The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed by observation of practical demonstration in the workplace or in a simulated environment of applying waste avoidance techniques.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the required skills and knowledge specified in this unit.

In particular the person should demonstrate the ability to:

identify waste stream and materials

evaluate energy efficiency issues

develop alternative waste avoidance methods to treat waste, while complying with OHS requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge may be conducted in an off-site context. It is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards’ requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

work plans and approved specifications

forms and procedures manuals.

Method of assessment

Waste avoidance techniques must comply 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 to assess competency in waste avoidance.

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Property Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Guidance information for assessment

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units of competency relevant to the job function, for example:

CPPCMN4002B Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

CPPWMT4030A Determine waste management services

CPPWMT4052A Organise waste management operations

CPPWMT4060A Apply lean management techniques

CPPWMT5004A Develop waste management strategies

CPPWMT5036A Develop waste management plans

CPPWMT5058A Develop emergency response plans.

Required skills

analytical skills to:

research waste avoidance and energy efficiency options

conduct feasibility investigation

reading skills to interpret:

technical plans

drawings

documents

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

problem-solving skills to:

identify hazards and risks

decrease waste

self-management skills to:

organise work methodically

use information technology to complete tasks

use emergency and personal protective equipment (PPE)

oral communication skills to:

ask questions

listen effectively

consult with stakeholders

provide guidance

follow instructions

present information

negotiate alternative waste avoidance options

critical thinking skills to conduct waste assessment, identifying:

resource needs

hazards and risks

written communication skills for:

report writing

record keeping

documentation

Required knowledge

environmental issues relating to:

life cycle of products: re-new, re-use and recycle

environmental regulations

renewable energy

energy efficiency systems

identification of:

waste types, streams and characteristics

waste non-conformances

unanticipated waste

waste non-conformance procedures

waste containment

hazardous waste

occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to:

dangerous goods and hazardous substances

OHS hierarchy of control

resource recovery options relating to:

valuable resources within materials

potential resources to be recovered

waste avoidance options, including:

use renewable, recovered and recycled material

use materials with low energy consumption and low emissions to air and water during pre-production and production changes in product or process

reduce need for use of maintenance products and consumption of consumables

restrict use of dangerous substances in production process, as well as in product itself

specify packaging for products, minimising excessive packaging

encourage lean production

waste management provision, including:

daily operations

duty of care

legislation, regulations and codes of practice applicable to specific waste management functions

organisational pricing schedules

organisational requirements and structure, including workplace communication channels and procedures

product safety and integrity requirements

waste management hierarchy

waste management options

waste treatment options, including:

recycling

waste to landfill

waste water treatment

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Waste types may include:

solid (non-hazardous), e.g. construction and demolition

liquid (non-hazardous), e.g. chemical and aqueous

hazardous – regulated, prescribed, quarantined, medical and clinical

recoverable resources, e.g. recyclable and green waste.

Waste streams may include:

chemical waste

construction and demolition

dangerous goods

green waste

hazardous substances

municipal waste

prescribed waste

putrescibles

quarantine

recyclable liquids

regulated waste

solid inert.

Workplace may include:

business premises

factory

plant

resource recovery facility

site where business activity occurs.

Waste drivers may include:

customer requirements

employee attitudes and awareness

employee work practices

excess packaging

inappropriate machinery, tooling and work area

lack of suitable systems

poorly maintained machinery

quality of raw materials.

Environmental and energy efficiency policies and procedures may include:

delivering policies and procedures via:

consultancies

internal resources

service providers

determining organisation’s most appropriate waste treatment

initiating or maintaining organisational procedures for:

material usage

operational energy consumption

waste to landfill

initiating or maintaining organisational policy for energy efficiency and environmental initiative, including:

action plans

audits

environmental management systems

surveys

developing energy use and waste management options to reduce energy consumption and improve waste management

monitoring energy usage and waste treatment via:

progress reports on energy use and waste treatment

key performance indicators (KPIs) that measure energy consumption and waste minimisation achievements.

Interested parties may include:

clients

customers

employees, including:

contractors, including:

quality assessors

safety and maintenance assessors

legislators

machine manufacturers

related businesses

suppliers

technology suppliers

waste and recycling contractors

direct staff

purchasing officers.

Energy consumption may include:

non-stationary (transport)

stationary (plant equipment).

Waste avoidance options may include:

changes in product or process

correct application of work procedures

customer standards on acceptable levels of waste

employee training and competence

handling and storage practices

housekeeping

machine suitability

material specification:

portion control

quality

quantity

product packaging

purchasing practices

quality of materials supplied

quality standards

technology improvements.

Internal support personnel may include:

engineering

OHS

purchasing

quality assurance

sales and marketing.

Legislation and codes may include:

codes, including:

Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail

industry

commonwealth, state and territory legislation, including:

anti-discrimination

environmental protection

equal employment opportunity

freedom of information

industrial

OHS

trade practices

road laws.

Prioritising waste avoidance options may be based on:

consultation with stakeholders

feasibility analysis

resource requirements.

Environmental energy efficiency methods may include:

applying energy efficiency systems

changing processes:

mechanical cleaning

redesigning products and procedures so that materials can be used more efficiently

improving organisation’s operational energy consumption

improving OHS and housekeeping, such as:

using a broom instead of a hose

using old rags for cleaning instead of toxic cleaners or water

preventing and minimising production of pollution, including:

discharges to air, land and water

hazardous waste.