This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to comply with work health and safety (WHS) regulations and work safely in aircraft maintenance areas. It requires application of WHS practices relevant to aviation maintenance workplaces in order to ensure own safety and that of others in the workplace.

Workplaces include the flight line or tarmac, hangars and workshops. Maintenance activities include all scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on fixed or rotary wing aircraft and on the components thereof. Work may be performed individually or as part of a team.

The unit is used in workplaces that operate under the airworthiness regulatory systems of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

Where a CASA licensing outcome is sought this unit forms part of the CASA requirement for the granting of the chosen maintenance certification licence under Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 66, in accordance with the licensing provisions in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria under the specified conditions of assessment, and must include:

correctly interpreting WHS regulations, instructions and procedures relevant to the requirements for conduct of safe work listed in the Range of Conditions

recognising and adhering to aerospace industry signage, including aircraft systems plumbing markings

recognising and reporting to designated personnel hazardous situations in the workplace

risk assessment and control

selecting appropriate PPE for the maintenance activity being undertaken

correct interpretation of enterprise and regulatory emergency procedures

correct identification and operation of enterprise/industry-specific workplace emergency equipment.

This unit must be related in its assessment and application to all other units. The relationship between general workplace WHS requirements, as included in enterprise procedures, and the relevant federal and/or state and territory legislation must be clearly linked.

Evidence of knowledge and skills associated with the application of WHS standards is required to supplement evidence of ability to interpret and apply specific safe practices in the workplace.

Evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

the applicable sources of WHS requirements and procedures and their application in requirements for conduct of safe work as listed in the Range of Conditions

how to recognise and report hazardous situations in the workplace

methods of risk assessment and control

the preferred order of ways to control risks (known as the hierarchy of control)

work operations to control risks, e.g. permit to work systems, such as confined space entry and isolation procedures

how to determine requirements for PPE associated with maintenance activities

the correct selection and use of workplace emergency equipment

action to be taken in emergency situations.

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is, the candidate is not in productive work, an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. Should a demonstration of skill application be necessary, the candidate must have access to all necessary tools, equipment, materials and relevant documentation. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency under routine supervision on at least one item from each of:

applying general duty of care under WHS legislation and common law

fluid and gas high and low pressure systems, including fluid handling (for example, hydraulic fluids, lubricants, compressed air, nitrogen and oxygen)

fuelling/defuelling and working on fuel systems

using and handling chemicals, including solvents and battery acids

electrical systems, outlets and leads

noise hazard areas and aircraft safety zones

aircraft handling, towing, jacking, ground equipment operation and signage

personal protection

housekeeping and cleaning, waste disposal and FOD prevention practices and procedures.

Also, where applicable to the enterprise, the following:

confined space entry

aircraft strobe lighting

ionising, non-ionising radiation equipment

This shall be established via the records in the Log of Industrial Experience and Achievement or, where appropriate, an equivalent Industry Evidence Guide. The relationship between general workplace WHS requirements, as included in enterprise procedures, and the relevant federal and/or state and territory legislation must be clearly linked.

Assessors must satisfy the requirements of the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator (Australian Skills Quality Authority, or its successors).

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Aviation maintenance