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

PSPSOHS605A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Apply occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PSPSOHS605A - Apply occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk
Description This unit covers application of occupational hygiene knowledge and the techniques to control OHS risk arising from health hazards at work. In practice, applying occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as promoting ethical practice, applying government systems, influencing opinion, fostering leadership, managing resources, managing compliance with legislation.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit provides for the requirement to control OHS risk arising from health hazards at work through the identification and assessment of the real or potential occurrence of chemical, physical or biological agents and other workplace stressors (including their interactions) that may affect the health or wellbeing of workers or others, and the recommendations for controls of such hazards.Underpinning knowledge and skills for this unit are addressed in PSPSOHS504A Apply principles of OHS risk management, and PSPSOHS505A Manage hazards in the work environment, and include a knowledge of systematic approaches to managing OHS. Other useful skills that support this unit are addressed in PSPSOHS406A Use equipment to conduct workplace monitoring.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field Specialist Occupational Health & Safety.
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: Identify health hazards that may result from features of the workplace or working environment
  • Workplace factors that may affect the health of workers are identified.
  • Health hazards that may result from work processes, work operations, equipment and work procedures are identified.
  • Possible routes of entry to the body and consequent effects on the body are identified for different workplace factors.
  • Situations are identified where OHS specialists and other advisers may be required.
       
Element: Analyse the risks of worker exposure to potentially harmful agents and factors
  • Sources of exposure and related factors to potentially harmful agents and factors in work processes and methods are determined.
  • Equipment, sampling plan and techniques for assessing the exposure to selected agents and factors within a workplace are identified.
  • Monitoring and sampling results to provide an assessment of exposure are interpreted and evaluated.
  • Exposure standards are utilised in the assessment of risks.
  • Workplace measurements, interpretations and recommendations are reported to stakeholders in a suitable format for target group.
       
Element: Design risk control strategies and advise on implementation
  • The hierarchy of control is applied to design risk control strategies, noting that personal protective equipment is regarded as the least satisfactory control measure.
  • Inadequacies in existing control measures are identified and remedial advice is provided.
  • Effective consultation and collaboration is undertaken with organisation, affected employees and others when developing, selecting and implementing risk control measures.
  • External sources of information and data and specialist advisers are accessed as required on nature of health hazard, level of risk, and risk control options.
       
Element: Monitor and evaluate control strategies to minimise workplace exposures
  • Quality and outcomes of interventions are monitored and evaluated regularly in consultation with stakeholders and relevant employees.
  • Modifications to interventions are facilitated including consultations, as required, as a result of findings of regular evaluation and monitoring.
  • Training needs are identified in consultation with workplace stakeholders, documented and arranged if required.
  • Recommendations are made regarding future interventions as a result of evaluation and monitoring.
       


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.

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the unit descriptor, performance criteria, The range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include:

PSPETHC601B Maintain and enhance confidence in public service

PSPGOV605A Persuade and influence opinion

PSPLEGN601B Manage compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPSOHS601A Develop a systematic approach to managing OHS

PSPSOHS603A Analyse and evaluate OHS risk

PSPSOHS604A Apply ergonomic principles to control OHS risk

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

knowledge requirements of this unit

skill requirements of this unit

application of employability skills as they relate to this unit.

Resources required to carry out assessment

Resources essential for assessment include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to the application of occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk

workplace documentation, case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when applying occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk.

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when applying occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

application of occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk in a range of 3 or more contexts or occasions, over time

Assessment methods should reflect but not exceed workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of individuals who might be disadvantaged.

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit must use authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses and may include a combination of two or more of:

workplace projects

simulation or role plays

case studies and scenarios

observation

portfolios

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate and where the person has a disability the principle of reasonable adjustment should be applied during assessment.

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments.

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.

