Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

MSS025002 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Assess the environmental risk or impact of a project activity or process

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSS025002 - Assess the environmental risk or impact of a project activity or process
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the ability to evaluate the risks or impacts associated with a specific project activity or process. It includes researching and describing the activity/process and local environment, identifying relevant environmental issues, assessing environmental risks or impacts, and then identifying appropriate environmental management actions and/or alternatives. Personnel will have access to an organisation environmental management plan for the site and/or a checklist to guide risk/impact assessment of the activity or process against organisation, community, and/or legislative requirements. They work under the supervision of environmental managers, scientists, engineers and/or planners.This unit of competency is applicable to environmental technicians working in a range of industry sectors, such as environmental monitoring, and sampling (e.g. air quality, water, soil and noise); occupational hygiene monitoring (e.g. air, noise and radiation); groundwater and clean water (e.g. catchments, supply, environmental flows); water treatment, storm and wastewater management; solid and hazardous waste management; site remediation/rehabilitation; management of contaminated sites; geotechnical services and civil engineering; natural resource management; resource efficiency (e.g. energy, water and waste auditing).While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, environmental monitoring and management activities are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace, or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of two (2) reports/presentations prepared by the candidate outlining details of the site, project activities or processes, risk/impact assessment and summary of evidence, and suggested environmental management actions and/or alternatives in each case

feedback from peers and supervisors that the candidate consistently follows organisation risk/impact assessment procedures and works safely

oral and/or written questions to assess the candidate’s knowledge of typical kinds of environmental risks/impacts associated with project activities or processes relevant to job role, legislative/regulatory framework, risk/impact assessment procedures, criteria, tools and checklists.

Access is required to all equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures, and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:

workplace documentation for project activities or processes

workplace environmental management documentation for site

workplace risk/impact assessment procedures, criteria, tools and/or checklists.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with an organisation providing environmental monitoring, management or technology related services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Project management
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Clarify the project activity or process and environmental management framework
  • Review the history of the project activity or process and scope of the required risk/impact assessment.
  • Identify relevant legislative, regulatory and/or licensing requirements.
  • Access and interpret available information about the site, including relevant organisation environmental management documents and/or risk assessment guidelines.
  • Prepare a detailed description of all phases of the project or process and the site/project environment.
  • Confirm project/process details, risk assessment procedure and risk assessment criteria with supervisor.
       
Element: Identify environmental issues for project activity or process
  • Consult with organisation personnel to identify relevant environmental issues.
  • Seek supervisor’s advice if input from community representatives and/or environmental specialists may be required.
  • Identify significant hazards and short/long-term risks associated with the process or project activity.
  • Analyse each part of the process or project for impacts on the physical, biological and social components of the local environment and ecological linkages operating at the site.
  • Identify both positive and negative impacts.
       
Element: Assess environmental risks and impacts
  • Use agreed assessment criteria to evaluate project activity or process against relevant legislative, regulatory and/or licensing requirements, site terms/conditions, community values, and organisation environmental management policies/plans.
  • Summarise all significant environmental risks or impacts and the evidence used to justify the assessment.
       
Element: Evaluate alternatives
  • Review organisation environmental management documents to identify specified methods for controlling risks and minimising impacts at the site.
  • Work with relevant organisation personnel and experts to consider alternative solutions, as necessary.
  • Identify possible amendments to project activities, alternative processes or improved environmental management actions to minimise risks or impacts.
  • Identify feasible and economically viable solutions and document the case for adopting them.
       
Element: Report findings
  • Report the assessment of environmental risks or impacts in the required format and expected timeframe.
  • Brief supervisor and/or stakeholders about the environmental assessment process and outcomes.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Clarify the project activity or process and environmental management framework

1.1

Review the history of the project activity or process and scope of the required risk/impact assessment.

1.2

Identify relevant legislative, regulatory and/or licensing requirements.

1.3

Access and interpret available information about the site, including relevant organisation environmental management documents and/or risk assessment guidelines.

1.4

Prepare a detailed description of all phases of the project or process and the site/project environment.

1.5

Confirm project/process details, risk assessment procedure and risk assessment criteria with supervisor.

2

Identify environmental issues for project activity or process

2.1

Consult with organisation personnel to identify relevant environmental issues.

2.2

Seek supervisor’s advice if input from community representatives and/or environmental specialists may be required.

2.3

Identify significant hazards and short/long-term risks associated with the process or project activity.

2.4

Analyse each part of the process or project for impacts on the physical, biological and social components of the local environment and ecological linkages operating at the site.

2.5

Identify both positive and negative impacts.

