Monitor Environmental Work Practices
MONITOR
ENVIRONMENTAL
WORK PRACTICES
BOOK 3 – Community Services / Health
REGIONAL AUSTRALIAN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
“DRIVEN BY LOCAL INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY”
A Commonwealth of Australia project funded by:
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Materials produced by:
Regional Skills Training Pty Ltd
1
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
These interactive workbooks were produced by Regional Skills Training and funded by DEEWR (Department of Education,
Employment and Workplace Relations) and are intended for free use to any student, RTO or school. Note the work is copyright
and should not be reproduced or copied for commercial gain.
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CONTENTS
 1.
Introduction and how to use these materials
03
 2.
What are these learning materials about
04
Employability skills
04
Identify resources used in your workplace
05
3.1
Accurately measure resource use and efficiency issues
07
3.2
Appropriately record resource usage
07
Recognise and report basic environmental hazards and threats
09
Lets discuss ways to help our environment
11
Follow work procedures and environmental practices
18
5.1
Changing your work practices
20
5.2
Suggesting new work practices
20
5.3
Communicating changes to work procedures
21
Comply with environmental legislation, policies and practices
22
Identify your legal obligations and report breaches or potential breaches to appropriate people
22
 7.
Being confident about your skill levels
24
 8.
Sustainable practices for the community services and health environment
25
 9.
Legislation and planning for the environment
27
2.1
 3.
 4.
4.1
 5.
 6.
6.1
 10. What are the specific environmental waste issues that are applicable to your work place 28
 11. Consider behavioural change for sustainability 29
 12. Solutions for the environment
31
 13. Support others in implementing sustainable practices
34
 14. Assessment
35
 15. Bibliography and Useful Websites
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Monitor Environmental Work Practices
1.INTRODUCTION
HOW TO USE THESE MATERIALS
This set of workbooks relates to environmental work
practices, procedures and responsibilities, appropriate
to people employed in a range of workplaces in the
rural, regional and remote sectors of Australia. Skills
and knowledge developed will ensure your work meets
environmentally acceptable work practices for your
industry sector. Resources and activities provided are
designed to develop your skills and provide formative
assessments to monitor progress.
Completion of appropriate summative assessments provided by
your Registered Training Organisation (RTO) will enable you to
achieve competency in the unit applicable to your sector.
Look at the table below to select the correct book to
complete according to your job and industry sector.
Participants must complete all assessment requirements and
activities in their appropriate book.
Sector
Unit code
Unit name
What section/s
do I need to complete
Primary Industries
AHCWRK313A Implement and Monitor Environmentally
Sustainable Work Practices
Book 2
Business Services
BSBSUS201A
Participate in Environmentally
Sustainable Work Practices
Book 1
Resources, Infrastructure
Mining
BSBSUS201A
Participate in Environmentally Sustainable
Work Practices is listed as a general
elective for RII20109 Certificate 2 in
Resources and Infrastructure Work
Preparation
Book 1
Community and Health
Services
CHCPR302A
Support Sustainable Practice
Book 3
Local Government/
Civil Construction work in
an administration/office/
indoor capacity
BSBSUS201A
No environmental units listed in the
qualification packaging rules for:
Book 1
LGA20104 Certificate 2 in Local Government
RII20709 Certificate 2 in Civil Construction
It is recommended that BSBSUS201A is
completed as an elective
Local Government/ Civil
Construction work in an
outdoor/ natural resource
management/ parks and
gardens capacity
AHCWRK313A No environmental units listed in the
qualification packaging rules for:
LGA20104 Certificate 2 in Local Government
RII20709 Certificate 2 in Civil Construction
It is recommended that AHCWRK313A is
completed as an elective
Book 2
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Monitor Environmental Work Practices
2.LEARNING MATERIALS
WHAT ARE THEY ABOUT?
The learning materials discuss issues related to Environmental Work Practices including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Identify resources used in your workplace
Accurately measure resource use and efficiency issues
Appropriately record resource usage
Recognise and report basic environmental hazards and threats
Maintain and monitor positive environmental work practices
Follow and give workplace directions and instructions
Seek opportunities to improve resource efficiency and environmental performance
Follow organisational plans and work procedures
Work as a team to identify areas for improvement
Comply with relevant environmental legislation, policies and workplace/industry practices
Report compliance breaches or potential breaches to appropriate people
2.1 EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
The learning materials provide opportunities to develop and apply employability skills that are learnt throughout work and life
to your job.
The statements below indicate how these processes are applied in the workplace related to environmental work practices.
In completing your daily work tasks, activities and summative assessments you must be able to demonstrate competent
“employability skills” in the workplace
Communicating ideas and information
Verbally with supervisors and work colleagues on environmental work
practices and potential hazards and risks.
