Critical aspects of competency
Clear identification of services to be provided from business plan.
Effective review of waste management services to be provided against plant, equipment and materials needs.
Correct assessment of performance characteristics of plant, equipment and materials (including fitness for purpose, performance, safety, maintenance, repair costs, downtime and life expectancy, compliance with relevant legislation and environmental policy)
Ensures availability of plant, equipment and materials.
Knowledge needed to achieve the performance criteria
Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts, and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below.
Plant, equipment and materials used in the waste management industry.
Regulations and standards affecting plant, equipment and materials.
Business methods and operations.
Financing arrangements.
Sources of information.
Company requirements.
Waste management services.
Occupational health and safety requirements.
Relevant environmental regulations relating to plant, equipment and materials.
OHS hierarchy of control.
Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria
To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These are:
plant and equipment assessment
basic technical literacy to read and interpret company procedures manuals, MSDS, notices and posters
record keeping
negotiating purchase/finance arrangements
basic numeracy to compare application claims.
Resources required to assess this unit
The following resources should be available:
range of waste management plant, equipment and materials
company business plan
company marketing strategy
company asset register/records
company budget.
Gaining evidence to assess this unit
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, the competency should be demonstrated over a period of time and be observed by the assessor (or assessment team working together to conduct the assessment). The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include customer/workplace interruptions and involvement in related activities normally experienced in the workplace.
Evidence of competency is best obtained by observing activities in the field and reviewing the selection of waste management plant, equipment and materials. If this is not practicable, observations in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.
Consistency in performance
Assessment requires that strategies meet the objectives of clients and comply with industry expectations in the particular client environment. If the environment is narrowly defined or is not representative of industry needs, it will be necessary to assess the unit within a variety of waste management environments or different client needs to assess competency in the selection of waste management plant, equipment and materials.
Oral questioning or written assessment and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In assessment situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral questioning and written audit, questions are to be identical.)
Supplementary evidence may be obtained from relevant authenticated correspondence from existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.
Note: All practical demonstrations must adhere to the safety and environmental regulations relevant to each state or territory.
Key competency levels
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life that are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added.
Information below highlights how these processes are applied in this competency standard.
1 | Perform the process | 2 | Perform and administer the process | 3 | Perform, administer and design the process |
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How can communication of ideas and information be applied? | 2 | Discuss the selection of waste management plant, equipment and materials with colleagues. |
How can information be collected, analysed and organised? | 2 | Gather and analyse information from a number of sources (including job requirements, manufacturers' specifications and company requirements) about plant, equipment and materials. |
How are activities planned and organised? | 2 | Plan and organise activities to select and obtain waste management plant, equipment and materials in accordance with company requirements and relevant legislation. |
How can teamwork be applied? | 1 | Work effectively with relevant personnel throughout the process of selecting and obtaining waste management plant, equipment and materials. |
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied? | 1 | Check application claims. |
How can problem-solving skills be applied? | 2 | Apply solutions to overcoming issues relating to the availability of waste management plant, equipment and materials. |
How can the use of technology be applied? | 1 | Demonstrate understanding of technological principles and physical skills to use appropriate equipment. |