Critical aspects of competency
Accurate identification of monitoring requirements (including special tests required).
Correct determination of equipment, tools, and materials requirements.
Selection of appropriate emergency and PPE requirements.
Identification of potential risks and hazards to monitoring activities.
Monitoring of landfill cells.
Monitoring of drainage systems.
Monitoring of landfill 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.
Potential risks and hazards to monitoring activities.
Basic tool and equipment operation.
Waste analytical methods.
Surface and ground water quality sampling and monitoring.
Leachate monitoring.
Leak detection systems.
Standard landfill site testing procedures and requirements.
Landfill cover requirements and considerations.
Basic drainage operation.
Emergency response procedures.
Company requirements.
Environmental management plan.
Occupational health and safety requirements.
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:
following instructions and giving information
reading and interpreting schedules and work requirements
equipment operation
use of relevant tools
use of communications equipment (two-way radio and mobile phone)
accurate hazard identification
safe and efficient work practices
working in confined spaces
using emergency and personal protective equipment
following MSDS.
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:
PRMWM21B Cover waste
PRMWM23B Maintain disposal site
PRMCMN201A Participate in workplace safety arrangements
PRMCMN301A Contribute to workplace safety arrangements
BSBCMN215B Participate in environmental work practices
BSBCMN313B Maintain environmental procedures.
Resources required to assess this unit
The following resources should be available:
waste site for monitoring
tools, equipment and materials for monitoring
company monitoring requirements
company environmental management plan
company waste management plan
monitoring and testing equipment
personal protective equipment
site safety plan
OHS requirements
MSDS.
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 this field and reviewing monitoring activities at a landfill site under normal industry operating conditions. If this is not practicable, observations in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.
Consistency in performance
Assessment requires that the plan meets the objectives of the client and that it complies with industry expectations in the particular client environment. If the environment is narrowly defined or is not representative of industry needs, it may be necessary to refer to portfolio case studies of a variety of waste requirements to assess within a range of sites and with a variety of waste types.
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.
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? | 1 | Communicate clearly and effectively with relevant personnel throughout the monitoring of waste disposal process. |
How can information be collected, analysed and organised? | 1 | Gather information from a number of sources (including job requirements, manufacturers' specifications and company requirements) about the monitoring of disposal site. |
How are activities planned and organised? | 2 | Plan and organise activities to monitor waste disposal site in accordance with company requirements and relevant legislation. |
How can teamwork be applied? | 1 | Work effectively with relevant personnel throughout the monitoring of waste disposal process. |
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied? | 1 | Use correct mathematical calculations throughout the waste disposal process. |
How can problem-solving skills be applied? | 1 | Discuss possible problems and solutions that may arise throughout the monitoring of waste disposal process. |
How can the use of technology be applied? | 1 | Demonstrate understanding of technological principles and physical skills to use appropriate equipment. |