Collecting analysing and organising information
Through maintaining and analysing environmental records.
Planning and organising activities
According to enterprise environmental practices and policies.
Working with others and in teams
Through working with others to follow and improve environmental practices.
Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Through quantification (e.g. counting, estimating areas) of environmental
hazards or problems and through collection of data.
Solving problems
Through recognition of and responses to environment hazards and risks, and
determining ways that work practices can be more environmentally friendly.
Using technology
Technology may be required to record information, deal with
environmental hazards, and improve work practices to be more
environmentally friendly.
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Monitor Environmental Work Practices
3.IDENTIFY
RESOURCES USED IN YOUR WORKPLACE
Do you recognise the different resources used by your workplace?
To accurately identify the resources used it is often a good idea to develop a list of the business processes related to each
product and/or service.
Some typical work areas that you could be involved in and able to write a process list for might include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Receiving goods
Storing goods
Manufacturing Processes
Packaging / storage
Process Clean-up
Waste Disposal
Production systems
Office administration
Building/grounds Maintenance
Transport / Shipping Product
Transportation (including employee, sales, and management staff, parking)
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 ACTIVITY 1
Write a process list for your workplace. Limit yourself to the specific area/tasks in which you are involved.
For this list you need to think about the resources that are used to complete each process
Process List/job task
Resources used
i.e. Receive goods to warehouse
i.e. Electricity for lights, fuel in forklift, fuel for carrier to bring goods to
warehouse, paper for recording deliveries
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3.1 ACCURATELY MEASURE RESOURCE USE
AND EFFICIENCY ISSUES
Now that you have a better understanding of your work processes and the resources that are used, consider activities that
may improve your performance and improve efficiency issues. Suggested activities may include:
• ensuring environmental management is an integral part of every task completed
• forming a “cleaner production team” and making sure everyone knows they can talk to each other and team leaders/
supervisors about concerns and issues
• brainstorming to create a list of improvement options for eliminating/ reducing wastage
• making sure you know who to contact if you encounter an environmental problem beyond your capability
• attend training in all aspects of your job that may affect the environment
3.2 APPROPRIATELY RECORD RESOURCE USAGE
It doesn’t matter what environmental measures are put in place, you won’t be able to measure the effectiveness
of activities unless appropriate records are maintained in your workplace. Have you asked your supervisor
what records need to be maintained?
Keeping environmental records is often necessary for meeting legislative requirements. These are the “must do” records.
Other “useful” records, selected as relevant by each business, are vital tools for use by management and workers for
improved environmental planning and risk management purposes.
You cannot rely on your memory so you need to record activities and decisions that are applicable to the environmental
and risk management aspects of your job. You become a very important part of your workplace if you diligently help with
completing any required forms or records. Through correct record keeping processes the business can:
•
•
•
•
satisfy legal requirements
identify areas where efficiencies can be introduced
enable management to monitor business, exercise control and make informed decisions related to environmental management
use information from the past to plan for the future
The records that should be kept will vary between different workplaces, however there are some common sense rules.
• don’t waste time keeping records that will never be used
• keep records simple and easy to use to encourage everyone to use the system
• make sure information is recorded accurately. Bad records can lead to poor decisions
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How will everybody in the workplace benefit from keeping records?
Good record keeping will help everyone in the workplace to:
• make better decisions and support each other to minimise environmental risks and hazards
• achieve everyone’s commitment to the workplace environmental plan
• analyse where better efficiencies can be introduced
 ACTIVITY 2
Complete the table below regarding the records that you are required to keep in your workplace.
Remember the records under discussion here are those related to environmental management
Type of record
Why is record required
How is the record used in the business
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4.RECOGNISE
AND REPORT BASIC ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS AND THREATS
Reporting environmental hazards
Do you know who to talk to or contact if you see an environmental hazard in your workplace? This might be the occupational
health and safety officer, the environmental officer or your supervisor.
Write the name and job title of that person here:
Most workplaces have a set procedure for reporting environmental hazards. Sometimes it is necessary to make a written
report. In other situations, it may be enough simply to tell the appropriate person.
Sometimes reports of environmental hazards are required for legal reasons, but the most important reason to report a hazard
is so that something can be done immediately to remove it.
For example, if you find cleaning solvent leaking in the storeroom, you should report it or clean it up straight away. Remember
that any work with chemicals should be completed using correct personal protective equipment.
Do you know why you should act?
Spilt cleaning solvent could start a fire, or it could send poisonous fumes throughout the office. By reporting it as soon as
you find it, the cleaning solvent can be mopped up before it causes any damage. A simple action on your behalf improves the
environmental performance of the business.
