Mechanically handle recyclable materials

URN: EUSWO43
Business Sectors (Suites): Waste Resource Operations Management
Developed by: Energy & Utility Skills
Approved on: 01 Nov 2017

Overview

This standard is for those who use mechanically operated machinery and equipment to move recyclable materials. It involves understanding the characteristics of the waste load, and the capabilities of the equipment used. It requires risks to be minimised throughout the


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

Prepare to use mechanical handling equipment to load, unload and move recyclable

materials

  1. carry out all work in accordance with safe working procedures and

practices and organisational and legal requirements

  1. select and use the designated personal protective equipment

(PPE) in compliance with operational and legal requirements

  1. undertake daily checks and confirm the mechanical handling

equipment and its attachments and accessories are working in

accordance with operational and manufacturers procedures

  1. check to make sure regulations regarding lifting equipment and

work equipment have been complied with, reporting instances of noncompliance

  1. ensure that risk assessments are available and follow all required

control measures

Load, move and unload recyclable materials using mechanical handling

equipment

  1. operate equipment in accordance with work instructions and

organisational procedures

  1. comply with legal and organisational procedures
  2. ensure the equipment is operated within its safe working limit.
  3. operate mechanical handling equipment in a safe manner
  4. comply with operational and legal procedures and documents when

handling recyclable materials

  1. ensure the equipment to be used is suitable for the

characteristics of the recyclable materials

  1. ensure that the recyclable material is handled in a safe manner
  2. ensure the load being handled is stable at all times
  3. ensure the work area is free from obstructions at all times during

operations

  1. monitor the work environment continuously to minimise risk

Use and communicate data and information

  1. provide information to others to complete all documentation

associated with the handling of the load.

  1. report situations where recyclable materials do not comply with

documentation

  1. report defects on equipment, and in the work area, when handling

recyclable materials

Resolve problems which arise from mechanically handling recyclable

materials

  1. respond to emergencies and spillages in line with operational

procedures

  1. identify and resolve any discrepancies between the paperwork and

the recyclable material before it is loaded or unloaded

  1. take steps immediately in accordance with operational procedures

to ensure unsafe conditions are dealt with

  1. report immediately any unsafe conditions
  2. report to manager situations which are outside your job role

responsibilities


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

General

  1. the potential hazards associated with different recyclable materials
  2. how to identify work-related hazards and risks
  3. details of operational procedures and documentation
  4. how to work with colleagues and other people and resolve

disagreements

  1. the requirements of and how to use personal protective equipment

(PPE) in line with operational procedures

  1. operational procedures and the importance of complying with them
  2. your job responsibility and when to report to managers

Mechanical handling of recyclable materials

  1. where to find risk assessments
  2. the physical and handling characteristics of recyclable materials
  3. the techniques for handling loads
  4. how adverse conditions can affect the handling of loads
  5. the importance of assessing ground conditions in the loading area
  6. the dangers of vehicles and pedestrian traffic in the loading area

and how to minimise risks by following operational procedures

  1. the potential for damage to buildings or other structures during the

handling of loads

  1. how the potential for distortion or movement of the load can occur

whilst handling

  1. the different techniques of maneuvering safely both loaded and

unloaded

  1. the importance of documentation associated with the handling of a

load

  1. the responsibilities of the employer and employee handling

recyclable materials


Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

01 Nov 2021

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Energy & utility skills

Original URN

wo28

Relevant Occupations

Public Services, Public Services and Care

SOC Code

9225

Keywords

Mechanical; Mechanically; Waste; Handling; Equipment; Defects; Specialist equipment; Characteristics; Loads