Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. 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 in accordance with state/territory regulatory requirements

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 in accordance with state/territory regulatory requirements

2 

Identify hazards and assess risk 

2.1

Potential hazards present in work environment identified and recorded in accordance with workplace policies and state/territory regulatory requirements

2.2

Based on hazards identified, risks are assessed and reported in accordance with workplace policies and state/territory regulatory requirements

2.3

Supervisor and team members are accurately informed of job requirements, identified hazards and risk assessment

2.4

Safe work practices that prevent risk behaviour are outlined to supervisor in accordance with workplace policies and procedures

3 

Implement and evaluate risk controls 

3.1

Appropriate risk controls are discussed with supervisor and team members

3.2

Appropriate risk controls are implemented in accordance with workplace policies and procedures

3.3

Risk controls implemented are evaluated for effectiveness and modified as required in accordance with workplace policies and procedures

4 

Implement emergency procedures 

4.1

Emergency procedures are identified and confirmed with supervisor

4.2

Emergency procedures are practiced with team members and implemented as required in accordance with workplace policies and procedures, and state/territory regulatory requirements

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

Required knowledge: 

• Identification of waste:

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

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

• coding systems
• confined space procedures
• duty of care
• environmental agencies
• identification of work areas, including location of:

• alarms
• emergency equipment
• communications equipment

• reporting requirements
• signalling techniques
• state/territory environmental regulations
• waste containment methods and isolation of emergencies
• waste management hierarchy

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

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

• Potential hazards and risks relating to:

• dangerous goods
• potential incidents

Required skills: 

• Apply signaling techniques

• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing

• Conduct work practices safely and efficiently

• Document and keep records

• Follow instructions and ask questions

• Identify hazards and assess risks

• Identify waste types and waste non-conformances

• List potential hazards and risks

• Prioritise duties

• Provide information

• Read and interpret:

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

• Segregate valuable resources in composite materials

• Segregate waste types, including potentially hazardous waste

• Use emergency and personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Work as part of a team

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

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 present in the workplace and assess risk
• observe WHS/OHS requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Performance is demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

Assessment of essential required 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 waste 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 TLI10 Transport and Logistics 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 required knowledge for practical application
• confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance.

Waste characteristics may include:

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

Waste stream may include:

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

Waste categories may include:

• asbestos
• clinical/cytoxic waste – medical waste, dressings, sharps, pharmaceutical products, anatomical waste
• commercial and industrial waste
• construction and demolition waste – broken bricks, concrete, plasterboard, glass, metals, soils, tiles, timbers
• general household waste/hard rubbish
• hazardous waste – acid, caustic, greasy trap waste, oily rags, filters, coolants, oily sludges, septic waste, solvents, trade waste (i.e. paints), used cooking oils, batteries
• manufactured products – clothing and footwear
• organic and green waste – fruit, vegetables, fish, all green waste
• processed food and beverage waste – food, beverages, tobacco and liquor, used cooking oil
• quarantine waste – airport and seaport amnesty bin waste, wash water waste from international vessels and from cleaning of heavy vehicles
• recyclable materials – cardboard, plastic wrap, polystyrene, newspapers, magazines, phone books, boxes, cartons and packaging
• sanitary waste

Hazardous and dangerous waste may include:

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

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

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

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

Hazards and risks may include:

• broken glass
• burns
• clinical/cytotoxic waste (e.g. dressings and sharps)
• compaction equipment
• contamination
• corrosion
• dust
• fire
• fumes
• narrow driveways
• other vehicles and equipment
• overhanging signs
• projectiles
• spark-producing equipment
• weather