Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 7:29 AM AWST
23/07/2026 7:29 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Organise waste management operation
Organise waste management operation
Unit of competency
National Code
PRMWM52A
PRMWM52A
State Code
S4406
S4406
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/11/2004
Field of Education
039901 - Environmental Engineering
Original Release Date
26/11/2004
Nominal Hours
22
Description
This unit of competency describes the coordination of waste management operations including the allocation of work to personnel. This unit is applicable where supervision of a small field work team is required.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Identify work requirements
- 1.1 Review work site specifications to identify requirements1.2 Identify client needs and expectations1.3 Identify site characteristics and special requirements for waste management1.4 Conduct hazard and risk analysis to identify all OHS and personal protective equipment requirements in accordance with company requirements, OHS regulations and other relevant legislation and report to appropriate personnel
2 Organise equipment and materials
- 2.1 Estimate plant and equipment and materials requirements in line with past usage and present needs2.2 Ensure the availability of the required equipment and material2.3 Check plant and equipment to ensure it is in good working order in accordance with manufacturers' specifications, relevant legislation and company requirements
3 Allocate work areas and activities
- 3.1 Ensure work is scheduled and allocated to be completed within time available3.2 Allocate work by considering factors such as individuals' competency level and their capacity to complete work requirements within relevant legislation, OHS procedures and company requirements3.3 Ensure licences appropriate to the work being performed are held in accordance with relevant legislation and company requirements3.4 Allocate work within approved company budget levels
- 3.5 Develop site safety plan which identifies all relevant site safety features in accordance with company and OHS requirements
- 3.6 Communicate work requirements to personnel in a manner suitable to the situation to ensure instructions are understood, verified and confirmed
4 Provide suitable training and assessment opportunities
- 4.1 Identify personnel skill gaps4.2 Provide appropriate on-the-job training to fill identified skill gaps and improve work performance4.3 Provide opportunities for personnel to ask questions and seek clarification on training and work performance matters4.4 Provide assistance to personnel to ensure compliance with work site requirements4.5 Undertake relevant work assessments in accordance with industry and company requirements
5 Document waste management organisational plan
- 5.1 Document all details of waste management organisational plan accurately and promptly, in accordance with company requirements and relevant legislation
Client/company includes
all forms of business enterprises in this context including government agencies, local governments/councils, private and public companies and residents/ratepayers.
Client needs and expectations may be
verbal or written and usually checked against work specification requirements. They may be included in briefing papers, correspondence, quality assurance documents and tender/contract documents.
Communication of work requirements may include
mobile phone
other telecommunication
two-way radio
verbal instructions
written instructions
written job sheet.
Company requirements are found in
environmental management plan
induction documentation
job sheets
operations manuals
policy and procedures documents
quality assurance documents
site development plan
training materials
verbal or written instructions
waste management plan
work procedures.
Competencies and capacity of existing workers
is determined from demonstrations, discussion, observations and training records.
Emergency response action/procedures include but are not limited to
clean up
contain emergency
equipment/plant isolation and shut-down
evacuation
First Aid
identify emergency
make safe
notification of authorities
use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
Estimates for duration of work
are made based on an assessment of conditions (weather and site) and past experience with similar services or operations.
Manufacturers' specifications are found in
databases
equipment specifications attached to the equipment
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
operator manuals
printed instruction leaflets
warranty documents.
Materials include
cell cover materials
cleaning fluids
cleaning rags
fertiliser
fuel
fuses
globes
gravel for wet weather tipping areas
lawn seed
lubricants
oil
pesticides
plant protection covers
plants
road repairing materials (gravel, sand, dirt and compacted material)
water.
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.
Personal protective equipment required
will be stored, maintained and worn/fitted in accordance with company requirements and occupational health and safety and other legislation.
Personnel may include
foreperson
maintenance technician
plant operator
supervisor
waste transporter
weighbridge officer.
Plant and equipment includes but is not limited to
boots
calculator
chemically resistant protective clothing
communications equipment
compactor
computer and associated hardware and software
dozer
earthmoving equipment
emergency and personal protective equipment (which may include breathing apparatus, canister mask, self-contained breathing apparatus)
emergency procedure guides
eye protection
eyewash kit
face mask
face shield
fire extinguishers
First Aid kit
forklift
gloves
grader
gumboots
hard hat
hearing protection
lawnmower
lifting equipment
loader
MSDS
overalls and protective clothing
recording equipment
register
roller
safety barriers and signage
sampling equipment
scales
scraper
skip
spill kit
storage containers
tools (which may include maintenance tools, rake, secateurs and pruning tools, shovel)
torch
tractor
trucks (rigid and articulated)
weighbridge
whipper snipper.
Relevant legislation and codes cover state and federal
duty of care
industry codes of conduct
occupational health and safety legislation
Australian Standards
environmental protection legislation
road laws.