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

Required skills:

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

relating to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities

communicating effectively with personnel at all levels of organisation and OHS specialists and, as required, emergency service personnel

preparing reports for a range of target groups including OHS committee, OHS representatives, managers, supervisors and other stakeholders

applying continuous improvement and action planning processes

achieving change using project management processes

managing own tasks within time frame

using consultation and negotiation skills, particularly in relation to developing plans and implementing and monitoring designated actions

contributing to the assessment of the resources needed to systematically manage OHS and, where appropriate, access resources

analysing relevant workplace information and data, make observations including of workplace tasks and interactions between people, their activities, equipment, environment and systems

carrying out simple arithmetical calculations (e.g. % change), and producing graphs of workplace information and data to identify trends and recognise limitations of information and data

using electronic information and data systems to enter workplace information and data and produce effective graphical representations

interpreting information and data to identify areas for improvement

using a range of communication media

conducting effective formal and informal meetings

using language and literacy skills appropriate to the workgroup and the task

using computer and information technology skills to access internal and external information and data on OHS

undertaking basic research to access relevant information and data

using measuring equipment including reading scales and dials applicable to selected hazards

interpreting results from workplace measurements

paying attention to detail when making observations and recording outcomes

Required knowledge:

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

roles and responsibilities under OHS legislation of employees including supervisors, contractors, OHS inspectors etc

principles of duty of care including concepts of causation, foreseeability, preventability

legislative requirements for OHS information and data, and consultation

roles and responsibilities in relation to communication and consultation for OHS committees, OHS representatives, line management, employees and inspectors

difference between hazard and risk

risk as a measure of uncertainty and the factors that affect risk

requirements under hazard-specific OHS legislation and codes of practice

characteristics, mode of action and units of measurement of major hazard types

characteristics of sound and vibration, units of noise, sound pressure levels, noise dose and process of hearing loss

different categories of chemicals such as dangerous goods, hazardous substances, poisons, carcinogens etc

types of hazardous dusts and fibres, hazardous environments and the possible explosion and ill health outcomes from exposure to dusts, particulates etc

the effect of electricity on the body and the difference in action of fuses/circuit breakers and resident current devices

difference between ionising and non-ionising radiation and the principles of decay, the effect of radiation on the body

physiology relevant to understanding mode of action of physical, biological and chemical agents on the body and how they produce harm

physiology related to temperature control of the human body, hazards of working in hot environments, and appropriate controls

direct and indirect influences that impact on OHS and the environment in the design of product/s

hierarchy of control and considerations for choosing between different control measures, such as possible inadequacies of particular control measures

standard industry controls for a range of hazards

the role of control programs for microbiological hazards such as vaccination, local ventilation, decontamination

requirements for individual fitting, use, maintenance and storage of a range of PPE items

requirements for selection and limitations of use of a range of PPE items

types of hazard identification tools including JSA

limitations of generic hazard and risk checklists and risk ranking processes

pertinent sections of relevant Australian and other standards such as AS/NZS 4360: Risk management, National Standard for the Storage and Handling

types of measurement and monitoring equipment, including intrinsically safe equipment, calibration requirements and principles of how the equipment takes the measurement and limitations in use

requirements for control of work permits/written authorities in workplace monitoring activities

mathematical knowledge of units of measurement, logarithmic scales, decimals and order of magnitude relevant to making and interpreting measurements

exposure standards, their limitations and their practical use

sampling methodologies, application and related statistical measures

principles and practices of a systematic approach to managing OHS

other function areas that impact on the management of OHS

internal and external sources of OHS information and data

how the characteristics and composition of the workforce impact on risk and the systematic approach to managing OHS e.g.

labour market changes

structure and organisation of workforce e.g. part-time, casual and contract workers, shift rosters, geographical location

language, literacy and numeracy

communication skills

cultural background/workplace diversity

gender

workers with special needs

organisational behaviour and culture as it impacts on OHS and on change

ethics related to professional practice

organisational OHS policies and procedures

nature of workplace processes (including work flow, planning and control) and hazards relevant to the particular workplace

sources of occupational disease and their prevention

knowledge of toxicology of hazardous materials and potential health effects in the workplace

key personnel, including identifying 'change agents', within workplace management structure

formal and informal communication and consultation processes and key personnel related to communication

language, literacy and cultural profile of the work group

organisational culture as it impacts on the workgroup

The range statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The range statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in italics in the Performance criteria is explained here.