Identifying potential environmental hazards
It is important to keep a thorough check on workplace practices and habits to ensure environmental performance is
satisfactory. The best place to start is to measure how the business is performing now related to environmental performance.
Once a base performance measurement is achieved then regular “spot checks” will ensure procedures and performance are
maintained. An environmental assessment can be invaluable in highlighting areas of poor performance and helping you and
the business set goals for improvement.
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Monitor Environmental Work Practices
 ACTIVITY 3
My workplace environmental survey. Complete a walk around survey and list your results in the table below
Ask your supervisor for permission to conduct a survey of your workplace. It would be ideal if he/she could be with you as
this is completed to ensure you are welcome in all areas and don’t interfere with work tasks.
This simple task requires that you walk around and really LOOK at areas of environmental impacts and inefficiency in your
workplace. Many of these areas are often caused by bad habits that are easy to spot and straightforward to fix. They can
generally be broken down into four key categories:
•
•
•
•
energy
water
waste
pollution
Remember to be polite and diplomatic. You will be looking at the work practices and habits of people who have
been in the workplace much longer than you!
Identified environmental
hazard
Suggested improvement
Suggested way to
monitor success of
the improvement
Additional improvements
after looking at Activity 4
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Now that you have completed your walk around survey, compare your suggestions with the extensive list of ideas and
suggestions below. Some of the suggestions will relate to office work and others relate to work outdoors.
Are your suggestions included or are other suggestions for improvement also possible? Are any of these suggestions better
than your list in the table above. If so then add them to your list
4.1 LETS DISCUSS WAYS TO HELP OUR ENVIRONMENT
Many of these ideas may already be used in your workplace. Others may be suitable and should be introduced.
 ACTIVITY 4
Fill in the columns below after looking carefully at your workplace.
• Put a big tick in the YES column if you already do something listed
• Put a big tick in the second column if you like an idea and think it should be a part of your workplace
• The third column is for your suggestions as to how a new idea might be implemented
Think about what needs to be done, equipment required etc
Choosing Energy Sources
Yes!
Will! What do we need to do to implement this idea
Yes!
Will! What do we need to do to implement this idea
Use alternative energy sources such as solar,
bio-ethanol and wind energy.
Use a clean fuel such as LPG or methanol.
Use fuels with the least greenhouse impact.
Using energy and resources
carefully-Lighting
Switch off the office lights when no one is in the room.
Use the most efficient lights possible to save power
as well as reduce air conditioning loads and reduce
labour needed to change globes.
Install skylights or look at ways to maximise the use
of natural daylight.
Use time switches to control the amount of time that
lights are switched on. Push-button or time-delay
switches will provide a pre set period of light (from
10 seconds to 30 hours)
Use sensors to automatically switch lights on or off
by detecting existing light levels or the movement
of people.
Use voltage reduction equipment wired into the
lighting power supply to reduce the voltage applied
to all lights.
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Energy saver functions
Yes!
Will! What do we need to do to implement this idea
Yes!
Will! What do we need to do to implement this idea
Turn on the energy saver feature on computers and
other office equipment. This will turn off your screen
when you haven’t touched the computer for a while.
Use energy efficient office equipment and power
saving functions where they will be most effective.
Minimise expenditure on space heating. At 20 °C,
a 1 °C increase can cost about 20 per cent more.
Insulate rooms to minimise energy waste.
Fit self closing doors to reduce heat (or cold) loss
from draughts.
Minimise the use of hot water as it costs much more
than cold water.
Require suppliers to quote the energy consumption
and costs of a new piece of equipment.
Heating and cooling
Use zoning functions on heating and cooling systems
and close off unused rooms
Use programmable thermostats that can be timed to
switch on cooling or heating 30 minutes before work
and to switch off when the building is empty.
Reduce the need for air conditioning by installing
adequate insulation and shading from direct sunlight
Rather than heating/cooling the entire building,
use refrigerated air-conditioning or fans for small
areas when needed.
Discourage the use of personal radiators and fans.
If it’s cooler outside, switch off cooling inside and
open doors and windows to let cooler air in.
Practice responsible energy accounting. Track
monthly energy consumption and costs to identify
potential problems and ways to improve efficiency.
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Monitor Environmental Work Practices
Office equipment
Use plug-in timers on equipment to avoid it being
left on unnecessarily
Activate the sleep mode of equipment. Check
regularly that sleep mode stays activated
Purchase one machine that photocopies, faxes,
scans and prints to save on maintenance and
operating costs
Set up your fax number to go direct to computer files
instead of printing faxes on paper.
Set systems up so that everyone can send faxes
directly from their computer instead of printing out
and putting on the fax machine.
Fill the fax paper tray with paper that has already
been printed on one side.
