WAMITAB
Compliance in waste and resource management: sharing and learning
“Summertime, an’ the livin’ is easy” or so the song goes, but for those working in the waste and recycling industry, there is a need to keep on the ball with the launch of another review into the waste sector, this time focused on identifying barriers to growth and innovation in the waste sector.
The review was launched in July 2015 by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), and calls for evidence of barriers in the law, how it is implemented and enforcement activity which is carried out on the ground. It aims to identify ways of removing any unnecessary barriers whilst also maintaining the protection of human health and the environment. The review offers a great opportunity for the voice of the industry to be heard and you can access it via
cutting-red-tape.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ waste – you have until 14th September 2015 (day before RWM 2015 opens in Birmingham) to share your feedback.
Getting the balance right Getting the balance right will be crucial and,
painful though it may be for those grappling with the headaches associated with environmental permits and or preparing to take their continuing competence tests, there is a need for some legislation. Waste crime and the activities of rogue operators need to be curtailed and it would be good to see a reduction in the numbers of waste fires, all of which contribute to the waste industry being viewed negatively. The review crosses over with government
departments – Environment Agency; Police, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC); and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) – collaborating to crack down on waste crime. So, whilst work has started to
explore how to reduce the burden of legislation, it is important that operators continue to comply with current regulatory requirements –
42 SHM August 2015 Issue 117
including maintaining their continuing competence certificate.
Keeping compliant When continuing competence was originally
launched in 2009, there were fixed windows within which the technically competent manager was required to achieve their certificate. In February 2016, the last of these ‘fixed periods’ will come to an end. Those who achieved their continuing competence certificate between 1st March 2012 and 28th February 2014 will need to renew their certificate by 29th February 2016. As that date gets closer it can become increasingly difficult to book a test at your preferred centre and on the date/time that suits you best – so the advice is to get in early and secure a test slot at your nearest Pearson Vue centre. In March 2014 a rolling programme was
introduced and successful candidates now receive a continuing competence certificate
‘date stamped’ with an expiry date for two years from the date of achievement. This change enhances the scheme’s flexibility and accessibility and makes it easier for individuals and organisations to track when their next test is due. There is a range of support materials on the
WAMITAB website to help those preparing to take the continuing competence test: » Risk Tiers Table helps operators to determine the environmental risk for a particular type of facility via a simple-to- follow colour coding and also helps you identify the relevant Activity Specific Test (AST) required for your site
» Continuing Competence Summaries are free, downloadable documents that provide the basics about the key topics
and are a handy starting point for revision activity
» Continuing Competence Revision Guides are more detailed paid-for guides, which provide useful information and links to key legislation and guidance. There are separate guides for each Generic Knowledge Test and for the ASTs, covering the topics likely to appear, and with space for your own notes as well as activities to check knowledge and understanding
These materials are based on the current
legislation and syllabus for continuing competence and as such have a “use by” date of 29th February 2016. New editions will be developed to coincide with the introduction of the refreshed syllabus and associated tests and will be available from March 2016; this is part of a regular process to ensure the CIWM/ WAMITAB Continuing Competence scheme reflects changes in policy and regulation.
Keeping up to date A big part of compliance is keeping your
knowledge of the industry current by keeping abreast of changes in technology and ways of working. The annual RWM show provides a great
opportunity to see the latest equipment and pick up on new ideas. This year’s show runs from 15-17 September at the NEC in Birmingham. As usual, WAMITAB will be attending and will be on hand to answer any questions about qualifications, continuing competence, risk tier table and other topics that can be confusing to those new to the industry and seasoned professional alike. Visit us in Hall 4 stand J44 to learn more
about how we can support you and your business.
Chris James CEO at WAMITAB has over 30 years’ experience in vocational education as a Principal Lecturer, Chief Examiner, External Verifier and Moderator with high profile education and awarding organisations. WAMITAB provides an end-to-end solution from operative to management level qualifications in resource management and recycling; cleaning; street cleansing; facilities management and parking. Visit
www.wamitab.org.uk for more information or follow us on Twitter @WAMITAB.
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