Critical aspects of competency
Identification of waste - stream and materials.
Understanding of impacts and drivers of waste.
Understanding of material flows and organisational processes.
Ability to recognise cleaner production opportunities and to evaluate their feasibility against internal and external criteria.
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 streams.
Waste classifications.
Company procedures and practices.
Company standards and requirements.
Product safety and integrity requirements.
Occupational health and safety requirements.
Duty of care in provision of services.
Relevant industry standards and codes.
Relevant legislation.
Relevant environmental regulations.
Energy efficiency systems.
Specific skills needed to achieve the performance criteria
To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These are:
oral communication skills including questioning, listening, following instructions
mediating skills
capacity to motivate
visual quantity estimates
reading and interpreting skills
research skills
written communication skills for documentation and report writing
analytical capability
accuracy and attention to detail
computer skills
investigative abilities
hazard identification
safe and efficient work practices.
Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function for example:
PRMWM01B Plan waste audit
PRMWM05B Identify and segregate waste
PRMWM59B Carry out waste assessment
PRMCMN201A Participate in workplace safety arrangements.
Resources required to assess this unit
The following resources should be available:
MSDS
client waste history
specific information related to cleaner production opportunities such as alternative actions and associated cost-benefit information.
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. The competency is to be demonstrated in a range of situations, which may include logical progression of information gathering, analysis of development and evaluation of cleaner production opportunities, together with a specific implementation program.
Evidence of competency is best obtained by reviewing developed cleaner production opportunities, together with supporting information, to ascertain the validity of the opportunity and its feasibility. Workplace examples could be developed and used to assess process and understanding of key issues.
Consistency in performance
Cleaner production programs require that strategies meet the waste reduction goals and targets of the business, and are feasible. It may be necessary to assess the unit within a variety of waste management environments or different organisational needs to assess competency in the development of cleaner production opportunities and specific implementation programs.
Oral questioning or written hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In situations where the candidate is offered a preference between oral or written questioning, 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 that 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? | 3 | Discuss cleaner production options with clients and employees. Discuss alternative options with other interested parties. |
How can information be collected, analysed and organised? | 3 | Gather and analyse information from a number of sources (including regulatory sources, client organisation, relevant personnel and company specifications). |
How are activities planned and organised? | 3 | Prepare action plan of key priority areas after reviewing waste quantities and other relevant information/data by department/process. |
How can teamwork be applied? | 2 | Discuss the process and activities with interested parties. |
How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied? | 3 | Conduct feasibility analysis of alternative processes. |
How can problem-solving skills be applied? | 3 | Utilise problem-solving skills when reviewing processes or practices that generate waste and in developing preferred cleaner production options. |
How can the use of technology be applied? | 2 | Manage and analyse data. Demonstrate understanding of technology and its impacts on the waste stream in terms of achieving organisational goals and targets. |