Instead of setting your computer to have a screen
saver come on after a period of inactivity, set it to
shut down the monitor and save energy.
Encourage the use of refilled ink and toner
cartridges.
Yes!
Will! What do we need to do to implement this idea
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Save Paper
Send a message by email instead of a
paper memo or fax.
Photocopy only the pages you need. Don’t make
extra copies unless you are told to.
Use the Print preview feature on your computer to
check your document before printing it. If you have
made a mistake, you can correct it before you print it.
Make the size of the print font smaller so more
words can fit on the page.
Reuse paper by using both sides where possible ie
use the back page to receive faxes or use old paper
as notepads.
Reduce your paper use by up to 50% by using the
‘print two pages to a sheet’ function on your printer
Set your office printers and photocopiers to use the
double-sided function wherever possible.
Use PowerPoint for presentations and reports
instead of printing notes. If people want a copy,
email it to them after the meeting.
Reduce your default font size by one point. The
difference will be barely noticeable, but over time
will save paper and printer toner!
Reduce your page margin settings by 1 or 1.5
centimetres to fit more information on the page and
use less paper.
Reduce the volume of paper you use by training
yourself and colleagues to send electronic versions
of documents rather than hard printed copies.
Reuse manila folders and lever arch folders as much
as you can.
Use internal mail envelopes that can be used
numerous times.
Eliminate unnecessary copies, notes, and memos by:
– Posting office announcements in central locations
– Sharing and circulating documents
– Setting up central filing systems
Yes!
Will! What do we need to do to implement this idea
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Water consumption
Yes!
Will! What do we need to do to implement this idea
Yes!
Will! What do we need to do to implement this idea
Yes!
Will! What do we need to do to implement this idea
Don’t waste water or avoid using water wherever
possible — use a dry technique such as a broom,
vacuum cleaner or compressed air jet.
Fix dripping taps and leaking pipes and install water
saving accessories around your workplace.
Reuse waste water if at all possible.
Where possible utilise harvested rainwater.
General office efficiency
Install a function for saving emails directly to a
server or database. Make sure everyone knows how
and where to save information.
Use ‘rewritable’ CDs or reusable memory sticks that
can be used over and over again.
Train people how to burn CDs using multiple
sessions on a disk instead of once-only, so you can
get much more use out of every CD.
Reduce garbage by buying products that can
be refilled (such as some laundry detergents,
highlighters and ball point pens).
Waste handling and disposal techniques
Make sure you know where every type of waste
should go.
Dispose of materials using a reputable and correctly
licensed contractor.
Clearly label recycling and waste bins. Use colour coding
and/or pictures to indicate what each bin’s purpose is.
This can be extremely important in a workplace where
English is not everyone’s first language.
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Chemical use and storage of chemicals
Substitute toxic materials with non-toxic materials
where possible.
Have a material safety data sheet (MSDS) for all
chemicals to ensure appropriate skills and capacity
to store and use the product properly. Keep a list of
all chemicals stored.
Ensure lighting is adequate to avoid accumulation of
mess and to allow fault detection
Store materials where a spill cannot contaminate
the soil and ensure that materials in storage cannot
collect, contaminate or mix with rainwater
Store liquids indoors or undercover, on a sealed
surface and within a bunded area.
Store oils and chemicals in original closed containers.
Ensure chemicals cannot react with others stored
nearby. For example, acids should not be stored
beside alkalis as they can react together violently.
Include planning for fire and other emergencies
when planning storage locations.
Ensure storage tanks, including those underground,
are not leaking.
Yes!
Will! What do we need to do to implement this idea
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Protect the waterways/
control washing and spills
Yes!
Will! What do we need to do to implement this idea
Yes!
Will! What do we need to do to implement this idea
Ensure that all stormwater drains and sewer entry
points are correctly and clearly marked.
Fit litter traps onto stormwater inlets to stop rubbish
going to the local water systems.
Prevent sediment from construction sites entering
stormwater drains by using straw bales or fabric filters.
Prevent contamination of rainwater by roofing over
areas where spills can occur.
Avoid washing equipment, transferring chemicals,
opening liquid containers and filling tanks where
spillage could flow to a creek or stormwater drain.
Keep large exterior work areas clean to significantly
improve water quality.
Never tip oils, paints, solvents or any pollutant onto the
ground or down a drain. Ensure workers can quickly and
effectively block stormwater drains in an emergency.
Be prepared for spills and respond to them
immediately (do not hose them away).
Keep a spill kit on site for cleaning up any spills.
Reducing odour and air emissions
When working with solvents and odorous
materials, use a fume hood or spray booth to
reduce the vapours leaving the area.
Use low odour products and materials.
Minimise the quantities of solvents and other
volatile materials used.
