Critical aspects of competency
Appropriate interpretation of job sheets.
Organisation of sorting containers in designated areas.
Selection of appropriate emergency and personal protective equipment requirements.
Identification of potential risks, hazards to waste sorting and waste non-conformances.
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, streams and characteristics.
Site waste management processes.
Site waste management plan.
Waste contaminants.
Waste non-conformance procedures.
Potential risks and hazards to waste sorting and containment.
Sorting techniques.
Containment methods.
Emergency response procedures.
Company requirements.
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:
sound oral communication skills including questioning, listening, interpersonal, following instructions, giving instructions
sound written communication skills for labelling and report writing
sound reading skills for interpreting work requirements
methodical organisation of work
equipment operation
materials handling skills
identification of waste types
identification of and handling of waste non-conformances
packaging and containment of waste
safe and efficient work practices
use of emergency and personal protective equipment
ability to prioritise.
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:
PRMWM14B Manually sort waste
PRMWM44B Identify wastes and hazards.
Resources required to assess this unit
The following resources should be available:
waste collection requirements
waste management plan
range of wastes for identification and segregation
company policies and procedures
personal protective equipment requirements
occupational health and safety requirements.
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 identification and segregation of waste under normal industry operating conditions. 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 identification and segregation 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 which 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 |
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How can communication of ideas and information be applied? | 1 | Discuss with clients and colleagues process for sorting and containment of waste. |
How can information be collected, analysed and organised? | 2 | Collect and analyse information from a number of sources at the generator site (including regulatory sources and company specifications). |
How are activities planned and organised? | 1 | Assess the validity of sorting and containment options. |
How can teamwork be applied? | 1 | Discuss relevant with mentor and/or colleagues. |
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied? | 1 | Record quality control recordings including mathematical calculations. |
How can problem-solving skills be applied? | 1 | Discuss sorting and containment of waste process. |
How can the use of technology be applied? | 1 | Demonstrate understanding of technological principles and physical skills to use appropriate equipment. |