Critical aspects of competency
Identification and communication of nature and details of emergency.
Following emergency procedures.
Implementation of correct emergency response.
Review and modification of emergency response.
Documentation of emergency situation and response actions in standardised report template (in accordance with company requirements).
Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.
HAZCHEM identification systems.
Waste types and implications in an emergency situation.
Standard emergency response procedures.
Basic First Aid appropriate to likely risks and hazards in work environment.
Methods of containment and isolation of emergencies.
Confined space procedure.
Occupational health and safety requirements.
Duty of care provision of services.
Relevant industry standards.
Relevant legislation.
Relevant industry standards.
Relevant environmental regulations.
Emergency procedures.
OHS hierarchy of control.
Location of alarms.
Location of emergency equipment.
Identification of areas.
Location of communication equipment.
Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria
To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These are:
oral communication skills including questioning, listening, following instructions, giving information, signalling, directing traffic
written communication skills
identifying regulated waste types
following emergency procedure guidelines
using emergency equipment (including fire extinguisher and spill kit)
area isolation (including bunding and erecting barriers)
using personal protective equipment (including breathing apparatus)
clear thinking and working under pressure
using communications equipment (two-way radio and mobile phone)
problem-solving
following MSDS
safe and efficient work practices.
Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function, for example:
PRMCMN201A Participate in workplace safety arrangements
PRMCMN301A Contribute to workplace safety arrangements
BSBCMN215B Participate in environmental work practices.
Resources required to assess this unit
The following resources should be available:
range of emergency situations
case studies
role-play
emergency equipment and personal protective equipment
standard emergency procedures
site safety plan
MSDS
OHS requirements.
Gaining evidence to assess this unit
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment). The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
Evidence of competency is best obtained by observing activities in the response to a waste emergency in a variety of waste environments. If this is not practicable, observations in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.
Consistency in performance
Assessment requires that the plan meets the objectives of the client and that it complies with industry expectations in the particular client environment. If the environment is narrowly defined or is not representative of industry needs, it may be necessary to use simulated emergencies with a variety of waste characteristics to assess competency in waste emergency response.
Oral questioning or written assessment and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning and written audit, questions are to be identical.)
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
Note: All practical demonstrations must adhere to the safety and environmental regulations relevant to each state or territory.
Key competency levels
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added.
Information below highlights how these processes are applied in this competency standard.
1 | Perform the process | 2 | Perform and administer the process | 3 | Perform, administer and design the process |
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How can communication of ideas and information be applied? | 2 | Communicate concisely, clearly and effectively to relevant personnel. |
How can information be collected, analysed and organised? | 2 | Gather information from a number of sources (including regulatory sources and company requirements) about the correct response to waste emergency. |
How are activities planned and organised? | 1 | Plan detailed requirements throughout the response to waste emergency. |
How can teamwork be applied? | 1 | Liaise effectively with relevant personnel to respond to waste emergency. |
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied? | 1 | Document mathematical components of the response to waste emergency report/s. |
How can problem-solving skills be applied? | 2 | Identify possible problems and solutions that may occur throughout the process of responding to waste emergency. |
How can the use of technology be applied? | 2 | Demonstrate the use of technology in a prompt and efficient manner to response to waste emergency. |