Critical aspects of competency
Ability to accurately follow workplace procedures relevant to controlling risks in the workplace.
Ability to identify hazards and risks in the workplace and report such hazards and risks to designated personnel.
Ability to correctly follow emergency procedures in emergency situations. Note that evidence in this area may be gathered through simulations.
Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.
Rights and responsibilities of parties in the workplace under relevant OHS Acts, regulations and codes of practice.
Communication channels and procedures to report OHS concerns.
Common workplace hazards and risk control measures including:
range and meanings of safety signs and symbols in the workplace
types and purpose of personal protective equipment
site safety plan
ways in which OHS is maintained in emergency situations
equipment and material use, storage, cleaning and disposal procedures.
Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria
To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These relate to the ability to:
follow safe work procedures
identify potential and existing risks or hazards
follow emergency response procedures
communicate OHS information to appropriate personnel.
use tools and equipment and products safely
use literacy and language skills to:
understand and comply with work instructions
interpret safety signs
read and comprehend product instructions
participate in OHS training.
Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit
Competency in this unit will underpin competency in other aspects of the candidate's role in managing their work tasks.
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.
Resources required to assess this unit
The candidate and the assessor should have access to the appropriate documentation and resources normally utilised in the workplace. This includes access to the following:
a suitable work area, or a simulated workplace environment, that allows for identification of hazards
personal protective equipment commonly used to reduce workplace risk
relevant products, tools, specialist equipment, and associated instructions
manuals and relevant documentation including occupational health and safety policies and procedures
assessment documentation forms and record books.
Gaining evidence to assess this unit
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment). The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
When assessing candidates, assessment techniques that allow a collection of evidence from relevant workplace experience should be used. Assessment against this unit may involve the following:
continuous assessment in the workplace (observation), or a setting that simulates the conditions of a workplace (simulation), taking into account the range of variables affecting performance
Self-assessment of performance on the same terms as those described above.
interviews and/or provision of learning activities to check underpinning knowledge requirements
supplementary evidence that may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence or reports from supervisors or team leaders.
Performance and assessment of this unit must be carried out within the relevant requirements of the legislative and industry framework and as set out in organisational OHS policies and procedures.
Key competency levels
There are a number of processes learnt throughout work and daily life that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work environments. Some of these work processes are covered by the key competencies listed below. Information provided to each question highlights how these processes are applied in this unit of competency.
The number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency should be demonstrated.
1 | Perform the process | 2 | Perform and administer the process | 3 | Perform, administer and design the process |
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How can information be collected, analysed and organised (1) | Information regarding the work environment is compared against relevant policies and procedures. |
How can communication of ideas and information (1) be applied? | Report or discuss OHS issues with relevant or designated personnel. |
How are activities planned and organised (1) | Organise work tasks according to safe work practices. |
How can teamwork (1) be applied? | Participate in ensuring a safe work environment. |
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques (1) be applied? | Mix chemicals according to product labels and follow equipment maintenance schedules. |
How can problem-solving skills (1) be applied? | Identify hazards and report to appropriate persons. |
How can the use of technology (1) be applied? | Use equipment appropriately in the workplace. |