Critical aspects of competency
Identification of waste stream and materials.
Understanding of impacts and drivers of waste.
Understanding of energy efficiency issues
Understanding of waste flows and organisational processes within work area.
Capacity to develop alternatives based on the waste/resource management hierarchy.
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.
Waste streams.
Waste classifications.
Company procedures and practices.
Company standards and requirements.
Product safety and integrity requirements.
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
negotiation skills
reading and interpreting skills
research skills
written communication skills for documentation and report writing
analytical capability
accuracy and attention to detail
computer skills
investigative abilities
hazard identification
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:
PRMWM05B Identify and segregate waste
PRMCMN201A Participate in workplace safety arrangements.
Resources required to assess this unit
The following resources should be available:
MSDS
client waste history
company procedures manual
information on alternative 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. The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include the logical progression of information gathering, analysis to development and evaluation of waste avoidance/reduction opportunities.
Evidence of competency is best obtained by reviewing identified waste avoidance/reduction opportunities, together with supporting information, to ascertain the validity of the opportunity and its feasibility. Workplace examples could be developed and used to assess process and understanding of key issues.
Consistency in performance
Waste avoidance programs require that strategies meet the waste reduction goals and targets of the business and are feasible. It may be necessary to assess the unit within a variety of waste management environments or different organisational needs to assess competency in the development of waste avoidance opportunities.
Oral questioning or written hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral and written questioning, 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 |
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How can communication of ideas and information be applied? | 3 | Discuss waste avoidance options with interested parties and employees. |
How can information be collected, analysed and organised? | 1 | Gather, analyse and organise information from a number of sources (including regulatory sources, relevant personnel and company specifications). |
How are activities planned and organised? | 2 | Prepare action plan of key priority areas after reviewing waste and other relevant information/data by department/process. |
How can teamwork be applied? | 2 | Discuss the process and activities with interested parties. |
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied? | 2 | Conduct cost-benefit analysis of alternatives. |
How can problem-solving skills be applied? | 2 | Apply problem-solving skills when reviewing processes or practices that generate waste and identify alternatives. |
How can the use of technology be applied? | 2 | Manage and analyse data and demonstrate understanding of technology and its impacts on the waste stream in terms of achieving organisational goals and targets. |