SIRXOHS001A
Apply safe working practices

This unit encompasses the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) guidelines for occupational health and safety. It describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to maintain a safe work environment for staff, customers and others. It involves observing basic safety and emergency procedures.

Application

This unit may apply to all retail personnel. It requires the team member to consistently apply safe working practices, including identifying and reporting faults and problems, according to OHS legislation and store policies. Knowledge of store policies and procedures with regard to emergency situations, evacuation or accident and illness should also be demonstrated.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Observe basic safety procedures.

1.1

Follow and maintain safety procedures to achieve a safe work environment according to all relevant OHS legislation, including codes of practice, relating to particular hazards in the industry or workplace.

1.2

Identify and report unsafe working practices, including faulty plant and equipment according to store policy and procedures.

1.3

Manage dangerous goods and substances according to store policy and relevant legislation.

1.4

Identify potential manual handling risks and manage tasks according to store policy.

1.5

Report work-related incidents and accidents to designated personnel.

1.6

Demonstrate consultative processes and follow procedures for OHS.

2

Observe basic emergency procedures.

2.1

Follow fire and emergency procedures, including store evacuation, according to store policy and legislation.

2.2

Identify designated personnel responsible for first aid and evacuation procedures.

2.3

Accurately identify safety alarms.

Required Skills

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

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:

interpersonal communication skills to:

report unsafe work practices, faulty plant and equipment and incidents and accidents through clear and direct communication

share information

use and interpret non-verbal communication

locating and using safety alarms, fire extinguishers and emergency exits

identifying hazardous goods and substances

interpreting symbols used for OHS signage

storing and using chemicals and hazardous substances

handling broken or damaged equipment

manual handling procedures

using personal protective gear and equipment

appropriate waste disposal

literacy skills in regard to reading and interpreting instructions

numeracy skills in regard to estimating weights, size, quantities and mixtures.

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:

store policies and procedures, in regard to:

OHS and emergency procedures

state and territory legislation and regulations

rights and responsibilities of designated personnel responsible for health and safety in the workplace

relevant industry codes of practice

management of OHS, including:

communication and consultation processes

reporting procedures

manual handling procedures

interpreting symbols for OHS signage

first aid procedures

identification of hazards in the workplace, including:

managing broken or of faulty equipment

storage of dangerous goods and hazardous substances

fire, chemical and electrical hazards

spills and leakage of materials

waste

slip, trips and falls

controlling risks through the hierarchy of control, including:

eliminating hazards

isolating hazards

use of engineering controls

use of administrative controls

appropriate use of personal protective clothing.

Evidence Required

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.

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

applies safe working practices, in all areas of the store, according to OHS legislation and codes of practice

applies appropriate store policies and procedures and legislative requirements in regard to following basic safety procedures and for reporting faults and problems to relevant person, department or committee

identifies hazardous situations and rectifies where appropriate, or reports to the relevant personnel according to store policy and procedures

reads, interprets and applies manufacturer instructions for storage and use of hazardous goods

knows store policies and procedures with regard to emergency situations, evacuation, or accident and illness in the store.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

a real or simulated work environment

suitable equipment and materials for lifting

relevant documentation, such as:

store policy and procedures manuals

manufacturer instructions and operation manuals

OHS regulations

legislation and statutory requirements

industry codes of practice.

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 performance in the workplace

a role play

third-party reports from a supervisor

customer feedback

written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

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:

SIRXCOM001A Communicate in the workplace

SIRXIND001A Work effectively in a retail environment

SIRXCLM001A Organise and maintain work areas

SIRXICT001A Operate retail technology.

Assessing employability skills

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.

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


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.

Safety procedures may include:

hazard identification, e.g. workplace inspections

evacuation involving staff or customers

emergency, fire and accident procedures

personal safety procedures

stress management

procedures for the use of personal protective clothing and equipment

issue resolution procedures

reporting incidents and accidents in the workplace.

Unsafe working practices may deal with but are not restricted to:

sharp cutting tools and instruments

electricity and water

damaged packing material or containers

toxic substances

inflammable materials and fire hazards

lifting practices

spillages, waste and debris

ladders

trolleys

broken or damaged equipment

glue guns

stress.

Checking plant and equipment may include:

guarding of machinery

sharp cutting tools and instruments

broken or damaged equipment

damaged packing material or containers.

Store policy and procedures related to OHS may deal with:

federal, state or territory and local OHS legislation

basic safety procedures

emergency procedures

safe manual handling and lifting

dangerous goods

customers and staff

equipment and tools

premises

stock.

Safe manual handling practices may include:

lifting or shifting practices

use of equipment such as ladders and trolleys

job procedures.

Designated personnel may include:

safety representative

supervisor

team leader

manager.

Consultative processes may include:

minutes from staff meetings, OHS meetings

identification of health and safety representatives

suggestions from staff for improving tasks and procedures.

Emergency procedures may relate to:

sickness

accidents

fire

storms and cyclones

store evacuation

armed hold-up.


Sectors

Sector

Cross-Sector


Competency Field

Occupational Health and Safety


Employability Skills

The required outcomes described in this unit contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit is packaged will assist in identifying employability skills requirements.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.