3

Assess environmental risks and impacts

3.1

Use agreed assessment criteria to evaluate project activity or process against relevant legislative, regulatory and/or licensing requirements, site terms/conditions, community values, and organisation environmental management policies/plans.

3.2

Summarise all significant environmental risks or impacts and the evidence used to justify the assessment.

4

Evaluate alternatives

4.1

Review organisation environmental management documents to identify specified methods for controlling risks and minimising impacts at the site.

4.2

Work with relevant organisation personnel and experts to consider alternative solutions, as necessary.

4.3

Identify possible amendments to project activities, alternative processes or improved environmental management actions to minimise risks or impacts.

4.4

Identify feasible and economically viable solutions and document the case for adopting them.

5

Report findings

5.1

Report the assessment of environmental risks or impacts in the required format and expected timeframe.

5.2

Brief supervisor and/or stakeholders about the environmental assessment process and outcomes.

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

evaluating the risks or impacts associated with at least two (2) different project activities or processes and identifying appropriate environmental management actions and/or alternatives in each case

interpreting and applying relevant legislative, regulatory, workplace/site requirements

researching and describing the project activity/process and local environment and identifying potential environmental issues

applying relevant workplace procedures and/or site environmental management plans when conducting assessments of environmental risks or impacts

using computer software (e.g. databases, spreadsheets and specialist programs) to process and present data

listening and communicating effectively with others, such as clients, environmental scientists/engineers and community members

identifying significant environment risks and/or impacts for specified project activities or processes

logically assessing environmental risks and impacts using given assessment criteria, tools and/or checklists

evaluating existing methods for controlling risks and minimising impacts at the site

identifying possible amendments to project activities, alternative processes or improved environmental management actions to minimise risks or impacts

identifying feasible and economically viable solutions and documenting the case for adopting them

seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility

presenting the findings and details of environmental risk assessment process to stakeholders

reporting the outcomes of environmental risk assessment of project activities or processes in the required format and expected timeframe

working safely.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

environmental terms, concepts and principles relevant to project activities or processes

awareness of environmental management documentation (e.g. environmental impact assessment, environmental impact assessment and public environment report) and environmental assessment process required for new major projects or developments

awareness of roles, functions and responsibilities of environmental officers, environmental scientists, engineers and planners, and regulators

relevant legislation, regulations, licences and permit requirements for operations at site

workplace environmental management framework of policy, procedures and management plans for site

details of project activities or process phases

typical kinds of impacts of project activities or processes on the physical and ecological environment, infrastructure, land use, social issues and community values

workplace procedures for identifying/assessing and controlling hazards/risks/impacts associated with project activities or processes on site

workplace project planning, management and reporting requirements

relevant hazards, health and safety requirements and workplace safe work procedures.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Clarify the project activity or process and environmental management framework

1.1

Review the history of the project activity or process and scope of the required risk/impact assessment.

1.2

Identify relevant legislative, regulatory and/or licensing requirements.

1.3

Access and interpret available information about the site, including relevant organisation environmental management documents and/or risk assessment guidelines.

1.4

Prepare a detailed description of all phases of the project or process and the site/project environment.

1.5

Confirm project/process details, risk assessment procedure and risk assessment criteria with supervisor.

2

Identify environmental issues for project activity or process

2.1

Consult with organisation personnel to identify relevant environmental issues.

2.2

Seek supervisor’s advice if input from community representatives and/or environmental specialists may be required.

2.3

Identify significant hazards and short/long-term risks associated with the process or project activity.

2.4

Analyse each part of the process or project for impacts on the physical, biological and social components of the local environment and ecological linkages operating at the site.

2.5

Identify both positive and negative impacts.

3

Assess environmental risks and impacts

3.1

Use agreed assessment criteria to evaluate project activity or process against relevant legislative, regulatory and/or licensing requirements, site terms/conditions, community values, and organisation environmental management policies/plans.

3.2

Summarise all significant environmental risks or impacts and the evidence used to justify the assessment.

4

Evaluate alternatives

4.1

Review organisation environmental management documents to identify specified methods for controlling risks and minimising impacts at the site.

4.2

Work with relevant organisation personnel and experts to consider alternative solutions, as necessary.

4.3

Identify possible amendments to project activities, alternative processes or improved environmental management actions to minimise risks or impacts.

4.4

Identify feasible and economically viable solutions and document the case for adopting them.

5

Report findings

5.1

Report the assessment of environmental risks or impacts in the required format and expected timeframe.

5.2

Brief supervisor and/or stakeholders about the environmental assessment process and outcomes.

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.

