
Element: Prepare for assigned review/audit activities
  • Gather background information relevant to site, sections, work areas, functions and/or practices to be reviewed/audited.
  • Scrutinise the relevant review/audit criteria, tools and evidence requirements to enhance own objectivity and attention to detail.
  • Identify any technical and equipment requirements for review/audit and if support personnel are required.
  • Inform all personnel involved and arrange meetings or appointments, as necessary.
       
Element: Conduct assigned review/audit activities
  • Collect a representative sample of site documentation.
  • Collect sufficient information from observations and interviews to provide reliable evidence of environmental performance.
  • Work cooperatively with personnel to maximise their ownership of the review/audit and identify opportunities to improve environmental performance.
  • Keep accurate records of observations and interview responses.
       
Element: Analyse information and evaluate performance
  • Analyse information to identify significant performance trends, patterns, gaps and areas of risk.
  • Recognise instances of non-conformance/non-compliance and identify options for improving performance.
  • Evaluate performance against specified benchmarks and support conclusions with appropriate evidence.
  • Seek manager or lead auditor’s advice when issues or problems are beyond own scope of responsibility/competence or when input from environmental specialists may be required.
       
Element: Report review/audit results
  • Document results in accordance with relevant standard/workplace procedures and compare with initial objectives.
  • Confirm results with manager/lead auditor.
  • Report results to appropriate personnel for action in accordance with workplace procedures.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Plan review/audit activities with manager or lead auditor

1.1

Review legislative and/or regulatory compliance requirements and relevant workplace policies and procedures.

1.2

Clarify objectives and scope of the activities planned together with the risks, constraints and resources available.

1.3

Clarify site, sections, work areas, functions and/or practices to be reviewed/audited.

1.4

Confirm own role and responsibility for specific review/audit tasks.

1.5

Plan the review/audit activities to minimise workplace disruption and ensure they can be safely conducted within agreed time intervals/timeframes.

2

Prepare for assigned review/audit activities

2.1

Gather background information relevant to site, sections, work areas, functions and/or practices to be reviewed/audited.

2.2

Scrutinise the relevant review/audit criteria, tools and evidence requirements to enhance own objectivity and attention to detail.

2.3

Identify any technical and equipment requirements for review/audit and if support personnel are required.

2.4

Inform all personnel involved and arrange meetings or appointments, as necessary.

3

Conduct assigned review/audit activities

3.1

Collect a representative sample of site documentation.

3.2

Collect sufficient information from observations and interviews to provide reliable evidence of environmental performance.

3.3

Work cooperatively with personnel to maximise their ownership of the review/audit and identify opportunities to improve environmental performance.

3.4

Keep accurate records of observations and interview responses.

4

Analyse information and evaluate performance

4.1

Analyse information to identify significant performance trends, patterns, gaps and areas of risk.

4.2

Recognise instances of non-conformance/non-compliance and identify options for improving performance.

4.3

Evaluate performance against specified benchmarks and support conclusions with appropriate evidence.

4.4

Seek manager or lead auditor’s advice when issues or problems are beyond own scope of responsibility/competence or when input from environmental specialists may be required.

5

Report review/audit results

5.1

Document results in accordance with relevant standard/workplace procedures and compare with initial objectives.

5.2

Confirm results with manager/lead auditor.

5.3

Report results to appropriate personnel for action in accordance with workplace procedures.

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

planning, organising, conducting and evaluating environmental review/audit activities on at least two (2) occasions

accessing, interpreting and applying relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, audit standards, environmental management plans, workplace policies, procedures and plans for review/audit activities

preparing for environmental review/audit activities by scrutinising relevant background information, review/audit criteria, tools and evidence requirements

consulting effectively with interested parties and keeping them informed about the review/audit process

clearly explaining environmental performance requirements and review/audit procedures

identifying and obtaining sufficient information to make valid judgements about environmental performance

analysing information systematically to identify significant performance trends, patterns, gaps and areas of risk; and instances of non-conformance/non-compliance

evaluating performance against specified benchmarks and identifying corrective/preventative actions and/or improvement strategies

seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility

providing clear, timely reports/briefings containing evidence-based findings and recommendations that enable effective action to be taken

recognising hazards, assessing risks and working safely.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

environmental protection/management/audit terminology, concepts, principles and examples of best practice relevant to job role

legislative/regulatory requirements and compliance strategies

key aspects of workplace environmental management systems (EMS), policies, procedures and plans

procedures for conducting environmental performance review/audit activities

procedures for site sampling, environmental monitoring and testing and reporting of results

correct use of review/audit tools (e.g. performance criteria, checklists and benchmarks)

common examples of environmental non-conformance/non-compliance, and corrective/preventative actions and strategies for improving environmental performance

common issues and problems that may arise when conducting environmental review/audit activities and the recommended actions in each case

hazards and risks relevant to review/audit activities and specified health, safety and workplace emergency response procedures.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Plan review/audit activities with manager or lead auditor

1.1

Review legislative and/or regulatory compliance requirements and relevant workplace policies and procedures.

1.2

Clarify objectives and scope of the activities planned together with the risks, constraints and resources available.

1.3

Clarify site, sections, work areas, functions and/or practices to be reviewed/audited.

1.4

Confirm own role and responsibility for specific review/audit tasks.

1.5

Plan the review/audit activities to minimise workplace disruption and ensure they can be safely conducted within agreed time intervals/timeframes.

2

Prepare for assigned review/audit activities

2.1

Gather background information relevant to site, sections, work areas, functions and/or practices to be reviewed/audited.

2.2

Scrutinise the relevant review/audit criteria, tools and evidence requirements to enhance own objectivity and attention to detail.

2.3

Identify any technical and equipment requirements for review/audit and if support personnel are required.

