Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and control hazardous chemicals in the workplace. It requires knowledge of the potential hazards associated with chemicals and how to work safely with them. It involves supporting workplace safety by communicating information about hazardous chemicals using established consultation methods.
The unit applies to those who participate in identifying chemicals as part of their WHS responsibilities, which are in addition to their main duties. It applies to hazardous chemicals with the potential to harm human health, which may be solids, liquids or gases; pure substances or mixtures. When used in the workplace, these substances can generate vapours, fumes, dusts and mists.
NOTES
1. The terms ‘occupational health and safety’ (OHS) and ‘work health and safety’ (WHS) are equivalent, and generally either can be used in the workplace. In jurisdictions where model WHS laws have not been implemented, registered training organisations (RTOs) are advised to contextualise this unit of competency by referring to existing WHS legislative requirements.
2. The model WHS laws include the model WHS Act, model WHS Regulations and model WHS Codes of Practice. See Safe Work Australia for further information.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Apply information relating to identifying hazardous chemicals | 1.1 Identify and follow WHS laws and guidance notes in relation to the safe use, handling, processing, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous chemicals used in the workplace 1.2 Identify and follow safety data sheets (SDSs) and other guidance to determine the potential health effects of worker exposure to hazardous chemicals 1.3 Identify and follow SDSs and other guidance to determine methods to control worker exposure to hazardous chemicals |
2. Identify presence and use of hazardous chemicals in the workplace | 2.1 Apply organisational inspection techniques to identify and document hazardous chemicals in the workplace 2.2 Participate in consultation processes with workers to identify hazardous chemicals in the workplace 2.3 Identify tasks that may expose workers to hazardous chemicals used in the workplace |
3. Contribute to the control of hazardous chemicals in the workplace | 3.1 Use WHS laws and guidance notes in relation to hazardous chemicals to identify controls to remove or reduce worker exposure 3.2 Assess effectiveness of current control measures according to WHS laws, guidance notes, and organisational policies and procedures 3.3 Participate in selecting additional control measures for implementation, as required 3.4 Assist in implementing procedures for safe use, handling, processing, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous chemicals 3.5 Contribute to ensuring control measures are maintained according to organisational procedures |
4. Support worker consultation methods for hazardous chemicals | 4.1 Communicate information about identified hazardous chemicals, and support required personnel at risk of exposure to them 4.2 Gather information about exposure to hazardous chemicals and possible health effects reported by workers 4.3 Report gathered information to required parties including duty holders |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Locates information from WHS laws, and workplace policies, procedures and records |
Writing | Uses structure and language appropriate to audience and context in plans, reports, and general advice |
Oral communication | Presents information and assistance using appropriate levels of industry-specific vocabulary Uses listening and questioning to clarify and confirm understanding |
Navigate the world of work | Follows legal and regulatory guidance and organisational policies and procedures in hazardous chemicals Keeps up to date with changes to WHS laws, and organisational policies and procedures relevant to own role |
Interact with others | Identifies what to communicate and to whom in a range of contexts Cooperates with others as part of WHS activities and contributes to specific activities requiring joint responsibility and accountability Shares information and resources, offers assistance voluntarily, and provides feedback when requested Plays an active role in group discussions, paying attention to perspectives of others and encouraging participation |
Get the work done | Plans and implements tasks to achieve required outcomes Uses decision-making processes, setting or clarifying goals, gathering information to identify hazardous chemicals |
Sectors
Regulation, Licensing and Risk – Work Health and Safety