Activity: In the final column in Activity 3 on page 10. List a second suggested method of reducing risk for each
of your workplace issues. You may have several new ideas from the list above.
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5.FOLLOW
WORK PROCEDURES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES
Let’s review what you have covered so far. All of the activities have been completed with your workplace firmly in your mind.
You have looked at:
•
•
•
•
what environmental resources are used
what records are kept
how the records are used
what hazards exist
Basically this means that you should now have a clearer understanding of the way your workplace impacts on the
environment and the hazards and risks that exist.
You have a good understanding of “immediate issues” and recognise that the fundamental starting point for moving
towards environmental sustainability in any business is accurately recognising the key environmental issues relevant to your
workplace
All businesses have some impact on the environment. Even the simple act of switching on a light has an environmental
impact. As a business owner, manager, or employee, it is your responsibility to ensure that your environmental impact is
managed appropriately and minimised where possible.
Now you need to consider how to achieve “sustainable” outcomes.
There are legal responsibilities for business owners, managers and employees to manage their environmental impacts. In
simple terms those legal responsibilities are that you must not:
“Undertake an activity that pollutes, or might pollute, the environment unless the person takes all reasonable
and practicable measures to prevent or minimise any resulting environmental harm”
Every business should have a series of steps that can be completed to properly manage environmentally sustainable
practices. These steps need to be developed to specifically suit an individual business and should include:
• managing their impact on the environment through developing and implementing sustainable work procedures
• compliance with legal responsibilities
• performing regular environmental audits to help assess which areas of the business impact on the environment, and to
what extent
• using sustainable resources
• employing proper recycling and waste reduction measures
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 ACTIVITY 5
Developing an environmental policy
As a new employee it is unlikely that you will have an immediate impact on policy and work procedure development.
However it is a useful exercise to complete a basic environmental policy for your workplace related to the particular tasks
that you complete. A basic template is included below and will help guide your thoughts in developing your own policy.
My Workplace Environmental Policy
I (employee):
acknowledge that everything I do in the day to day operation of my job could impact in a detrimental way on
the environment, unless I take the necessary care and responsibility to prevent environmental damage.
I acknowledge the benefits of environmental management and will take all reasonable and practical measures to prevent
or minimise harm to the environment. I will communicate all environmental concerns to my supervisor/employer.
The activities and tasks that I am involved in that could impact on the environment include:
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
I (supervisor/employer):
agree that the above list is accurate related to potential environmental impacts and that
employee:
is provided every support/opportunity to minimise impacts in their everyday work tasks.
Employee name:
Supervisor name:
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5.1 CHANGING YOUR WORK PRACTICES
“ Why does this happen when I have just become used to doing a job one way”
Changes to workplace procedures and practices are quite common and businesses regularly make changes to improve the
way things are done. As businesses are becoming more aware of environmental issues in the workplace, many workplaces
are introducing environmental rules that workers are expected to follow.
If you are not sure about a rule or new practice that has been introduced or you are simply new to the job always ask
questions. Remember that no question is ever silly. Typical questions may include:
•
•
•
•
What is the reason for the change?
What do I have to do?
When do I have to change the way I do things?
Who do I talk to if I am having problems doing a task in the new way?
When you first start work, your supervisor will explain the things you have to do that will help the environment. Some
workplaces have posters, signs or instructions displayed to remind you what to do. It is important that you don’t forget what
you have been told, or ignore the importance of your environmental responsibilities.
You will become a valuable member of your workplace if you do your job well, take responsibility for your tasks and also look
after the environment. As an employee you are responsible for your own safety in the workplace. It makes sense that you
also actively take responsibility for your actions to protect the environment. In activity 3, you completed an “environmental
walk” around your workplace. This has helped you become familiar with actual and potential risks as well as solutions.
It is very easy to get busy with the day to day tasks related to doing your job. You may also feel under pressure to meet
deadlines. This can create situations where it is easy to “forget” the importance of the extra step that may be needed to look
after the environment or to increase care thus reducing the chance of an accident that could affect the environment.
Tips to help you remember:
• keep any information you are given in a file so you can refer to it later
• write suggestions you are given in a notebook
• always ask questions if you don’t understand anything
5.2 SUGGESTING NEW WORK PRACTICES
“I have ideas of my own but I feel silly suggesting them”
Opportunities to improve resource efficiency and environmental performance should always be considered. However, if you
are new to an organisation, or if you are a shy person, it’s often difficult to suggest an idea. If you have an idea that you
think will be good for your workplace perhaps discuss it first with a workmate or ask someone else to talk about it with the
supervisor. It doesn’t matter who makes suggestions, as long as they are made!
It is also important to remember that suggestions for improvements don’t have to be about big things. Every little bit counts.