Workplace factors may include:

chemical agents such as:

solids, liquids, gases, hazardous or non hazardous substances and toxins, vapours, dusts, mists, fibres

chemical hazards occurring through airborne exposure and through skin contact

other chemical contaminants arising through direct use or as by-product contaminants

physical agents such as:

noise, vibration, pressure, light, thermal

ionising and non-ionising radiation

biological agents such as:

viruses

bacteria

zoonoses

animals

animal products

plants and plant products

allergens that may induce asthma, dermatitis etc

ergonomic factors such as:

body position in relation to use of equipment or controls/awkward postures

harmful repetitive work

psychosocial factors such as:

exposure to harmful/psychological stress at work such as work demand, environment

A hazard is:

a source or situation with a potential for harm in terms of human injury or ill health, damage to property or the environment, or a combination of these

OHS specialists may include:

specialist occupational hygienists

ergonomists

internal and external OHS professionals

occupational health advisers

allied health

toxicologists

injury management and return to work advisers

Other advisers may include:

equipment manufacturers and suppliers

substance manufacturers, importers and suppliers

engineers (ventilation, mechanical, chemical, electrical)

Sources of exposure may include:

substances/products created or generated by work processes, for example fume, carbon monoxide and dust

noise etc produced by plant and machinery

working with animals and animal products

needle stick exposures

occupationally related contact

Related factors may include:

synergistic/potentiation effects (increased effect of multiple exposures) compared with antagonistic effects (lessening effects of two or more substances than the effect of each in isolation)

dose related impacts

Exposure standards are:

established concentrations of substances that are given as guidance in assessing the risk of exposure

may be state, national and/or international publications

Hierarchy of control means developing risk controls within the following priority order:

eliminate hazards

and where this is not practicable, minimise risk by:

substitution

isolating the hazard from personnel

using engineering controls

using administrative controls (e.g. procedures, training)

using personal protective equipment (PPE)

External sources of information and data include:

state and territory OHS regulatory bodies

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC)

Australian standards, national codes of practice, guidance notes

engineers

external OHS professionals and specialists

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)

union and employer associations

academic institutions, centres of research and libraries

Workplace Exposure Standards (WES)

material safety data sheets (MSDSs)

American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)

OHS professional associations

databases such as NICNAS (National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme)

manufacturers' manuals and specifications

Training needs may include:

legislative requirements

risks associated with specific tasks

methods of minimising exposure

interpretation of information and data contained in material safety data sheets (MSDS), technical documents or brochures about substances, tools, equipment and plant

workplace housekeeping

personal hygiene

maintenance of equipment, tools and plant to ensure effective performance of control systems

requirements for health monitoring of use of certain workplace hazardous substances such as lead

correct selection, use, servicing, storage and disposal of PPE

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
Workplace factors that may affect the health of workers are identified. 
Health hazards that may result from work processes, work operations, equipment and work procedures are identified. 
Possible routes of entry to the body and consequent effects on the body are identified for different workplace factors. 
Situations are identified where OHS specialists and other advisers may be required. 
Sources of exposure and related factors to potentially harmful agents and factors in work processes and methods are determined. 
Equipment, sampling plan and techniques for assessing the exposure to selected agents and factors within a workplace are identified. 
Monitoring and sampling results to provide an assessment of exposure are interpreted and evaluated. 
Exposure standards are utilised in the assessment of risks. 
Workplace measurements, interpretations and recommendations are reported to stakeholders in a suitable format for target group. 
The hierarchy of control is applied to design risk control strategies, noting that personal protective equipment is regarded as the least satisfactory control measure. 
Inadequacies in existing control measures are identified and remedial advice is provided. 
Effective consultation and collaboration is undertaken with organisation, affected employees and others when developing, selecting and implementing risk control measures. 
External sources of information and data and specialist advisers are accessed as required on nature of health hazard, level of risk, and risk control options. 
Quality and outcomes of interventions are monitored and evaluated regularly in consultation with stakeholders and relevant employees. 
Modifications to interventions are facilitated including consultations, as required, as a result of findings of regular evaluation and monitoring. 
Training needs are identified in consultation with workplace stakeholders, documented and arranged if required. 
Recommendations are made regarding future interventions as a result of evaluation and monitoring. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPSOHS605A - Apply occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk
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PSPSOHS605A - Apply occupational hygiene principles to control OHS risk

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