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

Overview of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed by observation of practical demonstration in the workplace of how to plan and conduct waste assessments.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the required skills and knowledge specified in this unit.

In particular the person should demonstrate the ability to:

identify waste and material types

visually estimate waste volumes

apply an understanding of material flows and organisational processes.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context. It is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

work plans and approved specifications

results of sampling

forms and procedures manuals.

Method of assessment

The waste assessment process must meet the objectives of the client and comply with industry expectations in the particular client environment. If the environment is narrowly defined or is not representative of industry needs, it may be necessary to refer to portfolio case studies to assess competency in assessment of waste.

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Property Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Guidance information for assessment

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units of competency relevant to the job function, for example:

CPPWMT4003A Review, evaluate and document waste assessment findings.

Required skills

analytical skills to:

identify hazards and risks

identify waste types and waste non-conformances

interpersonal skills to work in a team environment in a range of waste management activities

oral communication skills to:

request advice or further information

listen actively

consult

follow instructions

reading skills to interpret:

documents

work requirements and material safety data sheets (MSDS)

self-management skills to:

conduct work practices safely and efficiently

apply accuracy and attention to detail

organise work methodically

source, organise and apply information

use photographic equipment

use PPE

use information technology applicable to task

use communications equipment (two-way radio, mobile phone)

written communication skills for:

report writing

documentation

Required knowledge

environmental management relating to:

waste types, streams and characteristics

resource recovery options

industry standards

identification of:

waste non-conformances

unanticipated waste

waste non-conformance procedures

waste containment

waste disposal and recovery routes

waste assessment processes:

site scoping

estimating resource needs

safe and efficient work practices in hazard and risk identification

possible benefits and outcomes from conducting a waste assessment

visual assessment procedures

available reprocessing options

material densities

sampling and recording techniques

potential hazards and risks

service requirements for waste assessment activities, including:

duty of care

OHS requirements

organisational pricing schedules

organisational requirements and structure, including workplace communication channels and procedures

legislation, regulations and codes of practice specific to waste assessment activities waste management options

waste management hierarchy

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

Client may include:

all forms of business enterprises in this context, including:

government agencies

internal customers

local governments and councils

private and public companies

residents and ratepayers.

Benefits may include:

compliance with legislative and corporate requirements

reduction in costs

improved product quality

improved workplace safety

reduction in waste.

Limitations may include:

historical data and other relevant information

results are volume-based

timeframe in which waste assessment occurs

type of containment may hinder ability to identify all waste issues

visual assessment does not provide exact data on waste stream.

Waste streams may include:

construction and demolition

dangerous goods

general waste

green waste

hazardous substances

municipal waste

other resource recovery

prescribed waste stream (i.e. legislative wastes)

recycling streams

reprocessed (on-site) material stream

re-used product stream.

OHS requirements may include:

organisational OHS reporting and audit systems

organisational policy

duty of care

PPE

safe work procedures.

Legislation and codes may include:

codes, including:

Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail

industry

commonwealth, state and territory legislation, including:

anti-discrimination

environmental protection

equal employment opportunity

freedom of information

industrial

OHS

trade practices

road laws.

Resources may include:

camera

clean-up

decontamination equipment

personnel

PPE

recording equipment

reference manuals

safety barriers and warning signs.

Resource management processes may include:

composting

energy recovery

processes conducted on or off site

product life cycle: re-new, re-use and recycle

waste avoidance

clean-up.

Waste assessment outcomes and objectives may include:

complying with organisational or legislative requirements

determining components of resource recovery implementation program

determining waste profile, including type and quantity of waste

establishing resource recovery goals and targets

identifying barriers to implementation of opportunities

identifying cost of waste and cost reduction opportunities

identifying improvements in managing waste on site

identifying opportunities to reduce or divert waste from landfill.

Emergency and personal protective equipment must include:

communications equipment

eye protection, such as goggles and protective glasses

eyewash kit

fire extinguishers

first aid kit

footwear

gloves

overalls and protective clothing.

Emergency and personal protective equipmentcould also include:

breathing apparatus

emergency procedure guides

face shields or masks

hard hats

hearing protection

MSDS

spill kit.

Personal protective equipmentmust be:

cleaned and fitted according to organisational requirements, manufacturer specifications and OHS requirements

worn when required according to organisational requirements

stored according to organisational requirements.

Issues impacting on waste generation may include:

maintenance downtime

product changeovers

production flows

quality control procedures

seasonal activity variations

shift times

start-up processes

waste collection routines

waste collection systems.

Personnel training may include:

computer-based training

contracted training activity

demonstration

formal training

on-the-job training

reading

vendor training.

Site review may include:

constraints to further segregation of waste

discussions with employees about waste management

review of placement, size and design of waste containers

review of production process and flow of materials through the site

time of access

union requirements

work permits.

Potential hazards and risks are those identified by the organisation that may lead to:

damage to plant, vehicle or property

harm to the environment

illness or injury to employees, contractors or the public

injuries resulting from manual handling and repetitive work.

Hazards and risks may include:

broken glass

broken metal

compaction equipment

contamination

dust

fire

gases and fumes

hazardous waste (e.g. sharps)

narrow driveways

other vehicles and equipment

overhanging signs

projectiles

spark-producing equipment

unguarded conveyor belts

weather.