Elements and Performance Criteria

Audit methodology includes
audit scope
client waste management survey
determining sort categories
elimination of other variables
isolation of waste streams
method of recording information
sample required.

Client
includes all forms of business enterprises in this context including government agencies, internal customers, local governments/councils, private and public companies, and residents/ratepayers

Client requirements
are found in briefing papers, letters from client, quality assurance documents, tender/contract documents and verbal or written instructions

Equipment requirements include
absorbent material
bunding equipment
camera
collection containers
lifting gear
measurement equipment
personal protective equipment
reference manuals
safety barriers and warning signs
sample bench
scales.

Guidelines on use of waste management survey
develop appropriate survey questions in accordance with the waste audit objectives
ensure survey questions are able to be completed within the time allowed by the client
obtain client authorisation for survey in accordance with company requirements
write clear survey instructions and questions for the target group.

Information relating to site and client operations must include
access to site and specific site requirements
locations of waste containers
map of plant/site
processing methods
production dates and schedules
production inputs and outputs
site size
storage and disposal methods
waste handling
waste hazards
waste outputs
waste recovery routes
waste streams.

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

Personal protective equipment may include
breathing apparatus
gloves
goggles/safety glasses
overalls
protective headwear
safety shoes.

Personnel requirements include
licences required, skills of personnel and training/briefing.

Site may include
business premises, landfill site, local government area, plant/factory and waste processing plant.

Waste audit requirements/purpose may include but are not limited to
cost reductions
develop waste management plan
environmental concerns
identify recyclable waste
identify waste management policy
identify waste streams
process review
review implementation of waste management plan
waste minimisation.

Waste characteristics include but are not limited to
building material
chemicals
general garbage
household waste
industrial
medical
metal
paper.

Waste site purpose includes but is not limited to
contamination
dangerous and hazardous wastes
disposal methods
production of waste
recycling

re-use
waste generation
waste streams
waste types.

Critical aspects of competency
Ability to determine a variety of audit objectives.
Effective consultation with client to obtain information and support for audit strategy.
Ability to thoroughly scope waste audit site.

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.
Common reasons for undertaking a waste audit.
Nature and significance of waste minimisation hierarchy.
Waste types, streams and characteristics.
Waste disposal and recovery routes.
Waste audit plans.
Waste analytical methods.
Standards audit requirements and procedures.
Types of client waste management surveys and their uses.
Sampling techniques.
Client requirements.
OHS 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, liaison and consultation
sound written communication skills for report writing and developing surveys
reading and interpreting maps, plans and documents
methodical organisation of work
site scoping
audit planning
computer skills
safe and efficient work practices
ability to apply appropriate decision-making techniques.

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:

PRMWM02B Carry out waste audit
PRMWM03B Review, evaluate and document waste assessment findings.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available:

client audit requirements for workplace portfolio case studies if required
work plans and approved specifications
results of sampling
forms and procedure manuals
surveys, reports.

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 relevant environment and reviewing the planning of a waste audit under normal industry operating conditions. If this is not practicable, observations in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.

Consistency in performance
Audit requires that the plan meets the objectives of the client and that it complies 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 of a variety of waste requirements to assess competency in audit of waste plans.
Oral questioning or written audit and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In audit 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 clients and colleagues and demonstrate physically, appropriate use of waste audit methods. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Gather information from a number of sources (including regulatory sources and company specifications) about waste audit methods for accurate demonstrations to occur. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Plan in detail throughout audit, scoping of site, selecting audit methodology and developing waste management survey. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Discuss with clients and/or colleagues throughout consultations. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Compile survey results in specified manner which may include percentages. (2)

Solving problems
Discuss with clients their concerns throughout the waste audit processes while observing company requirements. (1)

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