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

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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

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 2.

What are these learning materials about

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Employability skills

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Identify resources used in your workplace

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3.1

Accurately measure resource use and efficiency issues

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3.2

Appropriately record resource usage

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Recognise and report basic environmental hazards and threats

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Lets discuss ways to help our environment

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Follow work procedures and environmental practices

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5.1

Changing your work practices

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5.2

Suggesting new work practices

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5.3

Communicating changes to work procedures

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Comply with environmental legislation, policies and practices

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Identify your legal obligations and report breaches or potential breaches to appropriate people

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 7.

Being confident about your skill levels

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 8.

Sustainable practices for the community services and health environment

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 9.

Legislation and planning for the environment

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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

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 11. Consider behavioural change for sustainability

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 12. Solutions for the environment

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 13. Support others in implementing sustainable practices

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 14. Assessment

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 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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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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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: • • • • • • • • • • •

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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 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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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 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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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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