Description

Pre-Requisites

Application of Unit

This competency is performed by all operators in all plants. It reflects the regulatory requirements and the industry's concern to operate in an environmentally friendly manner.

The operator will:

• identify activities/materials likely to be an environmental issue
• take the appropriate action on environmental issues as required.

Performance Criteria

Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Context
This competency applies to all work environments and sectors in the industries. Responses are restricted to a 'first response' approach, including the notifying of appropriate organisation personnel.

Procedures
All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

Tools and equipment
This competency includes use of equipment and tools such as:

• PPE
• spill kits.

Hazards
Typical workplace hazards include:

• chemicals and hazardous materials
• gases and liquids under pressure
• moving machinery
• materials handling.

Emissions/discharges
Typical emissions/discharges include:

• noise
• light
• odour
• gas
• smoke vapour
• liquid and solids
• particulates
• fumes.

Problems
Respond to routine problems means 'apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems'. Typical problems include:

• required information/materials not available
• required tool/equipment not available

Evidence Guide

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment
A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the knowledge and skills defined in this unit. These may include the ability to identify actual and potential environmental breaches as appropriate to the job level.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. For example, look to see that:

• standard procedures are followed
• deviations from desired conditions are recognised
• action specified in the standard procedures is carried out
• the impact of work practices/actions on the environment is understood.

Assessment method and context
Assessment will occur using a simulation and will occur in a work like environment.

Competence in this unit may be assessed:

• by observation over time on a processing plant
• in a situation allowing the generation of evidence of the ability to respond to problems
• by using a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
• through a combination of these techniques.

Required skills
Language, literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires the ability to read and understand typical product specifications, job sheets, procedures and work instructions, material labels and safety information as provided to operators.

Writing is required to the level of completing workplace forms.

Basic numeracy is required to the extent required by work instructions and procedures.

Required knowledge
Knowledge and understanding is required of organisation environment protection systems, procedures and equipment sufficient to for work activities.

Knowledge is required of organisation standard procedures and work instructions and relevant regulatory requirements, along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the operation of the system.

Competence includes an awareness of: 

• internal environmental control standards
• severity of environmental risks from materials and work processes used
• likely impact on the environment of materials and process.

Competency also includes an awareness of the local environment and environmental issues such as:

• sensitive waterways/wetlands
• flows from the plant to the environment (eg through sandy soil, local creek)
• particular environmental threats posed by materials and processes used and the work practices required to minimise these threats. 

Also required is the ability to:

• communicate using in-plant reporting systems - verbal, electronic and written
• initiate first response to an environmental incident in accordance with SOPs
• use containment equipment
• use personal protective equipment
• use other required resources.