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

PSPSOHS406A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Use equipment to conduct workplace monitoring

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PSPSOHS406A - Use equipment to conduct workplace monitoring
Description This unit covers use of equipment to contribute to the monitoring of agents and/or conditions in the workplace including, but not limited to noise, vibration, light, fibres, dusts, fumes, mists, heat and humidity, radiation, and biological agents such as insects, mites and bacteria.The unit focuses on the knowledge, processes and techniques necessary to accurately use a range of measuring devices to contribute to the monitoring of agents and/or conditions in the workplace as an integral part of identifying hazards, assessing risk and monitoring the effectiveness of controls.In practice, using equipment to conduct workplace monitoring may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, using communication strategies, gathering and analysing information, using resources, supporting policy implementation.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to individuals who contribute to the monitoring of agents and/or conditions in the workplace by using a range of measuring devices to identify hazards, assess risk and monitor the effectiveness of risk controls.Measurement of ergonomic factors and their impact on the human body has been excluded from this unit. This unit does not extend to interpreting results and developing control measures based on the outcomes of the monitoring as this is addressed in PSPSOHS404A Contribute to the implementation of strategies to control OHS risk.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field Specialist Occupational Health & Safety
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: Select measuring device/s
  • Agent and/or condition to be measured is identified through consultation with workplace and affected parties.
  • Characteristics of agent and/or condition are identified.
  • Area where measurements are to be taken are defined.
  • Types of appropriate measuring equipment are identified.
  • Measuring equipment appropriate to the agent and/or condition, the environment, the activities being carried out and level of risk is selected.
  • Limits of own expertise and available equipment are recognised and expert advice and equipment sought as appropriate.
       
Element: Prepare to collect workplace information and data
  • Any regulatory requirements and/or standards that impact on the measuring process are identified.
  • A sampling process is defined.
  • Arrangements are made with the workplace to collect information and data including advising those involved in workplace activities of any requirements.
  • Sampling plan is defined after inspecting area and in consultation with employees and affected parties regarding the nature of the problem.
  • Operability of equipment is checked.
       
Element: Use devices to collect workplace information and data
  • Monitoring equipment is selected and calibrated, and appropriate scale selected.
  • Equipment is used and maintained correctly to accurately collect information and data.
  • Own OHS is addressed while collecting information and data.
  • Information and data is collected and readings recorded, utilising professional evaluation and advice as appropriate.
  • Equipment is dismantled, cleaned and parts or equipment disposed of in accordance with environmental requirements.
  • Equipment is stored correctly or made ready for re-use as appropriate.
       
Element: Document and evaluate results of monitoring
  • Results are interpreted and evaluated against a recognised standard, and documented.
  • Report addresses any regulatory requirements and considers purpose of report and the target audience.
  • Required information and data is presented clearly and logically.
  • Results and records are retained and stored in a format that enables them to be readily retrieved in accordance with regulatory requirements and/or standards.
       


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.

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the unit descriptor, performance criteria, The range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include:

PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients

PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information

PSPGOV412A Use advanced workplace communication strategies

PSPGOV422A Apply government processes

PSPPOL404A Support policy implementation

PSPSOHS401A Contribute to the implementation of a systematic approach to managing OHS

PSPSOHS404A Contribute to the implementation of strategies to control OHS risk

PSPSOHS407A Ensure compliance with OHS and other relevant laws.

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

knowledge requirements of this unit

skill requirements of this unit

application of employability skills as they relate to this unit.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate and where the person has a disability the principle of reasonable adjustment should be applied during assessment.

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to the use of equipment to conduct workplace monitoring

monitoring equipment

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when using equipment to conduct workplace monitoring.

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when using equipment to conduct workplace monitoring, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

use of equipment to conduct workplace monitoring in a range of 3 or more contexts or occasions, over time ie use of equipment appropriate to monitoring for at least three different agents and/or conditions in the workplace such as noise, vibration, light, fibres, dusts, fumes, mists, heat and humidity, radiation, and biological agents such as insects, mites and bacteria.

Assessment methods should reflect but not exceed workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of individuals who might be disadvantaged.

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit must use authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses and may include a combination of two or more of:

workplace projects

simulation or role plays

case studies and scenarios

observation

portfolios.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate and where the person has a disability the principle of reasonable adjustment should be applied during assessment.

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.

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.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

preparing reports for a range of target groups including OHS committee, OHS representatives, managers and supervisors

managing own tasks within a time frame

contributing to the assessment of the resources needed to systematically manage OHS and where appropriate access resources

analysing relevant workplace information and data, making observations including of workplace tasks and interactions between people, their activities, equipment, environment and systems

carrying out simple arithmetical calculations (eg % change) produce graphs of workplace data to identify trends and recognise limitations of data

using language and literacy skills appropriate to the workgroup and the task

using basic computer and information technology skills to access internal and external information and data on OHS

using basic measuring equipment, including reading scales and dials applicable to selected hazards

interpreting results from workplace measurements

maintaining equipment used for workplace monitoring

Required knowledge:

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

requirements for recordkeeping that addresses OHS, privacy and other relevant legislation

requirements for reporting under OHS and other relevant legislation including obligations for notification and reporting of incidents

