Application of this unit

This competency is performed by all operators in all plants. It reflects the regulatory requirements and the industry's concern to operate in an environmentally friendly manner.

The operator will:

identify activities/materials likely to be an environmental issue

take the appropriate action on environmental issues as required.

Prerequisites

This unit has no prerequisites.

Individual organisations may choose to add prerequisites and co-requisites relevant to their processes.

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

Knowledge and understanding is required of organisation environment protection systems, procedures and equipment sufficient to for work activities.

Knowledge is required of organisation standard procedures and work instructions and relevant regulatory requirements, along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the operation of the system.

Competenceincludes an awareness of:

internal environmental control standards

severity of environmental risks from materials and work processes used

likely impact on the environment of materials and process.

Competency also includes an awareness of the local environment and environmental issues such as:

sensitive waterways/wetlands

flows from the plant to the environment (eg through sandy soil, local creek)

particular environmental threats posed by materials and processes used and the work practices required to minimise these threats.

Also required is the ability to:

communicate using in-plant reporting systems - verbal, electronic and written

initiate first response to an environmental incident in accordance with SOPs

use containment equipment

use personal protective equipment

use other required resources.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to read and understand typical product specifications, job sheets, procedures and work instructions, material labels and safety information as provided to operators.

Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.

Basic numeracy is required to the extent required by work instructions and procedures.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, required skills and knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Overview of assessment

A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.

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

It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability toidentify actual and potential environmental breaches as appropriate to the job level.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:

standard procedures are followed

deviations from desired conditions are recognised

action specified in the standard procedures is carried out

the impact of work practices/actions on the environment is understood.

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur using a simulation and will occur in a work like environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

by observation over time on a processing plant

in a situation allowing the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems

by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios

through a combination of these techniques.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment. Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy, language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed.

Specific resources for assessment

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

Context

This competency applies to all work environments and sectors in the industries. Responses are restricted to a 'first response' approach, including the notifying of appropriate organisation personnel.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

Tools and equipment

This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:

PPE

spill kits.

Hazards

Typical workplace hazards include:

chemicals and hazardous materials

gases and liquids under pressure

moving machinery

materials handling.

Emissions/discharges

Typical emissions/discharges include:

noise

light

odour

gas

smoke vapour

liquid and solids

particulates

fumes.

Problems

Respond to routine problems means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical problems include:

required information/materials not available

required tool/equipment not available

Appropriate action for non-routine problems may be reported to designated person or other action specified in the procedures.

Not applicable.

This unit contains employability skills.

Not applicable.