Employers are always happy to hear about sensible ideas for improvement that will help the environment and the business as
it demonstrates that you are actively thinking about ways to improve the workplace.
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5.3 COMMUNICATING CHANGES TO WORK PROCEDURES
Whenever changes are made in the workplace, it is important that people understand what is being done, why it is being
done and are encouraged to provide feedback. As an employee you need to make sure you understand all new instructions
and actively participate in establishing any new initiatives.
Some good communication strategies and ways to maintain staff motivation may include:
• providing instructions in as many ways as possible such as by email, putting signs on noticeboards or verbally during meetings
• keeping abreast of the latest environmental practices and advances in your industry and share them with your
colleagues so you all feel like pioneers
• making waste and the environment a permanent agenda item in monthly staff meetings. This gives everybody the
opportunity to voice their opinions and give feedback
• clearly explaining the benefits of any initiative you may suggest. This will help maintain the support of management,
encourage participation and can be used as a promotional tool to industry, stakeholders and potential clients
• clearly highlighting results and achievements in waste reduction targets and environmental management initiatives
 ACTIVITY 6
In the table below provide an answer to the waste issues listed. Complete the rest of the available space listing
waste issues and your solutions that are specific to your workplace
Waste Issue
Excessive energy consumption by equipment
Excessive paper use
Dealing with organic food waste
Reducing water use
Dealing with fat/oil/grease
What is your waste reduction idea
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6.COMPLY
WITH RELEVANT ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION,
POLICIES AND WORKPLACE/INDUSTRY PRACTICES
Australian, state and territory environment legislation applies to certain business activities and is administered by both state
and local governments in the form of licences and permits.
Every workplace will have some legislative requirement related to the environment. Every worker should be aware of their
responsibility as well as the overall responsibility of the business.
6.1 IDENTIFY YOUR LEGAL OBLIGATIONS AND REPORT
BREACHES OR POTENTIAL BREACHES TO
APPROPRIATE PEOPLE
Your workplace operations may have many activities but they may not all be significant from an environmental perspective.
Talk to your supervisor and workmates and ensure that you have a clear understanding of the legal requirements specific to
your workplace.
List each of the legal requirements in Activity 7. Against each of the requirements list who participates in compliance
procedures and how compliance is monitored.
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 ACTIVITY 7
Complete the table below. If you are unsure of the legal compliance requirements talk to your supervisor and
ask their help as you complete the table.
Legal requirement
Who participates
in compliance
procedures
How is
compliance
monitored
What paperwork
is completed to
ensure compliance
Who do I report
breaches of
compliance
/hazards to?
Eg. Must have
chemical accreditation
to purchase,
transport,use S7
chemicals
– Any person in the
workplace who will
purchase, transport,
use S7 chemicals
– Chemical
accreditation must be
current for 5 yrs
– Chemical
store manifest
Immediate report to
manager to ensure
appropriate action
– Paddock
– Employer must keep spray record
records that show
chemicals are handled
and used by trained,
accredited staff
– If a spill occurs
– If a drift incident
occurs
– If a poisoning occurs
– Chemical resellers
must have a record of
accreditation numbers
before selling chemical
When you are researching legal requirements the list below should be considered to ensure you have thought of all
possibilities for your workplace.
•
•
•
•
•
Water pollution, air pollution
Worker health and safety
Chemical spill and drift
Waste disposal
Biodiversity damage
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7.BEING CONFIDENT
ABOUT YOUR SKILL LEVELS IN THE WORKPLACE
After finishing all of the activities in this workbook you should be able to competently complete final summative assessments.
Do you feel that you are confident about your skill levels in the workplace related to environmental management?
Use the table below to help you check your skills. Before commencing your final assessments it is important to review any
sections in which you feel unsure.
Remember: it is always OK to ask your supervisor or your assessor questions.
In the table below, read the list of skills and knowledge you should have after completing this workbook
• Put a tick in the column if you can do this now and a brief comment re why you believe you have this skill
• Put a tick in the next column if you feel you need more practice and a brief comment as to why
• If you require further training, complete the third column listing what training is needed. Show this list to your supervisor
or assessor and ask for more time or training before completing the summative assessments
Skills /knowledge you should have
Can identify how your workplace
affects the environment
Do you know how to follow work
procedures that minimise waste
Do you know what natural resources
can be used in your workplace
Do you know how to ask questions
clarify work instructions and procedures
Do you know how to identify
environmental hazards in the workplace
Do you know how to report
environmental hazards in the workplace
Do you know how to respond positively to
changes in work procedures and practices
Do you know how to raise environmental
issues and make suggestions to improve
work practices
I can do this now
I need more practice
and must review this
before final assessment
What additional
training do I need
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8. SUSTAINABLE
PRACTICES FOR THE COMMUNITY SERVICES
AND HEALTH ENVIRONMENT
In every community there are certain expectations that form the core of goals and values of the majority of the people within
that community.
