Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1

Identify waste.

1.1

Waste characteristics  are identified.

1.2

Types of wastes are differentiated by waste stream  or waste categories .

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.

2

Identify hazards and risks.

2.1

Other potential hazards and risks  present in work environment are listed.

2.2

Supervisor and team members are informed of job requirements, hazards and risks.

2.3

Safe work practices that prevent risk behaviour are outlined to supervisor.

2.4

Emergency response procedures are practised with team members.

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

Required skills 

• analytical skills to:

• identify hazards and risks
• identify waste types and waste non-conformances
• segregate valuable resources in composite materials
• segregate waste types, including potentially hazardous waste

• interpersonal skills to work in a team environment
• literacy skills to:

• list potential hazards and risks
• document and keep records
• read and interpret:

• emergency requirements
• hazard advice
• job sheets
• work requirements and material safety data sheets (MSDS)

• oral communication skills to:

• follow instructions
• provide information
• ask questions

• self-management skills to:

• apply signalling techniques
• conduct work practices safely and efficiently
• plan and undertake routine tasks
• prioritise duties
• use emergency and personal protective equipment (PPE)

Required knowledge 

• identification of:

• waste contaminants
• waste monitoring procedures
• waste non-conformances
• waste non-conformance handling procedures
• waste types
• waste management options
• waste storage requirements
• waste disposal and recovery routes

• procedures for containing segregated waste types, including containment and isolation of hazardous waste
• emergency response procedures relating to:

• confined space procedures
• duty of care
• identification of work areas, including location of:

• alarms
• emergency equipment
• communications equipment

• coding systems
• environmental agencies
• environmental regulations
• reporting requirements
• signalling techniques
• waste management hierarchy
• waste containment methods and isolation of emergencies

• occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to:

• chemical storage and decanting
• dangerous goods and hazardous substances
• OHS hierarchy of control
• basic first aid appropriate to likely hazards and risks in work environment

• potential hazards and risks relating to:

• dangerous goods
• potential incidents

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

Overview of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed by observation of practical demonstration in the workplace or in a simulated environment.

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 and risks present in the workplace
• observe OHS requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of essential underpinning 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 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 Property Services 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 essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
• reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
• confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Guidance information for assessment

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units of competency relevant to the job function, for example:

• CPPWMT3005A Identify and segregate waste
• CPPWMT3014A Manually sort waste.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Waste characteristics  may include:

• density
• level of contamination
• quality
• shape
• size
• volume
• weight.

Waste stream  may include:

• construction and demolition
• dangerous goods
• green waste
• hazardous substances
• municipal waste.

Waste categories  may include:

• solid (non-hazardous), e.g. construction and demolition
• liquid (non-hazardous), e.g. chemical and aqueous
• hazardous – regulated, prescribed, quarantined, medical and clinical
• recoverable resources, e.g. recyclable and green waste.

Hazardous and dangerous waste  may include:

• all waste depending on the condition, environment and personal exposure
• 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:

• sunlight
• infestation
• mixing waste types
• rot or mould
• waterlogging.

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

• damage to plant, vehicle or property
• harm to the environment
• illness or injury to employees, contractors or the public
• injuries resulting from manual handling and repetitive work.

Hazards and risks  may include:

• broken glass
• compaction equipment
• contamination
• dust
• fire
• hazardous waste (e.g. sharps)
• narrow driveways
• other vehicles and equipment
• overhanging signs
• projectiles
• spark-producing equipment
• unguarded conveyor belts
• weather.