Application
This unit was developed for Defence workers involved in the development of laser safety plans 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, including:
Equipment manufacturers’ specifications
Previous testing reports
Risk assessments
Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Australian Regulation Protection and Nuclear Safety Authority (ARPANSA) requirements
Relevant Australian and international standards
State/territory/commonwealth legislation
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Prepare for the development of laser safety plans | 1.1 Laser sources are identified and confirmed. 1.2 Standards and legislation appropriate to lasers are identified and accessed. 1.3 Existing organisational records relevant to laser equipment are identified and accessed. 1.4 Equipment and resources required for the assessment of laser equipment are identified, acquired and prepared. 1.5 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements including those contained. |
2. Assess laser hazards | 2.1 Laser classifications are verified. 2.2 Maximum permissible exposures of continuous wave and repetitively pulsed lasers are evaluated. 2.3 Laser hazards are identified and laser hazard environments are assessed. |
3. Develop laser safety plans | 3.1 Appropriate consultation with stakeholders is conducted. 3.2 Technical standards, organisational environmental requirements and laser exposure levels are identified and interpreted 3.3 Laser safety plans are developed and forwarded to the relevant authority. |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Required Skills |
apply complex mathematical processes communicate effectively conduct research provide technical advice write technical reports |
Required Knowledge |
characteristics of lasers including the types of lasers and the fundamentals of laser operation laser environment organisational policy and procedures relevant to laser operations 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 to identify relevant laser hazards develop procedures and plans to mitigate the hazards in the working environment. apply knowledge of relevant work health and safety legislative frameworks identify inspection tools and methods appropriate to the workplace apply principles and practices of work health and safety inspections 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 actual or simulated development of laser safety plans. A record of all relevant reports of the activity should be submitted as evidence for assessment. Specific resources for assessment Access to research material, manufacturers’ equipment specifications and 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. | |
Organisational records may include: | Electronic records Inventories Journals Registers |
Equipment and resources may include: | Gauges Laser measuring instruments Recording devices |
Preparation of equipment and resources may include: | Calibration of testing equipment Testing equipment for safe operation (confidence testing) Testing equipment for serviceability |
Work health and safety requirements may include: | Award provisions State/territory/commonwealth and local government legislation and by |
Laser classifications may include: | Confirmation of calculations to determine the classification of a laser in accordance with Australian and international laser safety standards (such as contained in AS/NZ 2211.1:1997) Reference to guidance on the applicability of international laser safety standards based on guidance and advice issued by ARPANSA |
Laser hazards may include: | Extended source viewing Point source and intra Specular reflections Use of magnifying optics |
Laser hazard environments may include: | Climatic and weather variations Geographical and geological variations Laboratories Operation and training field environments including land, sea (above and below water level), air and space Variations due to vegetation |
Stakeholders may include: | External agencies Government/agency regulators/inspectors Immediate supervisors Internal agencies WHS representatives Other interested parties, including members of the public Relevant personnel in the chain of command Unit managers |
Laser safety plans may include: | Laser templates Monitoring processes Nominal ocular hazard area/s (NOHA) Protocols and local controls Recommendations for additional control measures Reference to laser operating limitations such as power output, length of time/burst, number of repeat exposures Reference to protective measures, such as governing the use of binoculars or observing the source Referrals to other experts Requirement for special optical components/filters, clothing or equipment |
Sectors
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Licensing Information
Not applicable.