Elements and Performance Criteria

Audit activity details should include
accidents/injuries
date
equipment used
location
results/findings
time
waste disposal.

Audit plan may include but is not limited to
collection of photographic evidence
measurement and recording requirements
OHS requirements
personnel and equipment requirements including personal protective equipment
sample requirements
site contacts
site requirements.

Company/client includes
all forms of business enterprises in this context including government agencies, 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

Details relating to access to site and site requirements include but are not limited to
access and egress points
occupational health and safety requirements and noise control
personal protective equipment
security clearance
time of access
union requirements
work permits.

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
goggles/protective glasses
hard hat
hearing protection
material safety data sheets
spill kit.

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

Manufacturers' specifications
are found in equipment specifications and operator manuals.

Measurement of waste
should include number, proportion/percentage, volume and weight.

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.

Potential job requirement risks and hazards include but are not limited to
contamination
dust
fire
gases and fumes
hazardous waste (e.g. sharps)
inadequately contained waste
injuries resulting from manual handling and repetitive work
other vehicles and equipment
projectiles
spark-producing equipment
weather.

Relevant personnel include but are not limited to
client, householder, management and waste generator's personnel.

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

Unanticipated waste includes
any waste stream not expected to be present within the sample.

Critical aspects of competency
Identify, sort, measure and record wastes.
Identify unanticipated waste.
Conduct an accurate and valid waste audit.

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 standard.
Audit requirements and procedures.
Waste types.
Streams and characteristics.
Measurements including weights and volumes.
Sampling techniques.
Recording techniques.
Company requirements.
Potential risks and hazards in waste audit.
Emergency response procedures.
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:

oral communication skills including questioning, listening, following instructions
reading and interpreting skills
written communication skills for documentation and report writing
methodical organisation of work
identification of waste types
streams and characteristics recognition of unanticipated waste types
using recording equipment
using photographic equipment
accuracy and attention to detail
computer skills
using communications equipment (two-way radio and mobile phone)
estimating
hazard identification
use of emergency and personal protective equipment
safe and efficient work practices.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available:

waste audit plan in a workplace
portfolio case studies if required
audit resources (including camera equipment).

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 by carrying out 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 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 development of waste management strategies.
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 audit plans with clients and colleagues. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Gather information from a number of sources (including regulatory sources, relevant personnel and company specifications) about carrying out a waste audit. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Plan appropriately for waste audit. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Conduct discussions with clients and/or colleagues during client contact. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Conduct mathematical calculations for waste audit plan. (1)

Solving problems
Alleviate client concerns throughout the waste management audit while observing company requirements. (1)

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