State/Territory/Commonwealth OHS legislation (Acts, regulations, codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material) including prescriptive and performance approaches and links to other relevant legislation such as industrial relations, equal employment opportunity, workers compensation, rehabilitation etc

requirements under hazard specific OHS legislation and codes of practice

characteristics, mode of action and units of measurement of major hazard types

basic physiology relevant to understanding mode of action of physical, biological and chemical agents on the body and how they produce discomfort or harm

requirements for individual fitting, use, maintenance and storage of a range of PPE items

environmental conditions that impact measurements

sampling techniques and developing valid sampling process

mathematical knowledge of units of measurement, logarithmic scales, decimals and order of magnitude relevant to making and interpreting measurements and measurement error

nature of workplace processes (including work flow, planning and control) and hazards relevant to the particular workplace

exposure standards, their limitations and their practical use

types of and techniques for correct us of intrinsically safe measuring and monitoring equipment including calibration, adjustment and maintenance, alarms and limitations on use and output

requirements for work permits/written authorities when conducting workplace monitoring activities

The range statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The range statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance criteria is explained here.

The agent and/or condition is:

the real or potential hazard to be monitored and may include, but not be limited to:

noise

vibration

light

radiation (ionising, non-ionising, laser)

fibres, dusts, particulates

fumes, mists, gases, vapours

heat and humidity

electricity

biological agents such as insects, mites and bacteria

Characteristics of the agent and/or condition may include:

the way it behaves in the environment, including over distance and time

how it is absorbed into the body

how it affects specific parts of the body, such as extent of damage to tissue and/or effects such as additive, antagonistic, synergism and potentiation

dose factors relating to concentration and time

Definition of the area where measurements are to be collected includes:

location

physical features of equipment, such as emitting sources

area/space available

tasks/activities being undertaken

number of persons occupying area

movements of people and equipment

other factors that may impact on the sampling or data collection processes

Regulatory requirements and/or standards may include:

state/territory/Commonwealth OHS legislation, regulations and codes of practice, including those relating to specific hazards

exposure standards for atmospheric contaminants in occupational environments

material safety data sheets (MSDSs)

guidance material such as guidance notes, guides, fact sheets, model regulations and technical reports that provide practical guidance and direction for hazard control

Australian and international standards, such as those produced by Standards Australia and National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC)

biological exposure indices

A sampling process includes consideration of some or all of the following:

size of the workforce (i.e. individual worker or group(s) of workers)

the process, substance or hazard event likely to be causing the ill health or symptoms

the type of exposure

other practical and financial considerations

Information and data collected should include:

readouts/measurements taken

sampling method (e.g. grab, longitudinal, continuous)

locations where information and data was collected

date, time and duration of collection

specifications of equipment used

conditions such as activities and number of people present when measurements were made

Operability of equipment checks include:

battery serviceability checks

availability of appropriate attachments, leads, filters etc

check and function tests

NATA tested and certified, with certificate of currency as appropriate

Purpose of report may include:

legal compliance

hazard identification

risk assessment

as a basis for design of improved and/or new control measures

Target audience may include:

OHS or environmental regulatory bodies

management

OHS committee or OHS representatives

OHS professionals

designers and engineers

Required information and data may include:

agent/condition being monitored and key issues associated with the agent/condition

target audience for report

where, when and why measurements were taken

sampling process:

how measurements were taken

specifications of equipment used

locations where samples were taken

conditions at time of sampling, including whether the sampling period represented normal operating conditions

table of results

interpretation and discussion of results

evaluation of results with reference to appropriate standards

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
Agent and/or condition to be measured is identified through consultation with workplace and affected parties. 
Characteristics of agent and/or condition are identified. 
Area where measurements are to be taken are defined. 
Types of appropriate measuring equipment are identified. 
Measuring equipment appropriate to the agent and/or condition, the environment, the activities being carried out and level of risk is selected. 
Limits of own expertise and available equipment are recognised and expert advice and equipment sought as appropriate. 
Any regulatory requirements and/or standards that impact on the measuring process are identified. 
A sampling process is defined. 
Arrangements are made with the workplace to collect information and data including advising those involved in workplace activities of any requirements. 
Sampling plan is defined after inspecting area and in consultation with employees and affected parties regarding the nature of the problem. 
Operability of equipment is checked. 
Monitoring equipment is selected and calibrated, and appropriate scale selected. 
Equipment is used and maintained correctly to accurately collect information and data. 
Own OHS is addressed while collecting information and data. 
Information and data is collected and readings recorded, utilising professional evaluation and advice as appropriate. 
Equipment is dismantled, cleaned and parts or equipment disposed of in accordance with environmental requirements. 
Equipment is stored correctly or made ready for re-use as appropriate. 
Results are interpreted and evaluated against a recognised standard, and documented. 
Report addresses any regulatory requirements and considers purpose of report and the target audience. 
Required information and data is presented clearly and logically. 
Results and records are retained and stored in a format that enables them to be readily retrieved in accordance with regulatory requirements and/or standards. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPSOHS406A - Use equipment to conduct workplace monitoring
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

PSPSOHS406A - Use equipment to conduct workplace monitoring

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: