SIFOHS001A
Follow OHS procedures

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply OHS legislation and codes of practice in a funeral services industry environment.

Application

This unit applies to gravediggers, grounds maintenance workers and funeral, cemetery and crematorium staff. It requires knowledge and application of procedures for safety, security, emergencies and manual handling,


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Identify workplace safety, security and emergency procedures.

1.1

Identify relevant workplace policies and procedures.

1.2

Identify and report workplace hazards and unsafe situations to appropriate personnel according to workplace policies and procedures, and relevant legislation.

1.3

Identify location and use of emergency equipment.

1.4

Identify and review work strategy, equipment and staffing options.

1.5

Consult with work team and confirm most appropriate work method.

2

Perform safe manual handling.

2.1

Select handling and lifting technique according to weight and dimensions of the object or deceased person and manual handling procedures.

2.2

Prepare and clear work area of obstacles and hazards.

2.3

Apply correct lifting, carrying and placement techniques to move object or deceased person.

2.4

Coordinate multi-person manual handling tasks as required.

3

Implement strategies to prevent infection and contamination in the workplace.

3.1

Apply personal hygiene practices according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

3.2

Identify, use and maintain personal protective equipment according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

3.3

Handle and dispose of hazardous items and potentially infectious or contaminated waste according to relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.

4

Carry out general housekeeping.

4.1

Monitor cleanliness, safety and tidiness of workplace and remove general waste as required.

4.2

Use, maintain and store housekeeping equipment and supplies according to workplace policies and procedures and manufacturer instructions.

4.3

Tag damaged items and notify appropriate personnel of maintenance requirements.

4.4

Report housekeeping issues to appropriate personnel according to workplace policies and procedures.

Required Skills

Required skills

safe manual handling techniques

use of personal protective equipment

communication skills, including clear and direct communication and active listening and questioning techniques, to liaise with other staff and report actual or potential hazards

literacy and numeracy skills to interpret and follow policies, manufacturer instructions and safety signage

self-management skills to identify and meet own OHS responsibilities

problem-solving skills to identify and address hazardous situation.

Required knowledge

individual employee responsibilities in relation to ensuring safety of self, other workers and other people in the workplace

broad understanding of employer's responsibilities under relevant state or territory OHS legislation

broad understanding of employee's responsibility to participate in OHS practices under relevant state or territory OHS legislation

various types of hazardous materials and disposal techniques

relevant workplace policies and procedures

emergency and security procedures.

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

project or work activities that show the candidate's ability to follow predetermined health, safety and security procedures, incorporate safe work practices into all workplace activities and participate in consultation, hazard identification and risk assessment activities for a given funeral services industry operation and in line with regulatory requirements

knowledge and understanding of the implications of disregarding those procedures

knowledge and understanding of the legal requirement to work according to health, safety and security procedures

following OHS procedures over a period of time to ensure consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

project or work activities that show candidate's ability to apply safe working practices in relevant sector of the funeral services industry

access to housekeeping equipment and materials

access to personal protective equipment

use of current commercial policies and procedures and template documents used for the management of OHS practices.

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of candidate completing safe one person and multiple person manual handling lifts

observation of candidate completing general housekeeping tasks and safe waste disposal

written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge of accessing and interpreting relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SIFBCR017A Prepare for gravedigging

SIFBCR020A Dig a grave manually

SIFBCR023A Dig a grave using machinery

SIFOHS002A Follow infection and contamination control procedures.

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.


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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Workplace policies and procedures may include:

OHS

general housekeeping

manual handling

first aid

security, such as:

mayday via two-way radio

working alone

duress alarm to police

alarm system

security guard

locking buildings and toilets

emergency, such as:

gas or electrical fire

fire drill

evacuation

reporting incidents and hazards

reporting tools, equipment and materials' defects and maintenance requirements

health and hygiene

waste disposal

chemical handling.

Workplace hazards may include:

manual handling

toxic substances

industrial gases

body fluids and human tissue

infections

fire

infectious waste

sharps

chemical spills

dust and vapours

noise, light and energy sources

electrical equipment

vehicles

personal lifestyle

workplace stress

people.

Appropriate personnel may include:

OHS representative

human resources personnel

team leader

leading hand

manager

supervisor.

Relevant legislation may include:

OHS

cemetery Acts and by-laws

Environment Protection Act

Dangerous Goods Act

Public Health Act

Public Safety Act

Coroner's Act

Anatomy Act

Human Tissue Act.

Emergency equipment may include:

fire extinguisher

fire blanket

first aid kit.

Manual handling procedures may include:

single person lift

multiple person lift

assisted with manual lifting device

assisted with mechanical lifting device.

Personal hygiene practices may include:

maintenance of cleanliness of work clothes

hand washing

food hygiene practices

use of personal protective equipment

participation in workplace health program.

Personal protective equipment may include:

disposable gloves

heavy duty gloves

protective overgarments

overshoes

waterproof aprons

masks and goggles

sunscreen

protective headwear

ergonomic office furniture.

Infectious or contaminated waste may include:

body parts

human tissue

human blood and body fluid

materials and equipment containing human blood and body fluid

contaminated garments

contaminated soil

soiled dressings

sharps

catheters

swabs and bandages.

General waste may include:

building waste

foodstuffs

paper and packaging materials.

Housekeeping equipment may include:

broom

mop and bucket

vacuum cleaner

pick up trolleys

mobile rubbish bins

cleaning cloths

rubbish skips.


Sectors

Sector

Funeral Services


Competency Field

Occupational Health and Safety


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.