Elements and Performance Criteria

Assessment data may include but is not limited to
agreed objectives
assessment procedures
assessment team
collected data
current management methods
facility location and size
graphs and tables
outcomes
photographs
processes
raw materials
sample size
scope (sample, methodology, processes)
sources
summary of waste stream characteristics and ranking.

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

Client requirements
are found in briefing papers, letters from client, quality assurance documents, tender/contract documents and verbal or written instructions

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.

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

Critical aspects of competency
Thoroughly review waste assessment findings.
Identify and evaluate reasons for/causes of waste assessment results.

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 waste assessment.
Assessment requirements and procedures.
Waste types.
Streams and characteristics.
Sampling techniques.
Waste disposal and recovery routes.
Company requirements.
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:

oral communication skills including questioning, listening, following instructions, giving information
reading and interpreting data and information
written communication skills for recording information and report preparation
reviewing and evaluating information
methodical organisation of work
using recording equipment
accuracy and attention to detail
computer skills
spreadsheeting, including creating graphs and charts
estimating
basic numeracy skills including measurements and calculations (weights, volumes and quantities)
time management
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:

PRMWM01B: Plan waste audit
PRMWM02B Carry out waste audit.

Resources required to assess this unit

The following resources should be available:

waste assessment data
waste site for analysis
data analysis tools
reporting tools e.g. computer.

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 relevant environment and conducting the review and evaluation of assessment findings 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 review and evaluation of assessment findings under normal industry operating conditions.
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
Review and document assessment findings with clients and colleagues. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Gather from a number of sources including regulatory sources, relevant personnel and company specifications. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Prepare activities appropriately for site analysis. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Discuss relevant issues with clients and/or colleagues. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Conduct appropriate mathematical calculations in the review and evaluation of waste assessment findings. (1)

Solving problems
Discuss client concerns throughout review and evaluation of waste assessment findings while observing company requirements. (1)

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