Elements and Performance Criteria

Characteristics of wastes include but are not limited to
containment
density
hazard
level of contamination
quality
shape
size
volume
weight.

Contamination
may include inferior quality and unacceptable waste streams.

Emergency and personal protective equipment must include
appropriate footwear
communications equipment
eye protection
eyewash kit
fire extinguishers
First Aid kit
gloves
overalls and protective clothing.

Emergency and personal protective equipment could also include
breathing apparatus
emergency procedure guides
face shield/mask
hard hat
hearing protection
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
spill kit.

Performance of this unit is carried out in accordance with relevant requirements of the following
Australian Standards
environmental regulations
legislative requirements
manufacturers' specifications
organisational procedures
relevant state/territory regulations.

Potential risks and hazards
are those risks and hazards identified by the organisation that could lead to injury or illness of employees, contractors, visitors or the public; damage to plant, vehicles or property; or that could cause harm to the environment.
This relates to on-site and off-site activities (whether company owned or occupied premises, customer/client premises or public property) over which it could be expected the organisation had control.

Relevant legislation and codes cover state and federal
duty of care
industry codes of conduct
occupational health and safety
Australian Standards
environmental protection legislation.

Waste streams include
construction and demolition
dangerous goods
green waste
hazardous substances
municipal waste
putrescibles
recyclables
solid inert.

Critical aspects of competency
Ability to correctly identify a range of waste streams, hazardous wastes and waste contaminants.
Ability to identify a range of potential risks and hazards present in the work environment.

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.
Waste contaminants.
Potential risks and hazards.
Occupational health and safety requirements.
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:

communication including following instructions
reading and interpreting work requirements
identification of waste types
identification of waste contamination
hazard identification
safe and efficient work practices
use of emergency and personal protective equipment
following MSDS.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available:

range of waste types/streams for identification
OHS requirements
personal protective equipment
work environment in which to identify range of potential risks and hazards.

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 of wastes and hazards. 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 of wastes and hazards.
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.

Communicating ideas and information
Discuss with colleagues, clients and relevant personnel all aspects of wastes and hazards. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Gather and analyse information from a number of sources (including relevant legislation and company requirements to identify wastes and possible hazards. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Plan and organise meetings and communicate opportunities with colleagues to discuss waste identification and hazards. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Work cooperatively with colleagues to identify wastes and hazards. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Use relevant numerical calculations accurately. (1)

Solving problems
Identify and solve risk elements in the waste and hazard identification process. (1)

Using technology
Demonstrate understanding of technological principles and physical skills to use appropriate equipment. (1)