Elements and Performance Criteria

Audit requirements include
checklist
company requirements
compliance with legislation or regulations
date
identifying recyclable types
location
measurement and recording requirements
personnel and equipment requirements
processes to be audited
public health/safety
site contacts
site requirements
specific functions requiring observation and audit
time.

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

Company requirements
are found in briefing documents, letters, quality assurance documents, tender/contract documents and verbal or written instructions.

Details of audit activity include but are not limited to
accidents/injuries
checklist
date
equipment used
location
results/findings
time
waste disposal.

Details relating to access to site and specific site requirements include but are not limited to
access and egress points
noise control
occupational health and safety requirements
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
hard hat
hearing protection
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
spill kit.

Emergency response action/procedures include but are not limited to
clean up
contain emergency
equipment/plant isolation and shut-down
evacuation
First Aid
make safe
notification of authorities
use of appropriate personal protective equipment.

Equipment includes
barriers and warning signs
camera
computer
personal protective equipment (PPE)
process charts and diagrams
recording and counting equipment
reference manuals
site maps
software.

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

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

Personal protective equipment required
will be stored, maintained and worn/fitted in accordance with company requirements and occupational health and safety and other legislation.

Potential risks and hazards
are those risks and hazards identified by the organisation that could lead to injury or illness of employees, contractors, visitors or the public; damage to plant, vehicles or property; or that could cause harm to the environment.
This relates to on-site and off-site activities (whether company owned or occupied premises, customer/client premises or public property) over which it could be expected the organisation had control.

Processes to be audited
could be behavioural, biological, chemical, computerised, mechanical and physical.

Safe operating procedures include
any activity or operation conducted on site to ensure health and safety of personnel/equipment in the area.

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

Waste streams include various categories of
chemical waste
construction and demolition
dangerous goods
green waste
hazardous waste
municipal waste
prescribed waste
putrescibles
quarantine
recyclables liquid
regulated waste
solid inert.

Critical aspects of competency
Thoroughly prepares for waste audit including determining audit requirements, obtaining necessary equipment, clarifying details relating to access to site and site requirements, confirming locations of sites/processes to be audited, selecting and fitting necessary PPE, identifying and managing potential risks and hazards to work environment
Correctly identifies and lists all inputs, outputs and by-products of processes
Observes work processes for efficiency and effectiveness in waste management and minimisation
Correctly identifies and quantifies wastes, and sources wastes to determine how and why they were generated

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 process audit.
Industry practice for conducting process audits.
Waste analytical methods.
Standard audit requirements and procedures.
Waste types, streams and characteristics.
Measurements, including weights and volumes.
Recording techniques.
Company requirements.
Potential risks and hazards in waste auditing.
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:

communication including liaison, interpersonal, listening, questioning, following instructions
reading and interpreting assessment findings
methodical organisation of work
identifying processes
drawing flowcharts
calculating materials balances
identification of waste types, streams and characteristics
recording information
accuracy and attention to detail
computer skills
using communications equipment (two-way radio and mobile phone)
report preparation
estimating
hazard identification
basic numeracy skills including measurements and calculations (weights, volumes and quantities)
following MSDS
use of emergency and personal protective equipment
safe and efficient work practices.

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 BSBSBM404A Undertake business planning.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available:

process audit requirements
audit environment
audit equipment
site requirements
personal protective equipment
measurement and calculation tools (e.g. recording equipment, weight/volume measurement, calculator)
case studies.

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 field and reviewing process audit. If this is not practicable, observations in realistic simulated environments may be substituted.

Consistency in performance
Assessment 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 process audit.
Oral questioning or written assessment and hypothetical situations (scenarios) may be used to assess underpinning knowledge. (In assessment 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 relevant issues with appropriate personnel about the audit process. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Gather and analyse information from a number of sources (including relevant legislation, manufacturers' specifications, audit requirements, process audit requirements documentation and company specifications) about the audit process. (2)

Planning and organising activities
Plan and organise methods to conduct audit in accordance with company requirements. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Work cooperatively with colleagues to conduct ongoing audit processes. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Conduct and document appropriate mathematical calculations used throughout the audit process. (1)

Solving problems
Discuss potential problems and solutions that may arise throughout the audit process. (1)

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