Assessor Resource

MSL973012
Perform site investigation activities

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency covers the ability to prepare for and conduct activities, such as excavations, sampling and testing, as part of a site investigation team. Personnel are expected to identify common site problems and seek advice to deal with situations beyond their own technical competence.

This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants working under the close supervision of a senior technician in the construction, mining and drilling industry sectors.

While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for on-site operations

1.1

Confirm details of the job, location, work instructions, appropriate sampling/test procedures and safety requirements with supervisor

1.2

Identify likely site hazards, personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures that are specified for the job and materials used

1.3

Collect, check and stow all tools, equipment and materials required at the site

1.4

Confirm site access requirements, such as entry permits and participate in safety induction as required

2

Conduct excavation of boreholes, test pits and/or trenches

2.1

Confirm specified sampling/testing locations with supervisor

2.2

Excavate to the specified sampling/testing depth, minimising disturbance and potential contamination of the site

2.3

Ensure materials from different strata are kept separate

2.4

Identify materials and record changes of the strata and the test results

3

Conduct site sampling

3.1

Prepare and check sampling equipment and materials

3.2

Take disturbed and undisturbed samples as directed and in accordance with workplace methods and procedures

3.3

Label samples and record samples/site conditions in accordance with workplace methods and procedures

4

Conduct site testing

4.1

Conduct pre-use checks of test equipment

4.2

Perform basic tests as directed and in accordance with test methods or workplace procedures

4.3

Record data in accordance with test methods or workplace procedures

4.4

Recognise obvious errors or atypical data and seek advice

5

Complete site operations

5.1

Reinstate the site in accordance with instructions

5.2

Clean all equipment (and vehicle as necessary) avoiding environmental damage, stormwater contamination or spread of pests

5.3

Check all equipment and materials prior to re-stowing them for safe transport

5.4

Handle and transport samples in accordance with workplace procedures

5.5

Notify appropriate site personnel on completion of tasks and prior to leaving site (if unsupervised)

5.6

On return to base, check serviceability of test equipment before storage

6

Maintain records

6.1

Record details of site sampling, testing and material types in accordance with workplace procedures

6.2

Maintain confidentiality of workplace information

7

Maintain a safe work environment

7.1

Use safe work procedures and PPE to ensure personal safety and that of others

7.2

Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste

7.3

Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with workplace procedures

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

preparing for site investigations and safely performing relevant site sampling, testing and excavation/reinstatement tasks on at least three (3) occasions

following instructions and work as part of a small team

interpreting maps, site plans and drawings

recognising site services at sampling and testing sites

recognising site features and soil, rock and fill materials

taking representative samples, handling and transporting samples

performing basic in situ tests and site measurements (e.g. location and depth)

minimising environmental impacts and generation of waste while performing tasks

communicating site problems to appropriate personnel and seeking timely advice

maintaining accurate and complete records

setting up, checking, using, cleaning and maintaining tools and equipment

collecting, storing and disposing of waste in accordance with workplace procedures.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

the basic concepts, purposes and principles of site investigation activities conducted as part of job role

site safety and management rules, including safety induction, risk assessments, controlled entry/exit to site and required personal protective equipment (PPE)

simple methods for identifying and classifying materials

basic engineering properties of soil and rock materials and their use in engineering and construction

basic principles of representative sampling and testing

basic in situ testing methods relevant to job role

relevant site hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

Judgment of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL952002 Handle and transport samples or equipment

MSL952001 Collect routine site samples

MSL973001 Perform basic tests

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of the candidate’s work outputs, such as completeness of preparation for investigations, quality of samples and test data obtained

feedback from peers and supervisors about the candidate’s ability to work safely, follow procedures and instructions accurately, care for equipment and produce quality outputs within the expected timeframe

observation of the candidate performing site sampling, testing and excavation/reinstatement tasks

examples of workplace documentation completed by the candidate

oral or written questioning about safety procedures, sampling and testing procedures, and the recommended responses for common site problems.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

access to geotechnical and/or construction sites and relevant site documentation

workplace procedures, sampling plans, test methods and equipment manuals

consumables; hand tools; field sampling and test equipment, such as dynamic cone penetration (DCP) testing, standard penetration testing (SPT), shear vane, pocket penetrometer and water level indicator

excavation equipment, such as hand and power augers, powered excavators, generators and jack hammers

safety clothing and equipment, including helmets, boots, gloves, earmuffs and glasses.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for on-site operations

1.1

Confirm details of the job, location, work instructions, appropriate sampling/test procedures and safety requirements with supervisor

1.2

Identify likely site hazards, personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures that are specified for the job and materials used

1.3

Collect, check and stow all tools, equipment and materials required at the site

1.4

Confirm site access requirements, such as entry permits and participate in safety induction as required

