Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to respond to site based spills in the resources and infrastructure industries.
It applies to those working in operational roles. They generally work under supervision to undertake a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures and take responsibility for the quality of work outcomes.
Licensing, legislative and certification requirements may apply to this unit and can vary between states, territories and industry sectors. Users must check requirements with relevant body before applying the unit.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan and prepare for responding to site based spills | 1.1 Obtain, interpret and confirm work requirements 1.2 Access, interpret and apply documentation required to respond to site based spills 1.3 Coordinate activities with others and establish communication systems to be used during spills 1.4 Identify and address potential risks, hazards and environmental issues, and implement control measures according to workplace procedures 1.5 Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities 1.6 Identify effective handling procedures for general and hazardous waste 1.7 Identify and communicate team responsibilities when managing a spill with others as required and according to workplace procedures 1.8 Identify reporting responsibilities when a spill occurs 1.9 Obtain and interpret emergency procedures, and be prepared for emergency situations |
2. Assess and identify spill type | 2.1 Identify chemicals or products involved in the spill according to workplace procedures 2.2 Locate, read and interpret safety data sheets to identify required action to manage the spill 2.3 Identify hazardous chemicals and their effects 2.4 Determine the potential volume and size of spill according to workplace procedures 2.5 Determine the potential risk to the environment according to workplace procedures |
3. Conduct the spill response | 3.1 Determine the appropriate method and resources required to control the spill 3.2 Select and wear personal protective equipment appropriate to manage the spill 3.3 Control and contain the spill relative to spill type and size according to workplace procedures 3.4 Communicate and seek assistance from relevant personnel if unable to handle spill independently 3.5 Clean up spill according to job requirements and workplace procedures 3.6 Apply processes for managing and disposing of hazardous waste according to workplace procedures |
4. Complete written documentation and reporting requirements | 4.1 Communicate spill response to relevant personnel 4.2 Complete written records and reports for spill response according to workplace procedures 4.3 Record and report use of spill response kits for replenishment |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:
respond to site based spills on at least two occasions, including:
determining the spill type, including minor, medium or major spills
locating, interpreting and communicating safety data sheet requirements for spill products
implementing spill control measures using spill kits or available resources
communicating the spill and likely impact to others
coordinating the spill clean-up activity with others
controlling and containing the spill
implementing clean up and disposal of waste
preparing a written report on spill response activity and spill kit resource usage.
During the above, the candidate must:
locate and apply relevant documentation, policies and procedures and confirm that the work activity is compliant
implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for responding to site based spills
work effectively with others to respond to site based spills in a way that meets all required outcomes
communicate clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions and to determine coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities.
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:
key legislation required to respond to site based spills
key policies, procedures and documentation required to respond to site based spills, including:
safety data sheet information
site procedures for minor, medium and major spills
worksite communication, reporting and recording procedures
principles and techniques for responding to site based spills, including:
spill characteristics
spill types
spill kit usage
risks of site based storage
principles and techniques for identifying relevant hazards and emergencies
techniques for coordinating and communicating job activities with others.
Assessment Conditions
Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:
include access to:
personal protective equipment
equipment related to responding to site based spills
relevant documentation
be conducted in a safe environment; and,
be assessed in the context of this sector's work environment; and,
be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures and processes directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,
confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances.
Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated work environment* provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessor requirements
Assessors must be able to clearly demonstrate current and relevant industry knowledge and experience to satisfy the mandatory regulatory standards as set out in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/Australian Quality Training Framework mandatory requirements for assessors current at the time of assessment and any relevant licensing and certification requirements. This includes:
vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed
current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided
current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment
formal relevant qualifications in training and assessment
having knowledge of and/or experience using the latest techniques and processes
possessing the required level of RII training product knowledge
having an understanding and knowledge of legislation and regulations relevant to the industry and to employment and workplaces
demonstrating the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence outlined in this unit of competency, and
the minimum years of current** work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit.
It is also acceptable for the appropriately qualified assessor to work with an industry expert to conduct assessment together and for the industry expert to be involved in the assessment judgement. The industry expert must have current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided. This means the industry subject matter expert must demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed:
Industry sector | AQF indicator level*** | Required assessor or industry subject matter expert experience |
Drilling, Metalliferous Mining, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying) and Civil Infrastructure | 1 | 1 year |
2 | 2 years | |
Drilling, Coal Mining, Extractive (Quarrying), Metalliferous Mining and Civil Infrastructure | 3-6 | 3 years |
Other sectors | Where this unit is being assessed outside of the resources and infrastructure sectors assessor and/or industry subject matter expert experience should be in-line with industry standards for the sector in which it is being assessed and where no industry standard is specified should comply with any relevant regulation. |
*Guidance on simulated environments has been stipulated in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide located on VETNet.
**Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to industry by conducting a minimum number of site assessments as determined by the relevant industry sector, across various locations.
*** While a unit of competency does not have an AQF level, where a unit is being delivered outside of a qualification the first numeric character in the unit code should be considered as the AQF indicator level for assessment purposes.
Foundation Skills
Reading | Identifies and interprets information from workplace procedures, documentation and regulations |
Writing | Produces and completes written documents required for workplace procedures and regulatory requirements |
Self-management | Monitors and minimises own exposure to worksite risks and hazards during activities |