Elements and Performance Criteria

This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the plastics, rubber and cablemaking industry.

Standard procedures means all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

The processes covered by this unit include:
monitoring and supervision of the waste management process
keeping records
oversighting the activities of waste collection employees
developing and improving waste management systems
identifying waste management issues.

This competency includes tools and equipment such as:
waste management records.

Typical hazards include occasional exposure to:
spills
dusts/vapours
hazardous materials
manual handling hazards.

Typical problems include:
atypical waste production situations
hold-ups in waste removal
environmental queries
waste removal systems not working.

All operations are performed in accordance with standard procedures.

Essential knowledge and enterprise requirements:
Application of knowledge of the materials, equipment and process sufficient to recognise conditions which may lead to waste disposal issues.
Knowledge of the enterprise's procedures and relevant regulatory requirements along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and work standards.

Competence includes the ability for the practical completion of the job to:
apply and/or explain:
human resource practices which encourage and support staff
dispute resolution procedures
operation of waste systems and equipment
correct selection and use of waste retrieval equipment, materials, processes and procedures
hazards of the materials and process and appropriate hazard control procedures
distinguish between causes of faults such as:
failure to pick up or dispose of waste according to the agreed process or timing
poor work practices.

Critical aspects
It is essential that competence is demonstrated in the ability to:
identify critical issues in relation to waste disposal
plan own work process within workplace procedures and explain the reasons for the steps in the process
take appropriate action to observe equipment, materials and products for atypical waste issues and take appropriate action.

Consistent performance should be demonstrated. In particular look to see that:
waste disposal standards are met consistently
problems are anticipated from observations
problems are efficiently resolved.

Language, literacy and numeracy requirements
This unit requires the ability to read and interpret typical product and waste disposal schedules.
Writing is required to the level of writing workplace procedures and drafting reporting forms.
Basic numeracy is also required, e.g. to use waste recording system.

Assessment method and context
Competence in this unit may be assessed:
on an operating plant allowing for operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions
by use of a suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios
by a combination of these techniques.

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practical/simulation or similar assessment.

Resource implications
This section should be read in conjunction with the range of variables for this unit of competency. Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation. A bank of case studies/scenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method. Questioning may take place either in the workplace, or in an adjacent, quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom. No other special resources are required.