BUSINESS CLINIC
The WAMITAB Level 4 Operator Competence qualifications are a group of mandatory units and sector-specific pathways based on the type of operation or activity, which are categorised by their level of risk:
• WAMITAB Level 4 Low Risk Operator Competence (4 Unit)
• WAMITAB Level 4 Medium Risk Operator Competence (6 Unit)
• WAMITAB Level 4 High Risk Operator Competence (12 Unit)
The WAMITAB Level 4 Certificate in Waste and Resource Management (VRQ) offers an alternative intensive classroom-based course covering topics required by the Operator Competence Scheme.
The Environmental Permitting Operators Certificate (EPOC) demonstrates operator competence to manage a permitted waste and resources facility for low risk tier sites. This course, delivered by CIWM, can also be used by organisations responsible for non-landfill facilities in the medium risk tier or higher risk tier applying for a new permit, who wish to make use of a 12-month grace period before going on to obtain the appropriate qualification.
In all cases, if you’re part of the CIWM/ WAMITAB scheme you need to pass a continuing competency assessment every two years after achievement of the primary qualification.
This scheme is focused on the competency levels of the individual but includes the requirement for a site management plan to be implemented and maintained at the worksite. In addition, staff training needs to be delivered and skills kept up-to-date and combined with the implementation of a range of other management tools such as a Fire Prevention Plan. The overall aim is to ensure the site is being managed efficiently, effectively and, most importantly, compliantly.
EU Skills/ESA CMS scheme On the other hand, the EU Skills scheme considers the competence of your business as a whole; this enables operators to demonstrate technically competent management of permitted activities by creating and maintaining a CMS that is independently certified.
It is designed to ensure that all individuals on site whose work contributes to the conditions of an environmental permit are competent to carry out the work of their specific role. CMS complements and embeds existing management standards such as ISO 9001 and 14001, enabling a systemic approach to competence and can be especially relevant for very large companies operating across a number of sites and/ or offering a range of waste/recycling processing services.
Operators are required to achieve and maintain their CMS against the standard
and achieve certification through Accredited Certification Bodies (ACBs). The use of relevant qualifications in support of corporate competence within CMS is also permissible and this how WAMITAB qualifications can support an organisation to operate efficiently as these qualifications are designed to provide individuals with the specific skills relevant for their roles and area of operation.
Deadline for meeting scheme requirements Your company needs to have WAMITAB qualifications or the EU skills certified competence management system in place before you can apply:
• to have a permit varied or transferred to you; or
• for a new permit for a landfill site.
If you’re applying for a new permit for a waste site that’s not a landfill site, you have up to 12 months to put these things in place as long as you meet the minimum requirements set out in either of the two schemes.
WAMITAB provides information via the website on the Operator Competence Scheme. There is guidance on the
gov.uk website or you can call your EA/ NRA officer to request guidance.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