The community can be in the:
•
•
•
•
immediate local area
regional
country
global
As a business develops and grows, it achieves an “image or reputation” in the community in which it operates. This image is
made up of the values and expectations of the owners and the actions and ethics of the people working within that business.
Sustainable practice in the community services and health sector presents special challenges as all decisions must be
appropriate to the health, safety and welfare of recipients, particularly the children, as well as for the benefit of the
environment and at the same time meeting the legal, social and economic requirements of the business.
There are many aspects that may be considered when improving environmental sustainability. Those aspects that are
transferable to all industries have been considered in section one of these materials. This section will look at those
opportunities and special issues that are specific to the community services and health sectors, particularly those related to
children’s services.
The following lists are activities, issues or ideas that may be applied to environmental sustainability in a business operating
in the community services and health sector.
• buildings and hard landscaping works utilising sustainable practices and materials
• improved waste disposal practices ie Paper, plastic and metal recycling, composting, worm farming
• improved water conservation practices ie Installing water saving devices, rainwater tanks,
monitored and/or timed water use
• improved maintenance and cleaning practices ie using biodegradable products or products labelled environment friendly,
disposing of rubbish using recycling practices, limiting the amount of water used
• using waste, natural and/or recycled materials in play areas, activities and programs ie vegetable, herb or flower
gardens and natural ground surfaces such as grass, rocks, and tanbark, contact with animals on a regular basis with a
focus on knowledge as well as fostering care and respect for all living creatures
This is by no means a complete and comprehensive list but is designed to increase your awareness of what you and your
workplace already do or can implement to improve performance.
Reference website – http://www.careforkids.com.au/childcarenews/november09/story1.html
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 ACTIVITY 8
Complete the following table with examples specific to your workplace
What environmentally
sustainable ideas/practices
are used in your workplace
How do the ideas/practices help the environment
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Monitor Environmental Work Practices
9. LEGISLATION
AND PLANNING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
The amount of legal requirements that a business and its workers need to consider has increased dramatically in recent
years. This is very applicable to enterprises such as childcare centres that must meet stringent audit and compliance
standards that also include environmental standards. The various forms of legislation, regulation, codes of practice and by
laws are monitored by federal, state and local governments. It is an employer and employee responsibility to be aware of
legal requirements and the impact they have on the way in which you complete your daily work tasks
 ACTIVITY 9
What legislation or codes of practice are you required to follow/meet in your workplace. In the table below state what they
are and what you must do to meet requirements.
Legislation/Code of Practice
Work Procedure to meet compliance
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Monitor Environmental Work Practices
10. SPECIFIC
ENVIRONMENTAL WASTE ISSUES THAT ARE APPLICABLE
TO YOUR WORK PLACE?
In any industry sector or specific business workplace, environmental waste issues will differ.
In the Community Services and Health sector and specifically in your workplace, how can you :
• reduce waste in your workplace
• use materials and equipment more efficiently
• use resources more efficiently
 ACTIVITY 10
In the table below provide an answer to the waste issues listed. Complete the rest of the available space listing
waste issues and solutions that are specific to your workplace.
Waste Issue
Excessive energy
consumption by equipment
Excessive paper use
Dealing with organic
food waste
Reducing water use
Dealing with fat/oil/grease
What is your waste reduction solution
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Monitor Environmental Work Practices
11. CONSIDER
BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE FOR SUSTAINABILITY
In the sections above you have listed activities and practices that already exist in your workplace. You have also listed
legislation and compliance requirements that must be met. However working in the community services and health industries
and particularly with children provides for some special environmental sustainability opportunities.
Consider the potential for change in your workplace. Consider ideas and opportunities that can be implemented BECAUSE
you work with children. Use your imagination to think about making your workplace as environmentally sustainable as
possible as well as being child friendly and fun!
Reference websites:
http://www.ncac.gov.au/pcf/Going_green_in_child_care_Mar09.pdf
http://www.ncac.gov.au/pcf/Environmental_Experiences_in_Child_Care_Sept06.pdf
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Monitor Environmental Work Practices
 ACTIVITY 11
Think of as many ideas as you can. The ideas may be about:
•
•
•
•
•
•
utilising waste products/recycled materials
incorporating the use of nature/natural products
strategies for children to connect with the natural world in outdoor spaces
using waste, natural or recycled materials for improvised play experiences
water conservation strategies
safe and sustainable cleaning practices
Idea
What needs to be done
What is achieved
Compost organic material
Set up a compost area/bin
Organic waste is recycled No organic food material is wasted
Compost is used in the garden
What is the benefit
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Monitor Environmental Work Practices
12. SOLUTIONS
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Everything discussed so far has been about your workplace. You have considered what you already do and also made
suggestions about new ideas and opportunities. Most of these ideas and opportunities are about the way we do our jobs and
products that are used.
