Application
This unit describes the skills required to effectively identify hazardous substances that may be present in the workplace and to monitor the hazard and hazard controls that have been recommended/implemented. The unit includes reporting the results of this identification and monitoring to commanders/managers.
In the context of this unit, a hazardous substance includes any substances with the potential, when used at work, to impact on the health or safety of persons and/or the environment (surface/ground water, flora, fauna, atmosphere, soil etc.) at or near the workplace.
This unit was developed for Defence personnel involved in the monitoring and reporting of hazardous substances as a workplace responsibility, but is applicable to all individuals who work in this field.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would 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. They would perform routine tasks in a range of familiar contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Prepare for the identification of a hazardous substance in the workplace | 1.1 Identify hazardous substances and sources. 1.2 Identify and access existing organisational records relevant to the hazardous substance. 1.3 Conduct consultation with stakeholders. |
2. Monitor hazardous substance controls and maintain records | 2.1 Conduct workplace walk throughs and observations. 2.2 Record and report breaches of protocols, plans and local controls. 2.3 Inspect monitoring equipment regularly. 2.4 Review workplace hazardous substance and equipment maintenance records. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
testing and operating monitoring equipment
identifying intervention points for expert advice to assist in work and to provide a guide to problem solving
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
hazardous substances likely to be found in the workplace
WHS requirements relevant to hazardous substances in the workplace
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Work health and safety