Critical aspects of competency

Thoroughly review waste assessment findings.

Identify and evaluate reasons for/causes of waste assessment results.

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 assessment.

Assessment requirements and procedures.

Waste types.

Streams and characteristics.

Sampling techniques.

Waste disposal and recovery routes.

Company requirements.

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, giving information

reading and interpreting data and information

written communication skills for recording information and report preparation

reviewing and evaluating information

methodical organisation of work

using recording equipment

accuracy and attention to detail

computer skills

spreadsheeting, including creating graphs and charts

estimating

basic numeracy skills including measurements and calculations (weights, volumes and quantities)

time management

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 competencies relevant to the job function, for example:

PRMWM01B: Plan waste audit

PRMWM02B Carry out waste audit.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available:

waste assessment data

waste site for analysis

data analysis tools

reporting tools e.g. computer.

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 conducting the review and evaluation of assessment findings 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 review and evaluation of assessment findings under normal industry operating conditions.

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 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.

Assessment data may include but is not limited to:

agreed objectives

assessment procedures

assessment team

collected data

current management methods

facility location and size

graphs and tables

outcomes

photographs

processes

raw materials

sample size

scope (sample, methodology, processes)

sources

summary of waste stream characteristics and ranking.

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

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

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.

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

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