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

federal legislation, such as Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, Australian Heritage Council Act, Native Title Act and National Environmental Protection Measures

state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with land use, acquisition, planning and protection; environmental protection; cultural/heritage sites; vegetation management; nature conservation, wildlife/plant protection; water and water management; soil conservation; pollution and contaminated sites; fisheries, forestry and mining operations

legislation, standards and codes of practice for work health and safety (WHS)

Australian and international standards covering environmental management, such as AS/NZS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental Management Basic Set

workplace environmental management plans for specific sites and/or projects

workplace or regulator procedures for sampling, monitoring and in-field testing; procedures and tools for assessment of environmental risks and impacts

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs), work schedules, recording and reporting procedures, equipment manuals and warranties; safety data sheets (SDS) and safety procedures; waste minimisation, containment, processing and safe disposal procedures.

Project activity or process includes one or more of:

construction activities

plant operations

functions and processes relocating to new premises

changes in processes involving changes in use of products or generation of waste

production of new materials

any work activities with significant risk to, or potential impact on, the environment

and where risk/impact assessment of these is consistent with the role of an environmental officer working under the supervision of an environmental scientist, engineer or planner.

Organisation environmental management documents include one or more of:

notice of intention, initial advice statement

environmental impact assessment

environmental impact statement

public environment report

environmental management plans for specific sites and projects

site environmental management procedures and actions for specific issues

site environmental management action checklists

quality verification checklists

work method statements

job hazard analyses

reporting forms.

Site or project environment includes one or more of:

physical, biological and social components

land uses and tenures

climate

geology, landforms and soils

surface and groundwater, water quality and hydrology

air quality and dust

noise

pollutants and contaminants

vegetation, plant diseases, clearance and weeds

animal life, habitats, mobility and threats

rare and endangered species

community infrastructure

ethnography of area

archaeology

regional and local demography.

Environmental issues include one or more of:

physical issues, such as:

significant land disturbance, erosion, subsidence and instability

alteration of water courses

effects on quality, quantity or availability of surface water or groundwater

salination of water or land

acid drainage

heavy metal contamination

impact on coastal or marine landforms

ecological issues, such as:

direct impacts on vegetation

loss of habitat

displacement of fauna

impact on ecological processes and linkages

loss of biodiversity

potential for spreading plant diseases and noxious weeds

impact of toxic or hazardous materials

creation of new habitats

land use issues, such as:

major changes of land use

compatibility of development with surrounding land uses

preclusion of alternative land use (e.g. conservation or recreation)

increased demand on scarce natural resources

creation of new water storage and supplies

creation of opportunities for alternative beneficial land uses

social issues, such as:

influx of population

impact on health and safety

changes in community character

creation of employment

increased revenue for local communities

community and cultural aspects

infrastructure issues, such as load on existing roads

impact on services, including utilities, health, education and community services.

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· compliance with relevant federal/state/territory WHS legislation at all times

· assuming that samples are potentially hazardous and applying standard precautions

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

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Review the history of the project activity or process and scope of the required risk/impact assessment. 
Identify relevant legislative, regulatory and/or licensing requirements. 
Access and interpret available information about the site, including relevant organisation environmental management documents and/or risk assessment guidelines. 
Prepare a detailed description of all phases of the project or process and the site/project environment. 
Confirm project/process details, risk assessment procedure and risk assessment criteria with supervisor. 
Consult with organisation personnel to identify relevant environmental issues. 
Seek supervisor’s advice if input from community representatives and/or environmental specialists may be required. 
Identify significant hazards and short/long-term risks associated with the process or project activity. 
Analyse each part of the process or project for impacts on the physical, biological and social components of the local environment and ecological linkages operating at the site. 
Identify both positive and negative impacts. 
Use agreed assessment criteria to evaluate project activity or process against relevant legislative, regulatory and/or licensing requirements, site terms/conditions, community values, and organisation environmental management policies/plans. 
Summarise all significant environmental risks or impacts and the evidence used to justify the assessment. 
Review organisation environmental management documents to identify specified methods for controlling risks and minimising impacts at the site. 
Work with relevant organisation personnel and experts to consider alternative solutions, as necessary. 
Identify possible amendments to project activities, alternative processes or improved environmental management actions to minimise risks or impacts. 
Identify feasible and economically viable solutions and document the case for adopting them. 
Report the assessment of environmental risks or impacts in the required format and expected timeframe. 
Brief supervisor and/or stakeholders about the environmental assessment process and outcomes. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSS025002 - Assess the environmental risk or impact of a project activity or process
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MSS025002 - Assess the environmental risk or impact of a project activity or process

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: