Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
24/07/2026 5:21 AM AWST
24/07/2026 5:21 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Apply principles of occupational health and safety in the work environment
Apply principles of occupational health and safety in the work environment
Unit of competency
National Code
MEM13014A
MEM13014A
State Code
W5502
W5502
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
29/08/2014
Field of Education
061301 - Occupational Health And Safety
Original Release Date
29/08/2014
Nominal Hours
4
Description
This unit covers following occupational health and safety procedures in an engineering or similar work environment.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Follow safe work practices
- 1.1. Work is carried out safely and in accordance with company policy and procedures and legislative requirements.
- 1.2. Housekeeping is undertaken in accordance with company procedures.
- 1.3. Responsibilities and duties of employees are understood and demonstrated in day-to-day actions.
- 1.4. Personal protective equipment is worn and stored according to company procedures.
- 1.5. All safety equipment and devices are used according to legislative requirements and company/manufacturers' procedures.
- 1.6. Safety signs/symbols are identified and followed as per instruction.
- 1.7. All manual handling is carried out in accordance with legal requirements, company procedures and National Occupational Health&Safety Commission guidelines.
- 1.8. Emergency equipment is identified and appropriate use is demonstrated.
2. Report workplace hazards and accidents
- 2.1. Actual and foreseeable workplace hazards are identified during course of work and reported to appropriate person according to standard operating procedures.
- 2.2. Accidents and incidents are reported according to workplace procedures
3. Follow emergency procedures
- 3.1. Appropriate personnel and emergency services and means of contacting them in the event of an incident can be identified.
- 3.2. Emergency and evacuation procedures are understood and carried out where required.
- 3.3. Company evacuation procedures are followed in case of an emergency.
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.
Personal protective equipment
Safety glasses
Face and head protection
Hard hats
Protective footwear
Protective clothing
Breathing apparatus
Ear protection
Gloves
Safety equipment and devices
Safety harness
Screens, barriers and shielding
Extraction fans
Machine guards
Isolation devices
Safety signs/symbols
Standard signage/symbols conforming to AS 1319-1994
Safety signs for the occupational environment, and any other applicable Australian Standards
Workplace-specific signage
Typical classes of relevant signs/symbols are:
mandatory
prohibition
danger
caution
general safety
safety information
fire safety equipment
Manual handling
Posture, weight limits, bending, twisting
Hazards
For the purposes of this unit a hazard is defined as anything with the potential for injury or damage. Hazards may be:
physical:
machinery
hot metal
electricity
fire
poor housekeeping:
spills
trip hazards such as congestion, clutter, waste build-up
cleanliness
noise and vibration
extremes of temperature and humidity
condition/design of equipment
individual (behavioural):
skylarking and foolishness
substance abuse
failure to follow procedures
lack of training or experience
carelessness
poor personal health/hygiene
using the wrong techniques/procedures
ignoring safety rules and signs
taking short cuts
knowingly using unsafe equipment
environmental hazards:
explosive materials
flammable materials
poor ventilation
poor lighting
dust
fumes
vapours
gases
liquids
mineral fibres
chemical spills
pollutants
other toxic or dangerous materials
Accidents and incidents
For the purposes of this unit an accident is defined as 'an unplanned and unexpected event which interrupts the normal course of activity. It may or may not result in damage or injury'. This definition includes near misses.
An incident is defined here as any other unexpected or extraordinary event not classed as an accident. Examples include:
burns
poisoning
broken limbs
eye accidents
other injuries
spills
explosions
falls
electrical accidents
breakdowns
damage to equipment or materials/product
incidents involving physical, individual or environmental hazards
Appropriate personnel
Safety representative
Occupational health and safety officer
OHS committee member
First aid officer
Supervisor
Union representative
Emergency and evacuation procedures
Documented workplace emergency procedures
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.
Personal protective equipment
Safety glasses
Face and head protection
Hard hats
Protective footwear
Protective clothing
Breathing apparatus
Ear protection
Gloves
Safety equipment and devices
Safety harness
Screens, barriers and shielding
Extraction fans
Machine guards
Isolation devices
Safety signs/symbols
Standard signage/symbols conforming to AS 1319-1994
Safety signs for the occupational environment, and any other applicable Australian Standards
Workplace-specific signage
Typical classes of relevant signs/symbols are:
mandatory
prohibition
danger
caution
general safety
safety information
fire safety equipment
Manual handling
Posture, weight limits, bending, twisting
Hazards
For the purposes of this unit a hazard is defined as anything with the potential for injury or damage. Hazards may be:
physical:
machinery
hot metal
electricity
fire
poor housekeeping:
spills
trip hazards such as congestion, clutter, waste build-up
cleanliness
noise and vibration
extremes of temperature and humidity
condition/design of equipment
individual (behavioural):
skylarking and foolishness
substance abuse
failure to follow procedures
lack of training or experience
carelessness
poor personal health/hygiene
using the wrong techniques/procedures
ignoring safety rules and signs
taking short cuts
knowingly using unsafe equipment
environmental hazards:
explosive materials
flammable materials
poor ventilation
poor lighting
dust
fumes
vapours
gases
liquids
mineral fibres
chemical spills
pollutants
other toxic or dangerous materials
Accidents and incidents
For the purposes of this unit an accident is defined as 'an unplanned and unexpected event which interrupts the normal course of activity. It may or may not result in damage or injury'. This definition includes near misses.
An incident is defined here as any other unexpected or extraordinary event not classed as an accident. Examples include:
burns
poisoning
broken limbs
eye accidents
other injuries
spills
explosions
falls
electrical accidents
breakdowns
damage to equipment or materials/product
incidents involving physical, individual or environmental hazards
Appropriate personnel
Safety representative
Occupational health and safety officer
OHS committee member
First aid officer
Supervisor
Union representative
Emergency and evacuation procedures
Documented workplace emergency procedures
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 person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to apply principles of occupational health and safety in the work environment.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
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 in new and different situations and contexts.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
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, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with applying principles of occupational health and safety in the work environment or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
Method of assessment
Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.
Guidance information for assessment
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 person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to apply principles of occupational health and safety in the work environment.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
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 in new and different situations and contexts.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
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, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.
This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with applying principles of occupational health and safety in the work environment or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.
Method of assessment
Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.
Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAV23 | MEM13015 | Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering | Unit of competency |