TLIU3015A
Identify wastes and hazards in the waste management industry

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to identify a range of wastes and potential hazards that may be present in the work environment, to assess risks associated with identified hazards and to mitigate those risks effectively.Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.

Application

This unit of competency supports individuals with responsibility for identifying wastes and potential hazards, and assessing risks in a waste operational environment. It includes following directions, implementing systems and plans for control measures, as well as recognising the need for expert advice and/or implementing emergency procedures.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Identify waste

1.1

Waste characteristics are identified

1.2

Types of wastes are differentiated by waste stream or waste categories in accordance with state/territory regulatory requirements

1.3

Hazardous and dangerous waste and non-conforming waste are detailed

1.4

Contaminants present in waste are noted

1.5

Further information on waste is obtained by questioning appropriate personnel to ensure correct identification in accordance with state/territory regulatory requirements

2

Identify hazards and assess risk

2.1

Potential hazards present in work environment identified and recorded in accordance with workplace policies and state/territory regulatory requirements

2.2

Based on hazards identified, risks are assessed and reported in accordance with workplace policies and state/territory regulatory requirements

2.3

Supervisor and team members are accurately informed of job requirements, identified hazards and risk assessment

2.4

Safe work practices that prevent risk behaviour are outlined to supervisor in accordance with workplace policies and procedures

3

Implement and evaluate risk controls

3.1

Appropriate risk controls are discussed with supervisor and team members

3.2

Appropriate risk controls are implemented in accordance with workplace policies and procedures

3.3

Risk controls implemented are evaluated for effectiveness and modified as required in accordance with workplace policies and procedures

4

Implement emergency procedures

4.1

Emergency procedures are identified and confirmed with supervisor

4.2

Emergency procedures are practiced with team members and implemented as required in accordance with workplace policies and procedures, and state/territory regulatory requirements

Required Skills

This section describes the knowledge and skills required for this unit.

Required knowledge:

Identification of waste:

contaminants

disposal and recovery routes

management options

monitoring procedures

non-conformances

non-conformance handling procedures

storage requirements

types

Procedures for containing segregated waste types, including containment and isolation of hazardous waste

emergency response procedures relating to:

coding systems

confined space procedures

duty of care

environmental agencies

identification of work areas, including location of:

alarms

emergency equipment

communications equipment

reporting requirements

signalling techniques

state/territory environmental regulations

waste containment methods and isolation of emergencies

waste management hierarchy

Work health and safety (WHS)/occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to:

chemical storage and decanting

dangerous goods and hazardous substances

first aid appropriate to likely hazards and risks in work environment

hierarchy of control

Potential hazards and risks relating to:

dangerous goods

potential incidents

Required skills:

Apply signaling techniques

Communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Conduct work practices safely and efficiently

Document and keep records

Follow instructions and ask questions

Identify hazards and assess risks

Identify waste types and waste non-conformances

List potential hazards and risks

Prioritise duties

Provide information

Read and interpret:

emergency requirements

hazard advice

job sheets

work requirements and safety data sheets (SDS)/material safety data sheets (MSDS)

Segregate valuable resources in composite materials

Segregate waste types, including potentially hazardous waste

Use emergency and personal protective equipment (PPE)

Work as part of a team

Evidence Required

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

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 a range of waste streams, hazardous wastes and waste contaminants

identify a range of potential hazards present in the workplace and assess risk

observe WHS/OHS requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

Assessment of essential required 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

The process of identifying waste and hazards must meet waste industry expectations. 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 the identification of waste and hazards.

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the TLI10 Transport and Logistics 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 required knowledge for practical application

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


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.

Waste characteristics may include:

density

level of contamination

quality

quantity

shape

size

volume

weight

Waste stream may include:

construction and demolition

dangerous goods

green waste

hazardous substances

municipal waste

Waste categories may include:

asbestos

clinical/cytoxic waste – medical waste, dressings, sharps, pharmaceutical products, anatomical waste

commercial and industrial waste

construction and demolition waste – broken bricks, concrete, plasterboard, glass, metals, soils, tiles, timbers

general household waste/hard rubbish

hazardous waste – acid, caustic, greasy trap waste, oily rags, filters, coolants, oily sludges, septic waste, solvents, trade waste (i.e. paints), used cooking oils, batteries

manufactured products – clothing and footwear

organic and green waste – fruit, vegetables, fish, all green waste

processed food and beverage waste – food, beverages, tobacco and liquor, used cooking oil

quarantine waste – airport and seaport amnesty bin waste, wash water waste from international vessels and from cleaning of heavy vehicles

recyclable materials – cardboard, plastic wrap, polystyrene, newspapers, magazines, phone books, boxes, cartons and packaging

sanitary waste

Hazardous and dangerous waste may include:

all waste depending on the condition, environment and extent of personal exposure

asbestos

biological products

blood products

chemicals

electrical wiring

glass

hospital waste

leaking containers

medical waste

needles and syringes

oil and petrol

Non conforming waste may include:

contamination

hazardous or dangerous waste

inferior quality and unacceptable waste streams

Contaminants may include:

infestation

mixing waste types

rot or mould

sunlight

waterlogging

Other potential hazards and risks are those that may lead to:

damage to plant, vehicle or property

harm to the environment, including soil and streams

illness or injury to employees, contractors or the general public

injuries resulting from manual handling and repetitive work

Hazards and risks may include:

broken glass

burns

clinical/cytotoxic waste (e.g. dressings and sharps)

compaction equipment

contamination

corrosion

dust

fire

fumes

narrow driveways

other vehicles and equipment

overhanging signs

projectiles

spark-producing equipment

weather


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Refer to Unit Descriptor.