VU23481 - Apply occupational health and safety principles in an engineering environment

Unit code: VU23481 | Study level: TAFE
Nominal hours:
20
Location
Sunshine
Prerequisites
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply occupational health and safety (OHS) principles in an engineering or similar work environment
It requires the ability to follow safety procedures, read and interpret safety signs and symbols, identify hazards and apply risk control measures, use safe manual handling procedures and correctly select and fit personal protective equipment (PPE).The unit applies to a person working at entry level in an engineering or manufacturing workplace undertaking a range of well-defined tasks.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment tasks will be designed to reinforce & extend knowledge and skill competence within set & controlled parameters in accordance with each unit's learning outcomes & performance criteria requirements, including the setting of work-based practical application tasks designed to provide evidence of competence outcomes, within periodic and scheduled timelines.

Students will be expected to demonstrate the following required skills:

  • select, fit, wear and store at least three (3) examples appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • follow safe work practices in the workplace
  • maintain a safe and clean work area
  • use at least two (2) examples of safety equipment and devices
  • apply manual handling principles
  • use emergency equipment correctly
  • identify least three (3) workplace hazards and recommend control measure/s for each
  • follow emergency and evacuation procedures
  • interpret and communicate information appropriate to OHS within the scope of this unit
  • identify and follow information given by at least three (3) safety signs and/or symbols.

Students will also be expected to demonstrate the following knowledge:

  • The basic legal requirements covering occupational health and safety in the workplace encompassing:
    o underlying principles of OHS
    o general aims and objectives of the relevant state or territory legislation relating to OHS.
    o employer and employee responsibilities, rights and obligation
  • The work environment encompassing:
    o procedures used to control the risks associated with hazards
    o principles of risk assessment / management and the purpose of each
    o hierarchy of OHS hazard control measures
    o required documentation for risk assessment.
    o typical hazards associated with a range of engineering work environments
  • physical:
  • machinery
  • hot metal
  • electricity
  • fire
  • 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
  • material safety data sheets (MSDS/SDS)
    o personal protective equipment (PPE) such as:
  • safety glasses
  • face and head protection
  • hard hats
  • protective footwear
  • protective clothing
  • breathing apparatus
  • ear protection
  • gloves
    o housekeeping and potential hazards in relation to poor housekeeping:
  • spills
  • trip hazards such as congestion, clutter, waste build-up
  • cleanliness
    o appropriate equipment and safety devices for particular workplace tasks:
  • safety harness
  • screens, barriers and shielding
  • extraction fans
  • machine guards
  • isolation devices
    o commonly used workplace safety signs
    o typical classes of relevant signs/symbols are:
  • mandatory
  • prohibition
  • danger
  • caution
  • general safety
  • safety information
  • fire safety equipment.
    o workplace emergencies that pose a threat to health and safety and suitable procedure for an emergency workplace evacuation.
    o appropriate fire extinguisher for a given type of fire.
    o basic process of fighting a fire.
    o standard work procedure/standard operating procedures.
  • Manual Handling encompassing:
    o typical manual handling injuries and the effect they can have on lifestyle
    o situations that may cause manual handling injuries
    o correct procedures for lifting and carrying to prevent manual handling injuries
    o posture, weight limits, bending, twisting.

Required reading

The qualified trainer and assessor will provide teaching and learning materials as required in the form of workbooks produced by Victoria University and/or via the Victoria University e-learning system.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Certificate II in Engineering Studies
22632VIC | Certificate ii | Duration:

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

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