Safe operating procedures include
awareness of contamination sources
awareness of fire hazards
confined spaces procedures
conforming to dangerous and hazardous goods handling, transport and storage requirements
emergency procedures
emergency shut-down procedures
First Aid
following MSDS
hazard recognition
observing right of way in incline and decline
observing speed limits
operating equipment/plant/machinery in accordance with manufacturers' specifications
safe handling of waste
wearing seatbelts
working safely around other machines and personnel
working safely around tools, plant and equipment.
Safe operating procedures should ensure
containment of waste
equipment is operational
hosing
personal protective equipment is clean and undamaged.
Site safety plan may include
dangerous/prohibited areas
evacuation areas
eye bath
fire fighting equipment
First Aid
personal protective equipment
shelter.
Work site specifications may be
covering batters
landfill site placement and compaction requirements
maintenance
production estimates and schedules
sampling and testing
support function requirements
waste receival schedule
waste transportation requirements.
all forms of business enterprises in this context including government agencies, local governments/councils, private and public companies and residents/ratepayers.
Client needs and expectations may be
verbal or written and usually checked against work specification requirements. They may be included in briefing papers, correspondence, quality assurance documents and tender/contract documents.
Communication of work requirements may include
mobile phone
other telecommunication
two-way radio
verbal instructions
written instructions
written job sheet.
Company requirements are found in
environmental management plan
induction documentation
job sheets
operations manuals
policy and procedures documents
quality assurance documents
site development plan
training materials
verbal or written instructions
waste management plan
work procedures.
Competencies and capacity of existing workers
is determined from demonstrations, discussion, observations and training records.
Emergency response action/procedures include but are not limited to
clean up
contain emergency
equipment/plant isolation and shut-down
evacuation
First Aid
identify emergency
make safe
notification of authorities
use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
Estimates for duration of work
are made based on an assessment of conditions (weather and site) and past experience with similar services or operations.
Manufacturers' specifications are found in
databases
equipment specifications attached to the equipment
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
operator manuals
printed instruction leaflets
warranty documents.
Materials include
cell cover materials
cleaning fluids
cleaning rags
fertiliser
fuel
fuses
globes
gravel for wet weather tipping areas
lawn seed
lubricants
oil
pesticides
plant protection covers
plants
road repairing materials (gravel, sand, dirt and compacted material)
water.
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.
Personal protective equipment required
will be stored, maintained and worn/fitted in accordance with company requirements and occupational health and safety and other legislation.
Personnel may include
foreperson
maintenance technician
plant operator
supervisor
waste transporter
weighbridge officer.
Plant and equipment includes but is not limited to
boots
calculator
chemically resistant protective clothing
communications equipment
compactor
computer and associated hardware and software
dozer
earthmoving equipment
emergency and personal protective equipment (which may include breathing apparatus, canister mask, self-contained breathing apparatus)
emergency procedure guides
eye protection
eyewash kit
face mask
face shield
fire extinguishers
First Aid kit
forklift
gloves
grader
gumboots
hard hat
hearing protection
lawnmower
lifting equipment
loader
MSDS
overalls and protective clothing
recording equipment
register
roller
safety barriers and signage
sampling equipment
scales
scraper
skip
spill kit
storage containers
tools (which may include maintenance tools, rake, secateurs and pruning tools, shovel)
torch
tractor
trucks (rigid and articulated)
weighbridge
whipper snipper.
Relevant legislation and codes cover state and federal
duty of care
industry codes of conduct
occupational health and safety legislation
Australian Standards
environmental protection legislation
road laws.
Safe operating procedures include
awareness of contamination sources
awareness of fire hazards
confined spaces procedures
conforming to dangerous and hazardous goods handling, transport and storage requirements
emergency procedures
emergency shut-down procedures
First Aid
following MSDS
hazard recognition
observing right of way in incline and decline
observing speed limits
operating equipment/plant/machinery in accordance with manufacturers' specifications
safe handling of waste
wearing seatbelts
working safely around other machines and personnel
working safely around tools, plant and equipment.
Safe operating procedures should ensure
containment of waste
equipment is operational
hosing
personal protective equipment is clean and undamaged.
Site safety plan may include
dangerous/prohibited areas
evacuation areas
eye bath
fire fighting equipment
First Aid
personal protective equipment
shelter.
Work site specifications may be
covering batters
landfill site placement and compaction requirements
maintenance
production estimates and schedules
sampling and testing
support function requirements
waste receival schedule
waste transportation requirements.
Critical aspects of competency
Clearly identifies work requirements.
Clearly communicates all work requirements.
Organises equipment, supplies and materials.
Appropriately allocates work and activities to competent personnel.
Provides suitable training and assessment opportunities.
Ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
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.
Leading a team.
HAZAN and HAZOPS requirements.
Daily operations at a waste site.
Landfill site development plan.
Plant and equipment requirements for site operations.
