Metal recycling general operative - material classification operative

The MRGO role itself and how it fits into business and industry

Environmental policy and procedures applicable to site such as: Fire Prevention Plan, Environmental Action Plan, Monitoring, etc.

Working in accordance with current legislation, regulations, codes of practice, including the Scrap Metal Dealers Act (SMDA).

Handling and care of applicable industry-specific fixed and mobile plant and machinery such as a shear or crane

Acceptance of authorised or rejection of unauthorised materials, hazardous/non-hazardous materials, such as WEEE/ELV, inspection procedures, processing methods and supporting standard operating procedures.

Industry-specific health and safety (H&S) procedures, including: Safe Systems of Work, COSHH, risk assessments, on-site incident reporting procedures.

Handling requirements such as identification of materials, grades sorting, storage and quality control, grade identification and identification of stock.

Key functional areas such as ELV, weighbridge operation, banksman systems, and an understanding of customers, visitors, colleagues along with individual requirements and restrictions

Safe loading and unloading such as shipping, containers and heavy good vehicles

Commercial implications of day-to-day business actions

The process of preparing ELV’s for depollution, including: safe storage pending depollution; checking vehicle details match presented documentation; determining the overall condition and requirements for depollution (air bags, A/C, LPG, hybrid, electric, complete/damaged vehicle); and, the importance of identification and safe removal of concealed items e.g. gas cylinders.

The potential risk and hazard with any given ELV component and its removal, and how to deal with any unexpected incidents relating to the depollution process.

The process for depolluting an ELV in accordance with the risk assessment, operating procedures and current legislation e.g. End-of-Life Vehicles Directive (latest version).

Safe storage requirements for removed materials and parts.

The value of different types of metal and the impact on the profit of the business given the volatility of the global markets.

The reason for analysing the composition of different materials.

The importance of good record keeping, labelling and traceability of the samples and analysis.

The process and procedures relating to sending samples to a lab for further analysis.

Identify the right plant or equipment to achieve the optimal handling, movement and separation of materials.

How best to operate specific specialist equipment, including safe working loads and conditions and the requirement for pre-and post-use checks, maintenance schedules and servicing requirements.

Specific risk assessments relevant to the equipment in conjunction with the general risk assessment for that area, including the health and safety requirements to protect those within the working vicinity.

Follow operational procedures to properly complete pre-and post-use checks, keep accurate records and report faults to the appropriate person.

Demonstrate the safe and effective operation of specialist material handling equipment (such as Baler, Shear, Crane and Container Loader) that requires Authorised Operator status or licence (excludes FLT) while taking into account risk assessments and operating procedures.

Demonstrate full regard to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and any other site-based safe working practices.

Clearly describe the different rationales for keeping the site in general, and thoroughfares in particular, clear of obstructions and debris

Relevant legislation and regulations appropriate to WEEE processing activities conducted on site including the WEEE Directive (as amended)

Correct storage, handling and segregation of WEEE derived materials, PAS141, PAT Testing and Asset Tracking.

Hazardous properties of WEEE and the associated risks.

Health and safety requirements when working in a WEEE processing facility.

SMDA, particularly ID requirements, payment options and record keeping

Waste acceptance and dispatch procedures, duty of care requirements and relevant waste codes, and the process undertaken if potentially stolen/fraudulent material is presented

Weighbridge operational processes from start up to emergency procedures as well as traffic management in accordance to site procedures, risk assessments and relevant legislation e.g. Road Traffic Act

Identify and place commercial value on different traded metallic groups and materials presented in any given load, including the evaluation of hazardous materials and associated handling costs.

The identification of H&S/Environmental issues and the ability to respond accordingly.

The identification of metal grades, authorised/unauthorised wastes, hazardous/non-hazardous waste, their quality validation and commercial viability.

The capability to correctly identify, sort and store materials in line with operating procedures, risk assessment and legislation, e.g. 1992 Manual Handling Regulations.

The ability to maintain good housekeeping procedures, including machine and equipment care, alongside safely operating that machinery and equipment. Examples of fixed and mobile plant include: baler, shear and forklift truck.

The ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, engage important customers and respond to everyday site visitors. This includes the aptitude to identify and communicate potential for improvement.

The ability to carry out safe loading and unloading of differing transportation types.

Problem solve – take action to meet organisational procedures and policies.

Prioritise working tasks and challenges, such as the appropriate process for loading and unloading.

Complete the process of preparing ELV’s for depollution in accordance with operating procedures, risk assessments and current legislation.

Depollute an ELV in accordance with the risk assessment, operating procedures and current legislation e.g. End of Life Vehicles Directive (as amended)

Demonstrate the appropriate regard for, and handling procedures of, all hazardous components in an ELV.

Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of how best to deal with unforeseen incidents following recognised health and safety procedures.

Demonstrate the ability to generate appropriate records and accurate labelling, and the understanding when samples need to be sent away for appropriate further analysis.

Visually inspect WEEE to identify if it is viable for re-use or repair by a technically competent person.

Identify the hazardous components in various types of WEEE e.g. CRT or FPD

Demonstrate how best to safely dismantle various types of WEEE considering such aspects as: the de- construction of the unit, selecting the most appropriate tools and safe separation of hazardous and non-hazardous materials

Demonstrate the correct storage, handling and segregation of WEEE-derived materials in accordance with operating procedures, risk assessments, COSHH and relevant legislation.

Follow weighbridge operational processes ensuring compliance with relevant site-specific procedures and legislative requirements e.g. SMDA (as amended), site permit and allowed waste types, risk assessments and safe working procedures.

Demonstrate the ability to calibrate and maintain the weighbridge machinery.

Show aptitude when it comes to identifying different metals, as well as the ability to assess, validate and make a commercial decision on a variety of different loads.

Demonstrate the ability to safely maintain traffic management procedures.

Demonstrate knowledge of the market value of different metals.

Show how to use the best available techniques to identify any given metal.

Identify the composition of different materials using available equipment, considering the importance of site-based equipment calibration, interpreting results, standards and consistency of analysis and sources of error in the analytical process.

Consistently demonstrate integrity and behaviour that adheres to safety procedures and safe-working practices that are appropriate to the working environment.

Behave in a collaborative manner.

Respond proactively to changes.

Have a commitment to ensure own personal development.

Maintain a respect for the working environment, customers, plant and machinery

Have a positive attitude to the working environment

Remain flexible and adaptable to the needs of the business