Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to follow work health and safety (WHS) policies and procedures, deal with the identification and control of hazards, work safely at all times, follow emergency response procedures and contribute to the maintenance of workplace safety.
This unit of competency applies to laboratory assistants and instrument operators working in all industry sectors. WHS responses are restricted to a 'first response' approach, including the notification of appropriate workplace personnel. Workers will be provided with clear directions, information, training and appropriate supervision.
No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Identify, control and report WHS and environmental hazards | 1.1 | Routinely check immediate work area for hazards prior to commencing and during work |
1.2 | Address hazards within area of responsibility | ||
1.3 | Report hazards and incidents to designated personnel according to workplace policies and procedures | ||
2 | Conduct work safely | 2.1 | Select, fit and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) |
2.2 | Follow workplace procedures when carrying out work tasks | ||
2.3 | Keep all work areas clean and free from obstacles | ||
2.4 | Maintain workplace standards of personal hygiene | ||
2.5 | Safely store, transport and dispose of hazardous materials and dangerous goods | ||
3 | Follow incident and emergency response procedures | 3.1 | Identify incident and emergency situations |
3.2 | Report and record incident and emergency situations according to workplace procedures | ||
3.3 | Follow incident and emergency procedures as appropriate to the nature of emergency using emergency equipment according to workplace procedures | ||
4 | Contribute to health and safety in the workplace | 4.1 | Raise WHS and environmental issues with designated personnel in accordance with workplace procedures and legislated rights and obligations of employees |
4.2 | Participate in WHS activities within scope of responsibilities | ||
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Oral communication skills to clarify obligations, procedures and work instructions that impact on safety and legal liability.
Other foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit.
Competency Field
Work health and safety