HLTGM206D
Operate an incinerator

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to correctly and safely operate an incineratorThis unit of competency applies to health facilities with incinerators in operation

Application

Work performed requires a range of well developed skills where some discretion and judgement is required. Individuals will take responsibility for their own outputs and may participate in work teams


Prerequisites

Not Applicable


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare incinerator for operation

1.1 Check the incinerator for any maintenance requirements

1.2 Check the components of the incinerator for correct functioning

1.3 Determine potential environmental risks associated with incinerator operations

2. Prepare waste for incineration

2.1 Use appropriate personal protective equipment

2.2 Check waste, where possible, for products that should not be placed into an incinerator

2.3 Identify waste for incineration and place in incinerator according to organisation policies and procedures

3. Operate incinerator

3.1 Activate incinerator according to manufacturer/supplier instructions

3.2 Use appropriate timeframes before placing waste into the incinerator according to manufacturer/supplier instructions

3.3 Load appropriate waste into incinerator

3.4 Identify and rectify problems with waste incineration

3.5 Complete appropriate documentation where required according to organisation policies and procedures

3.6 Shut down the incinerator according to manufacturer/supplier instructions

3.7 Take and document environmental measurements according to state and local government regulations

3.8 Notify the appropriate person(s) of any breaches of environmental measures or operating policy

4. Dispose of incinerator waste

4.1 Dispose of waste from the incinerator according to state and local regulations

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

Manufacturers' recommendations for incinerator operation

Safe operation of incinerator

Types and purpose of personal protective equipment

Waste handling policies

Waste storage requirements

Workplace and equipment safety requirements

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to

Safely and effectively operate an incinerator

Comply with work health and safety (WHS) regulations applicable to workplace operations

Apply knowledge of waste appropriate for incinerator

Correctly and safely handle waste

In addition, the candidate must be able to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Apply documentation skills

Apply problem solving skills - the ability to use available resources and prioritise workload

Demonstrate safe and efficient handling of waste

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues, including appropriate practices to ensure efficient use of resources

Use literacy, numeracy and oral communication skills required to fulfil the position in a safe manner as specified by the health care facility

Work safely to instructions

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Assessment should replicate workplace conditions as far as possible

Simulations may be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Where, for reasons of safety, access to equipment and resources and space, assessment takes place away from the workplace, simulations should be used to represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Resources essential for assessment include:

Workplace health and safety policies

Relevant State and local environmental legislation and regulations

Maintenance policy and procedures

Job descriptions

General tools and materials relevant to incinerator maintenance process

Suitable work area appropriate to incinerator maintenance process

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place (if possible)

Written assignments/projects

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.

Questioning

Role play simulation

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

State and local government regulations may include:

Environmental protection agency guidelines

Council regulations

Pollution regulations

Incinerator license conditions

Emission standards

Temperature standards

Waste storage regulations

Waste appropriate for incineration may include:

General paper and cardboard refuse

Clinical waste

Other waste according to organisation policies

Personal protective equipment may include, but is not limited to:

Overalls

Face shields

Heavy duty gloves

Footwear


Sectors

Not Applicable


Employability Skills

This unit contains Employability Skills


Licensing Information

Not Applicable