This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to plan for and conduct a waste assessment of a generator's waste stream (which includes recycling streams).
It requires the ability to visually assess the composition and quantity of the waste stream under assessment, review relevant waste management documentation and to identify opportunities to improve resource management. The assessment process should be conducted in accordance with health and safety principles.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
Not Applicable
Employability Skills
Not Applicable
Evidence Required
List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
Critical aspects of competency
Identify different waste/material types.
Visually estimate waste volumes.
Understanding of material flows and organisational processes.
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.
Possible benefits and outcomes from conducting a waste assessment
Visual assessment procedures.
Available reprocessing options.
Waste types.
Waste streams and characteristics.
Material densities.
Sampling techniques.
Recording techniques.
Company requirements.
Potential risks and hazards.
Emergency response procedures.
Occupational health and safety requirements.
Duty of care in provision of services.
Relevant industry standards and codes.
Relevant legislation.
Relevant environmental regulations.
Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria
To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These are:
oral communication skills including questioning, listening, following instructions
visual quantity estimates
reading and interpreting skills
written communication skills for documentation and report writing
methodical organisation of work
identification of waste types
using photographic equipment
accuracy and attention to detail
computer skills
estimating
hazard identification
use of emergency and personal protective equipment
safe and efficient work practices.
Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function for example:
PRMCMN201A Participate in workplace safety arrangements.
Resources required to assess this unit
The following resources should be available:
MSDS
client waste profile
market opportunities.
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 relevant environment and by carrying out a waste assessment under normal industry operating conditions. 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 development of waste management strategies.
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 and written questions, 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, environmental and other regulations e.g. health 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
How can communication of ideas and information be applied?
2
Discuss assessment plans with clients and colleagues. Discuss alternative options with contractors, re-processors and other stakeholders, such as environmental protection agencies.
How can information be collected, analysed and organised?
3
Gather, analyse and organise information from a number of sources (including regulatory sources, client organisation, relevant personnel and company specifications).
How are activities planned and organised?
3
Prepare detailed action plan and methodology for the waste assessment. Clearly define responsibilities.
How can teamwork be applied?
2
Discuss the process and activities with on-site client personnel and colleagues.
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied?
3
Analyse the waste assessment data and conduct data validation processes and extrapolations of the data.
How can problem-solving skills be applied?
2
Apply problem-solving skills during planning and conduct of the waste assessment to overcome operational and site constraints and ensure objectives are met. If necessary, develop alternative strategies for resource recovery together with implementation programs.
How can the use of technology be applied?
1
Manage and analyse data and demonstrate understanding of technology and its capability to meet resource recovery objectives.
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Refer to Evidence Guide
The range statement links the required knowledge and organisational and technical requirements to the workplace context. It describes any contextual variables that will be used or encountered when applying the competency in work situations. It allows for different work practices and work and knowledge requirements as well as for differences between organisations and workplaces. The following variables may be present for this particular unit.
Benefits of process may include but are not limited to:
compliance with legislative and corporate requirements
cost reductions
improved product quality
improvements in workplace safety
reductions in waste.
Client includes all forms of business enterprises in this context including government agencies and private and public companies.
Emergency and personal protective equipment may include:
appropriate footwear
communications equipment
eye protection
eyewash kit
fire extinguishers
First Aid kit
gloves
overalls and protective clothing
safety vests.
Emergency and personal protective equipment may also include:
breathing apparatus
face shield/mask
hard hat
hearing protection
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
spill kit
emergency procedure guides.
Limitations of the process may include but are not limited to:
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.
Measurement of waste may include:
number
proportion/percentage
review of documentation such as EPA transport certificates, contractor contracts and invoices, and corporate procedures and records
volume.
Performance of this unit is carried out in accordance with relevant requirements of the following:
Australian Standards
industry standards, codes of practice and associated publications
manufacturers' specifications
organisational procedures
relevant state/territory legislation, policies and regulations.
Potential risks and hazards include but are not limited to:
dust
fire
gases and fumes
hazardous waste (e.g. sharps and chemicals)
inadequately contained waste
maintenance activities
processing plant
site vehicles and equipment
weather.
Resource management includes the following processes:
waste avoidance, re-use, recycling, energy recovery, composting
those that could occur on or off site.
Resources may include:
camera
clean-up/decontamination equipment
personnel
personal protective equipment (PPE)
recording equipment
reference manuals
safety barriers and warning signs.
Site may include:
any other site where business activities occur
business premises
landfill site
plant/factory
resource recovery facility
waste processing plant.
Site review may involve but is not limited to:
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.
Variables impacting on the waste may include but are not limited to:
maintenance downtime
product changeovers
production flows
quality control procedures
seasonal activity variations
shift times
start-up processes
waste collection routines
waste collection systems.
Waste assessment objectives may include but are not limited to:
compliance with company or legislative requirement
determining components of a resource recovery implementation program
determining waste profile including type and quantity of waste
establishment of resource recovery goals and targets
identifying barriers to implementation of opportunities
identifying cost of waste and cost reduction opportunities
identifying improvements in management of waste on site
identifying opportunities to reduce or divert waste from landfill.
Waste streams refers to solid waste only and may include:
general waste stream
other resource recovery streams
prescribed waste stream (i.e. legislative wastes)
recycling streams
reprocessed (on-site) material stream
re-used product stream.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice
Yes
No
Comments/feedback
Advise client on benefits and limitations of the process
Clearly define boundaries of the project in terms of waste streams assessed, time period, processes, sites
Consult with the client to agree on project outcomes and objectives
Ensure the project scope will encompass applicable occupational health and safety, legislative and corporate responsibilities
Identify necessary resources
Identify the responsibilities of the client and assessor and communicate these responsibilities to them
Review waste assessment outcomes and objectives to determine project requirements
Obtain necessary resources
Conduct project risk assessment encompassing corporate and legislative requirements
Develop and implement risk management strategy
Identify all variables impacting on waste generation such as types and quantities
Develop waste assessment action plan and communicate to all stakeholders
Train personnel as appropriate
Conduct assessment in accordance with waste assessment objectives, OHS and relevant company and legislative requirements
Visually assess waste/recycling containers to determine composition and quantity of waste components in line with the assessment scope and objectives
Record visual findings by waste type and quantity observed, by department or process
Conduct a site review to obtain further data on rationale for waste generation, impacts associated with waste generated and barriers for implementation of improved resource recovery systems
Undertake a review of waste documentation to enable assessment of annual quantities to be determined, by waste stream and/or type
Conduct interviews with staff and/or stakeholders on waste management issues
Compile and validate all collected data and information
Conduct consultations with stakeholders to determine opportunities for resource recovery and necessary resource requirements to implement those opportunities
Analyse data and identify opportunities to improve resource management
Review opportunities in terms of feasibility of implementation
Present outcomes of the feasibility review together with all data in a format consistent with the objectives of the project
Prepare implementation and review strategy
Present a documented report containing data, analysis, recommendations and implementation program to client
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
PRMWM59A - Carry out waste assessment
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Result: Competent Not yet competent
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Assessment Record Sheet
PRMWM59A - Carry out waste assessment
Student name:
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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent
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Feedback to student:
Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent