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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Perform all work safely
  2. Ensure others in the work group are able to implement safe work practices
  3. Monitor observance of safe work practices in the work area
  4. Participate in risk management processes
  5. Support the implementation of participative arrangements
  6. Support the implementation of emergency procedures within the work group

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian, national and international standards, guidelines and codes covering WHS; laboratory design and construction; occupational protective equipment; labelling of workplace substances; storage, handling and transport of dangerous goods; environmental management; physical containment levels and facility types

industry specific codes, regulations and guidelines, such as Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) Codes of Practice, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) Export Control (Orders) Regulations and Import Guidelines, gene technology regulations, and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines

WHS and environmental policies, procedures and programs

WHS and environmental policies, procedures and programs include one or more of:

emergency, fire and environmental incident response procedures

hazard identification, risk assessment and risk management procedures

minimisation of environmental threats

minimisation and disposal of waste

selection and use of PPE

standard operating procedures (SOPs), work instructions, laboratory manuals, operator's manuals and manufacturers' operating manuals, formulas and batch sheets, and contractor and employee handbooks

consultation and issue resolution procedures

WHS and environmental issues

WHS and environmental issues include one or more of:

identification of hazards

assessment of risk and decisions about measures to reduce/control risk

implementation of controls and associated problems

investigation of injury and incidents, hazards not otherwise addressed

clarification of policies or procedures

Consultation with the workgroup on WHS and environmental issues

Consultation with the workgroup about WHS and environmental issues include one or more of:

following WHS procedures and environmental risk control measures

information sessions about existing or new issues

meetings between employer and employees or representatives

access to relevant workplace information

use of clear and understandable language and provision for non-English speaking and hearing-impaired personnel

awareness of (online) databases for the inventory, manifest and information retrieval regarding hazardous materials

formal arrangements, such as health and safety committees and health and safety representatives (where appointed)

informal arrangements, such as toolbox meetings and coffee breaks

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant

Performance Evidence

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

monitoring and maintaining work health and safety (WHS) and environmental programs within a work area

working safely at all times and following procedures for hazard identification and risk control

ensuring others in the workgroup work safely and follow procedures for hazard identification and risk control

ensuring that workplace procedures for dealing with incidents and emergencies are available and known by work group members

communicating effectively with others, including reporting WHS and environmental issues to designated personnel

participating in risk assessment audits to identify, analyse and assess risks and evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls

completing incident reports and risk assessment documentation

participating in investigations of hazardous incidents to identify their cause

preparing brief reports for WHS committees, WHS representatives, managers and/or supervisors.

Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

common WHS terminology, such as hazard, physical hazard, risk and risk management

principles and procedures for WHS and environmental management, including hazard identification, risk assessment and hierarchy of risk control

how the characteristics and composition of the workforce impact on WHS management

roles and responsibilities under WHS legislation of employers and employees, including supervisors and contractors

key workplace personnel who can provide WHS information

signage, symbols and signals relating to WHS

examples of hazards relevant to the work area and ways of addressing these using the hierarchy of control

location and purpose of personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency/hazard control equipment in the work area, including first aid facilities

use, care and storage requirements for PPE used in work areas

examples of possible workplace incidents/emergencies and response procedures

requirements for record keeping that address WHS, privacy and other relevant legislation.