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 discussion, relaying how to plan a waste audit.

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:

determine a variety of audit objectives

consult effectively with client to obtain information and support for audit strategy

thoroughly scope waste audit site

observe OHS requirements.

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

forms and procedures manuals.

Method of assessment

The process of planning waste audits 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 audit of waste plans.

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 relevant to the job function, for example:

CPPWMT4002A Carry out waste audits

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 consult with clients

reading skills to interpret:

maps

plans

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

apply decision making

organise work methodically

source, organise and apply information

use recording equipment

use photographic equipment

use personal protective equipment (PPE)

use applicable information technology

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

oral communication skills to:

request advice or further information

listen actively

consult

follow instructions

written communication skills to:

write reports

document waste audit objectives

develop surveys

Required knowledge

environmental management relating to:

waste types, streams and characteristics

resource recovery options

occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to:

OHS hierarchy of control

potential hazards and risks in a waste management environment

identification of:

waste non-conformances

unanticipated waste

waste non-conformance procedures

waste containment

waste disposal and recovery routes

waste audit planning, including:

analysing waste practices

outlining possible benefits and outcomes from conducting a waste audit

incorporating standard audit requirements and procedures

incorporating nature and significance of waste minimisation hierarchy

incorporating types of client waste management surveys and their uses

using most effective auditing methods to meet client needs

conducting site scoping

estimating resource needs

identifying hazards and risks safely and efficiently

waste audit processes, including:

visual assessment procedures

available reprocessing options

material densities

sampling and recording techniques

nature and significance of waste minimisation hierarchy

potential hazards and risks

service requirements for waste audits, including:

duty of care

legislation, regulations and codes of practice applicable to specific waste management functions

organisational pricing schedules

organisational requirements and structure, including workplace communication channels and procedures

waste management hierarchy

waste management options

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.

Clientincludes:

all forms of business enterprises in this context, including:

government agencies

internal customers

local governments and councils

private and public companies

residents and ratepayers.

Waste audit purpose and requirements may include:

address environmental concerns

develop waste management plan

identify recyclable waste

identify waste management policy

identify waste streams

minimise waste

obtain valid and representative data

recover resources

reduce costs

review process

review implementation of waste management plan.

Information relating to site and client operations must include:

access to site and specific site requirements

location of waste containers

maps of plant or site

processing methods

production dates and schedules

production inputs and outputs

site size

storage and disposal methods

waste handling

waste hazards

waste outputs

waste recovery routes

waste streams.

Audit methodology includes:

audit scope

client waste management survey

determining sort categories

eliminating other variables

isolating waste streams

method of recording information

sample required.

Site may include:

business premises

landfill site

local government area

plant or factory

waste processing plant.

Waste characteristics may include:

density

level of contamination

quality

shape

size

volume

weight.

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.

Client requirements are found in:

briefing papers

letters from client

quality assurance documents

tender or contract documents

verbal or written instructions.

Personnel requirements may include:

licences required

skills of personnel

training or briefing

services of experts where advanced sampling or testing is required.

Equipment requirementsinclude:

absorbent material

bunding equipment

camera

collection containers

lifting gear

measurement equipment

PPE

reference manuals

safety barriers and warning signs

sample bench

scales.

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.

Guidelines on use of waste management survey may include:

develop survey questions according to waste audit objectives

ensure survey questions are able to be completed within time allowed by client

obtain client authorisation for survey according to organisational requirements

write clear survey instructions and questions for target group.

Waste management survey methodology could include:

checklist

focus group

questionnaire

survey.

Waste site purpose includes:

contamination

dangerous and hazardous wastes

disposal methods

production of waste

recycling

re-use

waste generation

waste streams

waste types.