The Haz Guide

The Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007 require that operators are competent to hold an environmental permit. The concept of operator competence is explained in Chapter 8 of the Environmental Permitting core guidance.

An important element of operator competence is the technical competence of staff. Operators of relevant waste activities are required to demonstrate technical competence through an approved industry scheme. Initially two Schemes have been proposed, although neither have as yet (April 2008) been approved.

The scheme developed jointly by the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and the Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board (WAMITAB) offers a range of qualifications that can be used by individuals to demonstrate technical competence. Waste activities are classified as low, medium or high risk, and the level of qualification required varies according to the risk category of the activity. Individuals providing technical competent must be in a position to control the day to day activities carried out at the permitted site. In order to maintain technical competent status individuals must pass a ‘continuing competence’ assessment every two years.

The scheme developed by the Environmental Services Association (ESA) and Energy and Utility Skills (EU Skills) is based on the development and maintenance of a competence management system (CMS). A CMS can apply to individual activities, groups of activities, or extend across all relevant waste activities carried out by a company. The CMS identifies available skills, future training needs, and ensures competent staff are deployed in key posts. A CMS is reviewed and audited annually by an independent accreditation body.

Other schemes may be developed and submitted to Defra for approval. A list of approved schemes will be available on the Defra website.

For further information see the Environment Agency (2007) guidance document, Environmental Permitting Regulations (England and Wales) 2007 Regulatory Guidance Series, No EPR 5 Operator competence.

Further information on training and recommendations for good practice are available in the good practice section of this Guide.