2.4

Inform all personnel involved and arrange meetings or appointments, as necessary.

3

Conduct assigned review/audit activities

3.1

Collect a representative sample of site documentation.

3.2

Collect sufficient information from observations and interviews to provide reliable evidence of environmental performance.

3.3

Work cooperatively with personnel to maximise their ownership of the review/audit and identify opportunities to improve environmental performance.

3.4

Keep accurate records of observations and interview responses.

4

Analyse information and evaluate performance

4.1

Analyse information to identify significant performance trends, patterns, gaps and areas of risk.

4.2

Recognise instances of non-conformance/non-compliance and identify options for improving performance.

4.3

Evaluate performance against specified benchmarks and support conclusions with appropriate evidence.

4.4

Seek manager or lead auditor’s advice when issues or problems are beyond own scope of responsibility/competence or when input from environmental specialists may be required.

5

Report review/audit results

5.1

Document results in accordance with relevant standard/workplace procedures and compare with initial objectives.

5.2

Confirm results with manager/lead auditor.

5.3

Report results to appropriate personnel for action in accordance with workplace procedures.

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 candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Legislation, regulations, standards, codes, workplace procedures and requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

federal legislation, such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, Australian Heritage Council Act, Native Title Act and National Environmental Protection Measures

state/territory government legislation and local government by-laws, policies, regulations and plans dealing with land use, acquisition, planning and protection; environmental protection; cultural/heritage protection; vegetation management; nature conservation and wildlife/plant protection; water and water management; soil conservation; pollution and contaminated sites; fisheries, forestry and mining operations

legislation, standards and codes of practice for work health and safety (WHS), and handling of dangerous goods

Australian and international standards covering environmental management (e.g. AS/NZS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental Management Basic Set); quality and/or environmental management systems auditing (e.g. AS/NZS ISO 19011:2014 Guidelines for auditing management systems)

registration/licensing and/or accreditation requirements

site/project/program information, such as applicable legislative requirements and approval requirements, site processes, work schedules, emergency preparedness and response procedures, job hazard analyses, safe work procedures and work method statements, and sampling and in-situ measurement procedures (e.g. water, air, noise and soils)

workplace environmental management system, plans, monitoring/inspection procedures and management actions to prevent/control environmental impacts or risks for specific sites, projects and/or programs (e.g. sampling, monitoring, construction and mining)

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); work schedules; audit/review procedures; recording and reporting procedures; equipment manuals and warranties; safety data sheets (SDS) and safety procedures; waste minimisation, containment, processing and safe disposal procedures.

Scope of review/audit activities includes one or more of:

components of an initial environmental review (IER) prior to establishing an environmental management system (EMS)

periodic inspection against environmental management plan requirements for:

monitoring and measurement

materials and energy usage

materials storage and handling, and spills

wastewater management

air emissions management

noise management

chemical waste management

solid waste management

scheduled review/internal audit of site, section, function or work area

scheduled review/internal audit of components of an workplace EMS, such as:

non-conformity, corrective/preventative actions

competence, training and awareness programs

control of records

supplier or contractor performance

emergency preparedness and response

adequacy of environmental management for new or changed operations, processes and work activities

investigation of a complaint, environmental incident or suggested improvements.

Information includes one or more of:

workplace environmental management policies, procedures, plans and actions, and work instructions

background information, such as:

previous internal review/audit reports

previous external audit reports

records of complaints, incidents, non-conformance/non-compliance and the corrective and/or preventative actions taken

site documentation, such as:

minutes of meetings

log books, records of environmental monitoring and test results, and regular performance reports

records of equipment use, calibration and maintenance

records of training

instructions for contractors and suppliers

external reports (e.g. external experts and regulator)

records of observations, inspections and interviews.

Review/audit results include one or more of:

observations

findings

examples of best practice

non-conformances/non-compliances with options for corrective and preventative actions, and improvements

WHS requirements include:

compliance with relevant federal/state/territory WHS legislation at all times

assuming that samples are potentially hazardous and applying standard precautions

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

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Review legislative and/or regulatory compliance requirements and relevant workplace policies and procedures. 
Clarify objectives and scope of the activities planned together with the risks, constraints and resources available. 
Clarify site, sections, work areas, functions and/or practices to be reviewed/audited. 
Confirm own role and responsibility for specific review/audit tasks. 
Plan the review/audit activities to minimise workplace disruption and ensure they can be safely conducted within agreed time intervals/timeframes. 
Gather background information relevant to site, sections, work areas, functions and/or practices to be reviewed/audited. 
Scrutinise the relevant review/audit criteria, tools and evidence requirements to enhance own objectivity and attention to detail. 
Identify any technical and equipment requirements for review/audit and if support personnel are required. 
Inform all personnel involved and arrange meetings or appointments, as necessary. 
Collect a representative sample of site documentation. 
Collect sufficient information from observations and interviews to provide reliable evidence of environmental performance. 
Work cooperatively with personnel to maximise their ownership of the review/audit and identify opportunities to improve environmental performance. 
Keep accurate records of observations and interview responses. 
Analyse information to identify significant performance trends, patterns, gaps and areas of risk. 
Recognise instances of non-conformance/non-compliance and identify options for improving performance. 
Evaluate performance against specified benchmarks and support conclusions with appropriate evidence. 
Seek manager or lead auditor’s advice when issues or problems are beyond own scope of responsibility/competence or when input from environmental specialists may be required. 
Document results in accordance with relevant standard/workplace procedures and compare with initial objectives. 
Confirm results with manager/lead auditor. 
Report results to appropriate personnel for action in accordance with workplace procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSS027005 - Contribute to improving environmental performance
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MSS027005 - Contribute to improving environmental performance

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: