Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the knowledge and skills needed to use and make improvements in sustainable environmental practices in production, maintenance and logistics.

Application of the unit 

In a typical scenario, a team member will be aware of environmental resource  use. Some of this is necessary  but typically a large part of environmental resource use may be unnecessary waste  and so should be eliminated or at least minimised. The team member will observe resource use and ensure it is according to the organisations plans and will also engage in continuous improvements for resource use.

This unit requires the application of skills associated with applying workplace information on use of resources and managing own application of technology and workplace practices to minimise use and waste of resources.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

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.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Identify resource use

1.1. Identify resources used by processes in area of responsibility

1.2. Recognise  the type/source of resource used

1.3. Identify sources of information to expand knowledge and understanding of resources used

2. Comply with environmental obligations

2.1. Follow procedures to ensure there is no breach of environmental regulations/licence conditions

2.2. Identify situations related to job which may lead to a breach of regulations/licence conditions

3. Follow resource conservation plans

3.1. Identify resource conservation plan/section of plan relevant to area of responsibility

3.2. Identify most efficient or appropriate equipment or processes to comply with conservation plans

3.3. Check resource use is in accordance with plan

3.4. Sort/recycle waste according to procedures

3.5. Note any uses which do not comply with plan

3.6. Take appropriate action specified in plan to bring resource use back in line with plans

3.7. Apply energy conservation plans to the use of equipment and tools

4. Improve resource use

4.1. Identify waste of resource use

4.2. Recommend improvements to resource use

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• analysis
• basic mathematics
• communication
• problem solving

Required knowledge 

• the '3 Rs' - reduce, re-use, recycle
• regulatory/licensing requirements relevant to the process/plant
• types and sources of resource
• basic principles of resource efficiency
• process needs for resource

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this training package.

Overview of assessment requirements 

The competent team member will be able to identify the resource use of any/all part/s of the process and recommend better ways of using it.

What are the specific resource requirements for this unit ?

Access to an organisation seeking to improve its resource usage.

What critical aspects of evidence are required to demonstrate competency in this unit ?

Evidence of conformance to resource usage plans and suggestions for improvement should be available.

In what context should assessment occur ?

Assessment needs to be conducted in an organisation where resource is a significant cost component or by project, simulation or case study.

Are there any other units which could or should be assessed with this unit or which relate directly to this unit ?

This unit is related to:

• MSACMT270A Use sustainable energy practices  - which covers energy  specifically, and 
• MSACMT671A Develop and manage sustainable environmental practices  - which covers the higher skill levels.

What method of assessment should apply ?

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the elements, Performance Criteria, skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.

Assessors should gather sufficient, fair, valid, reliable, authentic and current evidence from a range of sources. Sources of evidence may include direct observation, reports from supervisors, peers and colleagues, project work, samples, organisation records and questioning. Assessment should not require language, literacy or numeracy skills beyond those required for the unit.

The assessee will have access to all techniques, procedures, information, resources and aids which would normally be available in the workplace.

The method of assessment should be discussed and agreed with the assessee prior to the commencement of the assessment.

What evidence is required for demonstration of consistent performance ?

Evidence should be available from the daily routine of the job to show that there is consistent performance.

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. 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 

Waste (also known as muda in the Toyota Production System and its derivatives) is any activity which does not contribute to customer benefit/features in the product.

Within manufacturing, categories of waste include:

• excess production and early production
• delays
• movement and transport
• poor process design
• inventory
• inefficient performance of a process
• making defective items.

Waste for this unit may include activities which do not yield any benefit to the organisation or any benefit to the organisations customers.

Necessary waste 

Necessary waste is any activity or cost which does not contribute directly to customer benefit/feature in the product, and which cannot  be avoided (for example regulatory compliance and fixed costs). Necessary waste cannot be eliminated but should be managed.

Unnecessary waste 

Unnecessary waste is any activity or cost which does not contribute directly to customer benefit/features in the product and can  be avoided. Unnecessary waste should be eliminated as quickly as practical.

Resource 

Resource is used to mean resources used by the process be it raw materials, components, process water, cooling water, cleaning water and so on.

Recognise 

Recognition of type of resource is at an appropriate level for the person and the area and includes things like recognising steam/electric heating, cooling water/refrigerated cooling, raw materials waste materials.

Unit Sector 

CM Tools

Co-requisite units 

Functional Area