Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assess and mitigate risks associated with the use of chemicals across a range of industry sectors.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety and pesticide legislation and codes,
This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and may provide direction to others. They provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems. Work is carried out to industry standards.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Candidates should confirm the regulatory requirements that apply in their relevant State or Territory before undertaking this unit. Competency in this unit may be deemed to have a time limit when used as part of an accreditation or licence process.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Identify hazards and risks | 1.1 Identify and source Codes of Practice, legislation, regulations and industry requirements relating to chemical use 1.2 Identify hazards involved in chemical handling and application |
2. Assess risks and develop control procedures | 2.1 Assess risks associated with chemicals used 2.2 Develop risk control measures and emergency action plans 2.3 Develop control procedures for transport, handling, storage, application, decontamination and disposal of chemicals 2.4 Develop a continuous improvement strategy to minimise risk |
3. Monitor and assess adherence to chemical risk procedures | 3.1 Provide appropriate personal protective equipment for employees using chemicals 3.2 Assess staff selection of application equipment according to procedures 3.3 Assess the ability of staff to follow restrictions on chemical use, application, decontamination and disposal 3.4 Assess how risk control procedures are followed in the workplace |
4. Evaluate risk control measures and maintain records | 4.1 Develop procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of risk control measures 4.2 Identify shortfalls during evaluation and subsequently rectify 4.3 Maintain risk assessment records according to industry, label, legislative and regulatory requirements |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
evaluate implementation of procedures
identify hazards, assess risks and implement and monitor control measures
develop risk control procedures
develop a continuous improvement strategy to minimise risk
interact with staff members and provide feedback
implement, monitor and evaluate a chemical risk control strategy maintain records
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
where to source Codes of Practice, legislation and industry requirements relating to chemical use
hazard identification and risk assessment strategies
risk factors including human and animal health, product integrity, weather, spray drift, spillage and environmental
principles of transport, handling and storing chemicals
requirements for the disposal of excess chemicals, clearing spillages and equipment clean up
chemical application equipment capabilities and limitations
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace OR simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Chemicals (CHM)