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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Identify waste drivers
  2. Identify opportunities to avoid waste at source or reduce the quantity of waste generated
  3. Evaluate alternatives identified
  4. Submit alternatives for approval

Evidence Required

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 wasteresource 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

PRMWMB Identify and segregate waste

PRMWM05B Identify and segregate waste

PRMCMNA Participate in workplace safety arrangements

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 avoidancereduction opportunities

Evidence of competency is best obtained by reviewing identified waste avoidancereduction 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 eg 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

Perform the process

Perform and administer the process

Perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Discuss waste avoidance options with interested parties and employees

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Gather analyse and organise information from a number of sources including regulatory sources relevant personnel and company specifications

How are activities planned and organised

Prepare action plan of key priority areas after reviewing waste and other relevant informationdata by departmentprocess

How can teamwork be applied

Discuss the process and activities with interested parties

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Conduct costbenefit analysis of alternatives

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Apply problemsolving skills when reviewing processes or practices that generate waste and identify alternatives

How can the use of technology be applied

Manage and analyse data and demonstrate understanding of technology and its impacts on the waste stream in terms of achieving organisational goals and targets

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.

Energy consumption may include stationary and non-stationary (transport).

Energy efficiency methods may include:

preventing and minimising the production of pollution (e.g. discharges to air, land and water, hazardous waste)

applying energy efficiency systems, action plans, surveys and audits

improving the company's operational energy consumption

improving housekeeping (e.g. using a broom instead of a hose, using old rags for cleaning instead of toxic cleaners or water)

changing processes (e.g. mechanical cleaning, redesign of products/procedures so that materials are used more efficiently).

Environmental and energy efficiency policies and procedures may include:

determining company's most appropriate waste treatment including waste to landfill, recycling and wastewater treatment.

initiating and/or maintaining appropriate company procedures for operational energy consumption

initiating and/or maintaining appropriate company policy for energy efficiency and environmental initiatives, for example Environmental Management Systems, action plans, surveys and audits

developing energy use and waste management options/action plan to reduce energy consumption and improve waste management

monitoring energy usage and waste treatment via progress reports on energy use and waste treatment and/or Key Performance Indicators that measure performance (e.g. energy usage or waste minimization achievements)

delivering policies and procedures appropriately, for example: through internal resources, service providers and/or consultancies.

Interested parties may include but are not limited to:

customers

employees - direct, purchasing, quality, safety, maintenance

industry associations

legislators

machine manufacturers

related businesses

similar businesses

suppliers

technology suppliers

waste and recycling contractors.

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

Australian Standards

environmental regulations

industry standards and best practice examples

legislative requirements

manufacturers' specifications

organisational procedures

relevant state/territory regulations.

Review of alternative options for waste avoidance/reduction may include:

changes in product or process

correct application of work procedures

customer standards

employee training and competence

handling and storage practices

housekeeping

machine suitability

material specification - quantity, portion control and quality

product packaging

purchasing practices

quality of materials supplied

quality standards

technology improvements.

Waste drivers may include but are not limited to:

corporate standards

customer requirements

employee attitudes and awareness

employee work practices

excess packaging

inappropriate machinery/tooling/work area

industry codes

lack of suitable systems

poorly maintained machinery

quality of raw materials

quality standards

training provided.

Waste streams may include:

general waste stream

liquid waste stream

recycling streams

reprocessed (on-site) material stream

re-used product stream.

Workplace may include business premises, plant/factory, resource recovery facility and any other site where business activities occur.