Application
This unit of competency describes the skills required to investigate trade waste incidents, to make arrangements for rectification and to complete reports.
This unit applies to those working as trade waste officers or inspectors with a specific responsibility for investigating trade waste incidents, identifying the source of the problem, arranging corrective action and compiling comprehensive reports.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently, while performing complex tasks, in a range of familiar contexts. The level of responsibility may vary according to the size and scope of the trade waste system.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Analyse trade waste incident location | 1.1 Identify and confirm the location and nature of trade waste incidents. 1.2 Assess the extent of incidents and the possible effects. 1.3 Implement actions or make recommendations to minimise potential harm. 1.4 Notify relevant organisations and individuals. 1.5 Conduct inspections and sampling of incident locations and environs and analyse and report findings and results. |
2. Investigate the cause and effect of trade waste incidents | 2.1 Identify and confirm the wastewater catchment for incident locations. 2.2 Analyse the wastewater catchment for possible sources of unauthorised or illegal discharge. 2.3 Schedule inspections of potential sources of unauthorised or illegal discharge and make appropriate preparations. 2.4 Investigate the possible effects of trade waste incidents and assess the level of severity. |
3. Identify incident source and arrange rectification | 3.1 Conduct inspections of potential sources. 3.2 Gather, record and analyse evidence and, where possible, confirm the correct source of unauthorised or illegal trade waste discharge. 3.3 Identify, analyse and select methods for rectifying problems. 3.4 Consult personnel within the identified customer organisations and advise of rectification requirements and incident repercussions. |
4. Compile trade waste incident reports | 4.1 Record and process data and information relating to investigations and evidence gathered. 4.2 Compile, process and distribute incident reports, including rectification arrangements. |
5. Conduct post incident monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance | 5.1 Adjust trade waste treatment and discharge monitoring schedules and prepare and apply a post-incident monitoring plan. 5.2 Identify and investigate breaches of the trade waste discharge provisions and report the results and/or recommendations. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
interpreting and reviewing hydraulic and site plans
identifying and evaluating trade waste producing processes
identifying and selecting appropriate remedial measures
evaluating process and wastewater system inputs and outputs
using wastewater sampling and preservation techniques for onsite and laboratory testing
developing monitoring plans and coordinating measuring, testing and sampling activities
interpreting and evaluating sample analysis data
planning and conducting investigations
assessing environmental impact using ISO 14001 where appropriate
assessing waste treatment methods, processes, plant and equipment
interpreting and applying legislation and policies applicable to trade waste
identifying and analysing incident locations
assessing the type and extent of incident impact
assessing the trade waste catchment and identifying possible sources of the problem
investigating possible sources and identifying the instigators of the incidents
investigating the instigating organisations and negotiating rectification measures
completing reports for prosecutions
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
relevant legislation
relevant enterprise policies for trade waste management
water quality parameters of significance to the wastewater system
trade waste treatment methods and processes
impact and interaction of pollutants and toxins
remedial measures relevant to customer base and associated risk
investigation procedures
report writing procedures
range of appropriate measuring, testing and sampling procedures
customer expectations and requirements
work health and safety legislation
personal protection and safety precautions for wastewater sampling, including the requirements for relevant inoculations, including:
Q fever
hepatitis A and B
polio
tetanus
diphtheria
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Trade waste