Tools and materials requirements for site operations.
Emergency response procedures.
Company requirements.
Environmental management plan.
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 interpersonal, listening, questioning, following instructions, giving information
problem-solving
determining and allocating work requirements
reading and interpreting technical plans and drawings
use of communications equipment (two-way radio and mobile phone)
record keeping
time management
safe and efficient work practices
working in confined spaces
use of emergency and personal protective equipment
following MSDS.
Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, for example:
PRMWM04B Develop waste management strategies
PRMWM30B Determine waste management services
PRMWM36B Develop a waste management plan
PRMWM45B Develop site safety plan
PRMWM53A Conduct and monitor waste management operation
PRMWM58A Develop emergency response plan
PRMCMN401A Manage workplace safety arrangements
PRMCMN402A Facilitate effective client relationships
PRMCMN403A Facilitate effective teamwork
PRMCMN404A Facilitate effective workplace relationships
BSBCMN413B Implement and monitor environmental policies
BSBHR401A Administer human resource systems
BSBMGT503A Prepare budgets and financial plans
BSBSBM404A Undertake business planning.
Resources required to assess this unit
The following resources should be available:
waste management operations information
list of available resources
communications equipment
role-play
OHS requirements
client requirements
company requirements
case studies
relevant codes of practice.
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 the organisation of waste management operations under normal industry operating conditions. 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 in the organisation of waste management operations.
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 the organisation waste management operations with clients and personnel. (2)
Collecting analysing and organising information
Gather and analyse information from a number of sources (including regulatory sources, relevant personnel, relevant legislation, personnel training records and company specifications) to organise waste management operations. (2)
Planning and organising activities
Plan and organise all aspects of waste management operations. (2)
Working with others and in teams
Work cooperatively with personnel and colleagues throughout the waste management operation/s. (2)
Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Conduct and document appropriate mathematical calculations throughout the waste management operation/s. (1)
Solving problems
Discuss possible problems and identify solutions that may arise throughout the waste management operations. (2)
Using technology
Demonstrate understanding of technological principles and physical skills to use appropriate equipment. (1)
Clearly identifies work requirements.
Clearly communicates all work requirements.
Organises equipment, supplies and materials.
Appropriately allocates work and activities to competent personnel.
Provides suitable training and assessment opportunities.
Ensures the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
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.
Leading a team.
HAZAN and HAZOPS requirements.
Daily operations at a waste site.
Landfill site development plan.
Plant and equipment requirements for site operations.
Tools and materials requirements for site operations.
Emergency response procedures.
Company requirements.
Environmental management plan.
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 interpersonal, listening, questioning, following instructions, giving information
problem-solving
determining and allocating work requirements
reading and interpreting technical plans and drawings
use of communications equipment (two-way radio and mobile phone)
record keeping
time management
safe and efficient work practices
working in confined spaces
use of emergency and personal protective equipment
following MSDS.
Other units of competency that could be assessed with this unit
This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function, for example:
PRMWM04B Develop waste management strategies
PRMWM30B Determine waste management services
PRMWM36B Develop a waste management plan
PRMWM45B Develop site safety plan
PRMWM53A Conduct and monitor waste management operation
PRMWM58A Develop emergency response plan
PRMCMN401A Manage workplace safety arrangements
PRMCMN402A Facilitate effective client relationships
PRMCMN403A Facilitate effective teamwork
PRMCMN404A Facilitate effective workplace relationships
BSBCMN413B Implement and monitor environmental policies
BSBHR401A Administer human resource systems
BSBMGT503A Prepare budgets and financial plans
BSBSBM404A Undertake business planning.
Resources required to assess this unit
The following resources should be available:
waste management operations information
list of available resources
communications equipment
role-play
OHS requirements
client requirements
company requirements
case studies
relevant codes of practice.
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 the organisation of waste management operations under normal industry operating conditions. 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 in the organisation of waste management operations.
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 the organisation waste management operations with clients and personnel. (2)
Collecting analysing and organising information
Gather and analyse information from a number of sources (including regulatory sources, relevant personnel, relevant legislation, personnel training records and company specifications) to organise waste management operations. (2)
Planning and organising activities
Plan and organise all aspects of waste management operations. (2)
Working with others and in teams
Work cooperatively with personnel and colleagues throughout the waste management operation/s. (2)
Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Conduct and document appropriate mathematical calculations throughout the waste management operation/s. (1)
Solving problems
Discuss possible problems and identify solutions that may arise throughout the waste management operations. (2)
Using technology
Demonstrate understanding of technological principles and physical skills to use appropriate equipment. (1)
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WC214 | CPPWMT4052A | Organise waste management operations | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W637 | PRM40509 | Certificate IV in Asset Maintenance (Waste Management) | Qualification |
| S467 | PRM40504 | Certificate IV in Asset Maintenance (Waste Management) | Qualification |