DEFOH010B
Apply laser safety procedures

This unit covers the competency required to apply laser safety procedures and control measures.This unit does not include the operation of laser equipment.Where equipment that uses lasers is involved, the competency of operating the laser will be incorporated into the competency for operating the equipment and is not directly part of this competency. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. In a Defence context, this means that there is no civilian need to hold this unit in order to meet licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.

Application

This unit was developed for Defence workers involved in applying laser safety procedures as a workplace responsibility, but is applicable to all individuals who work in this field.

Typically, these individuals must demonstrate the ability to work independently or as part of a team under indirect supervision. They must be able to use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.

All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan and prepare for the application of laser safety procedures

1.1 Notifications are received of activities that involve the use of lasers.

1.2 Class of laser and the hazards inherent in its use are identified at the commencement of the planning phase.

1.3 Applicable organisational policy and procedures related to laser operations are identified and implemented.

1.4 Applicable laser hazard areas are identified and notified to those likely to encounter them.

1.5 Personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements are established.

2. Apply laser safety procedures

2.1 Passive laser safety measures are applied and monitored.

2.2 Use of PPE is monitored in accordance with legislative and organisational policy and procedures.

2.3 Laser application in the workplace is monitored.

3. Maintain documentation

3.1 Laser incidents are reported to the relevant authority.

3.2 Records are maintained.

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

access, read interpret and apply information relating to lasers

Required Knowledge

characteristics of lasers including the types of lasers and the fundamentals of laser operation

environment in which lasers are used

relevant Australian and international standards

report writing

Evidence Required

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability:

plan and prepare for the application of laser safety procedures

apply and monitor relevant laser safety measures are

maintain appropriate documentation.

apply knowledge of relevant work health safety legislative frameworks

identify inspection tools and methods appropriate to the workplace

apply principles and practices of work health and safety

identify intervention points for advice to assist in work and to guide problem solving

Consistency in performance

Evidence for competency in this unit must be gathered over time and across a range of workplace or simulated situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or under conditions that accurately simulate a realistic workplace in accordance with all relevant legislation and organisation requirements.

Evidence should be gathered while observing the individual conducting an actual or simulated workplace application of laser safety. A record of all relevant reports, interviews and tests should also be submitted as evidence for assessment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to existing related policy and instructions.


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Notifications may include:

Duration of activity

Incident reporting channels

Laser safety areas

Location of activity

Nomination of laser safety officer and contact details

Time of activity

Type and class of laser to be used

Passive laser safety measures may include:

Application of physical barrier or shrouds to contain errant radiation

Employment and observance of laser hazard areas including nominal ocular hazard areas as defined by AS/NZS 2211.1:1997

Employment of signage

Use of PPE

Monitoring laser application in the workplace may include:

Health surveillance

Monitoring safe operating procedures by participants

Observing for signs that a laser incident may have occurred or is about to occur

Use of PPE

Laser incidents may include:

Requirement for immediate cessation of activity or shutting down of laser equipment

Requirement for medical examination of individuals who have been subjected to a laser hazard

Requirement for the incident to be documented in accordance with an established format and/or process

Requirement for the incident to be reported in accordance with an established format and/or process


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.