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Elements and Performance Criteria

Required Skills

Refer to Evidence Guide

Evidence Required

Critical aspects of competency

Ability to correctly identify a range of waste streams hazardous wastes and waste contaminants

Ability to identify a range of potential risks and hazards present in the work environment

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 types streams and characteristics

Waste contaminants

Potential risks and hazards

Occupational health and safety requirements

Relevant environmental regulations

OHS hierarchy of control

Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria some complementary skills are required These are

communication including following instructions

reading and interpreting work requirements

identification of waste types

identification of waste contamination

hazard identification

safe and efficient work practices

use of emergency and personal protective equipment

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available

range of waste typesstreams for identification

OHS requirements

personal protective equipment

work environment in which to identify range of potential risks and hazards

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 customerworkplace 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 identification of wastes and hazards 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 identification of wastes and hazards

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

Perform the process

Perform and administer the process

Perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Discuss with colleagues clients and relevant personnel all aspects of wastes and hazards

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Gather and analyse information from a number of sources including relevant legislation and company requirements to identify wastes and possible hazards

How are activities planned and organised

Plan and organise meetings and communicate opportunities with colleagues to discuss waste identification and hazards

How can teamwork be applied

Work cooperatively with colleagues to identify wastes and hazards

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Use relevant numerical calculations accurately

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Identify and solve risk elements in the waste and hazard identification process

How can the use of technology be applied

Demonstrate understanding of technological principles and physical skills to use appropriate equipment

Range Statement

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.

Characteristics of wastes include but are not limited to:

level of contamination

Contamination may include inferior quality and unacceptable waste streams.

Emergency and personal protective equipment must include:

appropriate footwear

communications equipment

fire extinguishers

overalls and protective clothing.

Emergency and personal protective equipment could also include:

breathing apparatus

containment devices such as booms

emergency procedure guides

face shield/mask

hearing protection

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

oil absorbent materials

Performance of this unit is carried out in accordance with relevant requirements of the following:

Australian Standards

environmental regulations

legislative requirements

manufacturers' specifications

organisational procedures

relevant state/territory regulations.

Potential risks and hazards are those risks and hazards identified by the organisation that could lead to injury or illness of employees, contractors, visitors or the public; damage to plant, vehicles or property; or that could cause harm to the environment.

This relates to on-site and off-site activities (whether company owned or occupied premises, customer/client premises or public property) over which it could be expected the organisation had control.

Relevant legislation and codes cover state and federal:

industry codes of conduct

occupational health and safety

Australian Standards

environmental protection legislation.

Waste streams include:

construction and demolition

dangerous goods

hazardous substances

municipal waste