Critical aspects of competency

Identify, sort, measure and record wastes.

Identify unanticipated waste.

Conduct an accurate and valid waste audit.

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.

Common reasons for undertaking a waste audit standard.

Audit requirements and procedures.

Waste types.

Streams and characteristics.

Measurements including weights and volumes.

Sampling techniques.

Recording techniques.

Company requirements.

Potential risks and hazards in waste audit.

Emergency response procedures.

occupational health and safety requirements.

Duty of care in provision of services.

Relevant industry standards.

Relevant legislation.

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:

oral communication skills including questioning, listening, following instructions

reading and interpreting skills

written communication skills for documentation and report writing

methodical organisation of work

identification of waste types

streams and characteristics recognition of unanticipated waste types

using recording equipment

using photographic equipment

accuracy and attention to detail

computer skills

using communications equipment (two-way radio and mobile phone)

estimating

hazard identification

use of emergency and personal protective equipment

safe and efficient work practices.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available:

waste audit plan in a workplace

portfolio case studies if required

audit resources (including camera equipment).

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 waste audit under normal industry operating conditions. If this is not practicable, observations in realistic simulated environments may be substituted

Consistency in performance

Audit 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 audit and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In audit 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 which 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.

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.

Audit activity details should include:

accidents/injuries

date

equipment used

location

results/findings

time

waste disposal.

Audit plan may include but is not limited to:

collection of photographic evidence

measurement and recording requirements

OHS requirements

personnel and equipment requirements including personal protective equipment

sample requirements

site contacts

site requirements.

Company/client includes all forms of business enterprises in this context including government agencies, local governments/councils, private and public companies and residents/ratepayers.

Client requirements are found in briefing documents, letters, quality assurance documents, tender/contract documents and verbal or written instructions.

Details relating to access to site and site requirements include but are not limited to:

access and egress points

occupational health and safety requirements and noise control

personal protective equipment

security clearance

time of access

union requirements

work permits.

Emergency and personal protective equipment must include:

appropriate footwear

communications equipment

eye protection

eyewash kit

fire extinguishers

First Aid kit

gloves

overalls and protective clothing.

Emergency and personal protective equipment could also include:

breathing apparatus

emergency procedure guides

face shield/mask

goggles/protective glasses

hard hat

hearing protection

material safety data sheets

spill kit.

Equipment required includes:

absorbent material

bunding equipment

camera

collection containers

lifting gear

measurement equipment

personal protective equipment

reference manuals

safety barriers and warning signs

sample bench

scales.

Manufacturers' specifications are found in equipment specifications and operator manuals.

Measurement of waste should include number, proportion/percentage, volume and weight.

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

Australian Standards

environmental regulations

legislative requirements

manufacturers' specifications

OHS regulations

organisational procedures

relevant state/territory regulations.

Potential job requirement risks and hazards include but are not limited to:

contamination

dust

fire

gases and fumes

hazardous waste (e.g. sharps)

inadequately contained waste

injuries resulting from manual handling and repetitive work

other vehicles and equipment

projectiles

spark-producing equipment

weather.

Relevant personnel include but are not limited to client, householder, management and waste generator's personnel.

Site may include business premises, landfill site, local government area, plant/factory and waste processing plant.

Unanticipated waste includes any waste stream not expected to be present within the sample.

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