Critical aspects of competency
Correctly interprets and follows job sheet.
Identifies and organises plant, equipment, materials and personnel requirements.
Selects appropriate emergency and personal protective equipment requirements.
Identifies potential risks and hazards to work.
Uses appropriate processing method for waste type.
Correctly operates/uses plant/equipment/materials.
Maintains visual observation of processing.
Conducts checks/tests on waste during processing and determines stage of completion.
Monitors flow of inputs and outputs and maximises processing operation.
Makes adjustments to processing technique or operation to maximise processing operation.
Conducts quality control inspection.
Carries out basic housekeeping.
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 and their appropriate processing methods.
Waste contaminants.
Potential risks and hazards.
Processing techniques.
Basic biology and chemistry.
Equipment/plant operation.
Materials required for processing.
Emergency response procedures.
Company requirements.
Plant shut-down, lock-out and isolation 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:
communication including interpersonal, listening, questioning, following instructions, giving information, signalling, writing
reading and interpreting job requirements
plant and equipment operation
materials handling skills
identification of waste types
reading and interpreting gauges and indicators
mete out doses of chemicals and additives
computer and software skills
methodical organisation of work
planning to undertake a routine task
hazard identification
time management
safe and efficient work practices
use of emergency and personal protective equipment
working in confined spaces
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:
PRMWM05B Identify and segregate waste
PRMWM18B Dispatch processed waste
PRMWM34B Maintain an equipment and consumables storage area
PRMWM37B Conduct minor maintenance and repairs on waste processing plant/equipment.
Resources required to assess this unit
The following resources should be available:
waste for processing
processing plant and equipment
job sheet identifying processing requirements
personal protective equipment
MSDS
site safety plan.
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 field and reviewing the processing or treatment of waste. 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 processing or treatment of waste.
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 |
| | | | | |
How can communication of ideas and information be applied? | 1 | Discuss with colleagues elements of waste processing. |
How can information be collected, analysed and organised? | 1 | Gather information from a number of sources (including relevant legislation and company requirements) about waste processing. |
How are activities planned and organised? | 2 | Plan activities in the processing, or treatment of waste. |
How can teamwork be applied? | 1 | Work cooperatively with colleagues to process or treat waste. |
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied? | 1 | Conduct and document appropriate mathematical calculations. |
How can problem-solving skills be applied? | 1 | Identify and solve risk elements in the processing or treatment of waste. |
How can the use of technology be applied? | 2 | Apply understanding of technological principles and demonstrate physical skills to use appropriate equipment. |