• LGAEHRW601B - Conduct waste management audits and assess needs

LGAEHRW601B
Conduct waste management audits and assess needs

This unit covers the auditing of waste management practices and processes and the collection of data to make recommendations for community needs.

Application

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance within councils of varying size and locations. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The role of council staff, elected members and management in protecting and managing the natural and built environment must be appropriately reflected.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Undertake an audit of the existing waste generated, treated or disposed of within specified area

1.1 The waste stream is identified in accordance with council's waste management strategy to ensure all major waste components are audited.

1.2 Objective and representative waste sampling methods are followed and checked against specified validity criteria.

1.3 Data collection follows identified protocols to ensure consistent collation throughout the audit.

1.4 Waste samples are collected and analysed in accordance with documented procedures, standards and statutory requirements.

1.5 Audit results are documented clearly so that waste components are quantified.

2. Undertake an audit of the existing plant and infrastructure involved in waste management

2.1 All major components of plant and infrastructure are identified and categorised.

2.2 The characteristics of existing plant infrastructure are established.

2.3 Data within plant infrastructure categories is collected accurately and objectively.

2.4 Data is analysed to establish service costs and utilisation rates.

2.5 Audit results that quantify plant infrastructure are clearly documented.

3. Determine the effectiveness of current practices for minimising waste

3.1 Waste minimisation standards are checked for compliance with specifications of the waste management plan, community standards and relevant authority requirements.

3.2 Performance is measured accurately, regularly and in a cost-effective manner.

3.3 Statistically valid comparisons are made between objectives and performance to establish accurately if objectives have been met.

4. Collect data or information on current community waste practices and needs

4.1 Target groups classifications are observed so that all relevant practices and needs can be identified.

4.2 Key stakeholders identified in council strategies are involved in the consultative process.

4.3 Data collection methods are checked to ensure statistically valid results.

4.4 Data is collected using recognised processes to reinforce community confidence in impartiality of the process.

4.5 Information is collated for analysis to determine attitudes, practices and opportunities in relation to service provision.

4.6 Community waste practices and needs are categorised and quantified and all requirements are clearly documented in audit reports.

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

analysing information and data

documenting results

impartial consultation with community

documenting community needs

Required Knowledge

relevant environmental protection and other relevant authority requirements

extensive technical knowledge of waste stream components

sample collection and analysis

comprehensive knowledge of relevant acts, regulations and guidelines

characteristics of plant and infrastructure

community standards with respect to waste

statistical methodologies

Evidence Required

Overview of assessment requirements

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Audit of existing waste is completed and results are documented

Audit of plant and infrastructure is completed and documented

Waste practices and community needs are quantified and documented

Context of assessment

On the job or in a simulated workplace environment.

Relationship to other units(prerequisite or co-requisite units)

To enable holistic assessment this unit may be assessed with other units that form part of the job role in particular:

LGAEHRW503B Implement programs for disposal and containment of waste.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completing workplace documentation

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

Evidence will need to be gathered over time across a range of variables.

Resource implications

Access to a workplace or simulated case study that encompasses resources including:

various forms of waste for physical inspection

various plant and infrastructure

copies of relevant acts, regulations and guidelines

real or simulated stakeholders for consultation process


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. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Major waste types may include:

household

council

commercial

industrial

liquid

chemical

medical

prescribed

green

food

putrescible

obnoxious (e.g. poisonous food and contaminated waste)

hard

sludge

litter

recyclables

Sampling may include:

physical inspection

weighing

surveys and questionnaires, including telephone surveys

volume calculations

existing records

Plant and infrastructure may include:

vehicles

labour

operating costs

machinery

transfer station

treatment facilities

collection receptacles

computer systems

weighbridges

administration

disposal facilities and landfill

Characteristics of existing plant and infrastructure may include:

age

type

value

location

number

capability

lifespan

replacement value

ownership and control

Stakeholders may include:

industry/business

rate payers

service users, including residents and visitors

participating local government areas

statutory bodies


Sectors

Health and Environment


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.