The following section discusses some general ideas that should be applied to the buildings in which we operate. It seems
rather silly for each person to strive for environmental responsibility only to have a significant percentage of our good
activities negated by environmentally unfriendly buildings.
Whilst it may not be possible to change the structure of a building to maximise environmental performance it is always
possible to improve aspects of the building or how it is used.
Thirty percent of Australia’s carbon emissions come from buildings. This figure increases to 40 percent when the construction
of these buildings is included. This is equivalent to carbon emissions from all the cars and trucks in Australia on the road at
any one time. This is a daunting statistic!
By reducing our energy consumption and by making our buildings healthier we improve the earth’s environment, our own lives
and the lives of future generations.
Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) elements have been mandatory in building design in Australia since May 2006.
Since that time buildings lodged with councils for permit approval must comply with the energy efficiency requirements set
out in Section J of the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
While it is not the intent of these materials that you understand these building codes it is a useful part of your learning for
you to be familiar with all aspects of a building that are measured for “best environmental performance” under the code.
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Monitor Environmental Work Practices
 ACTIVITY 12
Look at the list below. For each of the statements discuss how/why this issue affects a buildings
environmental performance.
Item
How does this affect
Make a comment about
environmental
the building you work in
performance of a building related to these issues
How can this idea be
implemented
Water catchment
Means that all water is
mains and rain water is not
utilised for gardens, toilets ,
fire water etc
Building does not have
gutters to catch rain.
Add gutters and tanks to
buildings
Building does not have tank
water storage
Add catchment drains and
link to underground storage
or reduce hard paving to
minimise water runoff
Hard paving does not have
appropriate water catchment
capability
Building material
External glazing
Building sealing
Air movement to ensure
regular replacement of
indoor air with outdoor air
through natural ventilation
strategies when the external
climate is favourable
Air-conditioning and
ventilation systems
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Monitor Environmental Work Practices
Item
Artificial lighting and power
Hot water supply
Waste water recycling/
reduce mains water usage
Indoor plants that actively
improve the environment
Use of natural light/
shade, proper orientation,
wide eaves, insulation
and reducing western sun
exposure
How does this affect
Make a comment about
environmental
the building you work in
performance of a building related to these issues
How can this idea be
implemented
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13. SUPPORT
OTHERS IN IMPLEMENTING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
The final part of this workbook relates to the support required to ensure as many people as possible implement sustainable
practices. Give some thought to the people you work with in your job. Every person has an impact on the environment and
should be expected to comply with sustainable work procedures. Children should always be encouraged to participate in
sustainable practice discussions, modelling and experiences. The more we involve children in these activities the greater the
beneficial impact will be to our environmental performance in the future.
Review all of the activities you have already completed. In the activities you have looked at waste reduction ideas, legislation
and compliance, behavioural changes, working with nature.
Reference website:
http://reduceyourfootprint.com.au/projects/aliquip-ex-ea-commodo-consequa/
 ACTIVITY 13
In the table below specifically consider the children that you work with. Complete the table below listing all of
the sustainable procedures that children can participate in.
Environmentally
sustainable activity
How can children participate
Recycling plastic
Using icecream, food, drink containers to make toys, mobiles, craft items or to store pencils, toys
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14.ASSESSMENT
You have now reached the end of Section B of this workbook. All of the information and activities you have covered
apply to the skills related to environmental management in a business or job specifically working with children and
community services. Please ask your assessor for the final assessment/s for this workbook.
 FEEDBACK
This workbook has been developed to guide users to access current information related to gaining skills appropriate to their workplace.
Please complete the following table notifying us of any errors or suggested improvements.
Subject Name
Monitor Environmental Work Practices
Book Number
Book 3
Page What is the error
10
You tube video is not accurate
Suggested improvement
Better websites / You Tube example
Is there a link to your suggested improvement
Additional comments

Click here to email your completed workbook to your assessor.
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15. BIBLIOGRAPHY
AND USEFUL WEBSITES
http://www.tec.org.au/safersolutions/
http://www.ncac.gov.au/pcf/Going_green_in_child_care_Mar09.pdf
http://www.ncac.gov.au/pcf/Environmental_Experiences_in_Child_Care_Sept06.pdf
http://reduceyourfootprint.com.au/projects/aliquip-ex-ea-commodo-consequa/
http://www.careforkids.com.au/childcarenews/november09/story1.html
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