2

Conduct excavation of boreholes, test pits and/or trenches

2.1

Confirm specified sampling/testing locations with supervisor

2.2

Excavate to the specified sampling/testing depth, minimising disturbance and potential contamination of the site

2.3

Ensure materials from different strata are kept separate

2.4

Identify materials and record changes of the strata and the test results

3

Conduct site sampling

3.1

Prepare and check sampling equipment and materials

3.2

Take disturbed and undisturbed samples as directed and in accordance with workplace methods and procedures

3.3

Label samples and record samples/site conditions in accordance with workplace methods and procedures

4

Conduct site testing

4.1

Conduct pre-use checks of test equipment

4.2

Perform basic tests as directed and in accordance with test methods or workplace procedures

4.3

Record data in accordance with test methods or workplace procedures

4.4

Recognise obvious errors or atypical data and seek advice

5

Complete site operations

5.1

Reinstate the site in accordance with instructions

5.2

Clean all equipment (and vehicle as necessary) avoiding environmental damage, stormwater contamination or spread of pests

5.3

Check all equipment and materials prior to re-stowing them for safe transport

5.4

Handle and transport samples in accordance with workplace procedures

5.5

Notify appropriate site personnel on completion of tasks and prior to leaving site (if unsupervised)

5.6

On return to base, check serviceability of test equipment before storage

6

Maintain records

6.1

Record details of site sampling, testing and material types in accordance with workplace procedures

6.2

Maintain confidentiality of workplace information

7

Maintain a safe work environment

7.1

Use safe work procedures and PPE to ensure personal safety and that of others

7.2

Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste

7.3

Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with workplace procedures

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory safety, quality management and environmental management

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, national measurement regulations and guidelines, and environmental legislation and regulations

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures; and maps and site plans

sampling and testing procedures for specific sites, clients and samples

Common site problems

Common site problems include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

caving in of excavation walls

drilling difficulties

sample loss during retrieval

knowing when to stop a hole, or what and when to test and sample

misidentification of samples and sampling locations

equipment breakdown and breakage

environmental impacts of construction activities on wildlife, vegetation, waterways and inclement weather

Site hazards

Site hazards include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

solar radiation, dust and noise

manual handling of heavy materials and equipment

working in/on trenches, confined spaces, wet and uneven surfaces, heights and slopes

vehicular and pedestrian traffic

underground services, such as gas and electricity

working close to earth moving equipment, trucks and overhead loads

Safe work procedures

Safe work procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

locating site services before investigations commence

use of signage, barriers, flashing lights and traffic control

use of PPE, such as hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, goggles, coveralls and safety boots

use of MSDS

use of machinery guards

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs/barriers

handling and storing hazardous material and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer instructions, and workplace procedures and regulations

labelling of samples, reagents and hazardous materials

regularly cleaning equipment and vehicles

following established manual handling procedures

Minimising environmental impacts

Minimising environmental impacts include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

damage from movement of vehicles

disposal of surplus or spent or materials

containing run-off of water

recycling of wastes

compliance with quarantine requirements, including cleaning of vehicles to prevent transfer of pests (e.g. fire ants and seeds) and contaminants

compliance with environmental, cultural and heritage protection requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

preparing for site investigations and safely performing relevant site sampling, testing and excavation/reinstatement tasks on at least three (3) occasions

following instructions and work as part of a small team

interpreting maps, site plans and drawings

recognising site services at sampling and testing sites

recognising site features and soil, rock and fill materials

taking representative samples, handling and transporting samples

performing basic in situ tests and site measurements (e.g. location and depth)

minimising environmental impacts and generation of waste while performing tasks

communicating site problems to appropriate personnel and seeking timely advice

maintaining accurate and complete records

setting up, checking, using, cleaning and maintaining tools and equipment

collecting, storing and disposing of waste in accordance with workplace procedures.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

the basic concepts, purposes and principles of site investigation activities conducted as part of job role

site safety and management rules, including safety induction, risk assessments, controlled entry/exit to site and required personal protective equipment (PPE)

simple methods for identifying and classifying materials

basic engineering properties of soil and rock materials and their use in engineering and construction

basic principles of representative sampling and testing

basic in situ testing methods relevant to job role

relevant site hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

Judgment of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL952002 Handle and transport samples or equipment

MSL952001 Collect routine site samples

MSL973001 Perform basic tests

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of the candidate’s work outputs, such as completeness of preparation for investigations, quality of samples and test data obtained

feedback from peers and supervisors about the candidate’s ability to work safely, follow procedures and instructions accurately, care for equipment and produce quality outputs within the expected timeframe

observation of the candidate performing site sampling, testing and excavation/reinstatement tasks

examples of workplace documentation completed by the candidate

oral or written questioning about safety procedures, sampling and testing procedures, and the recommended responses for common site problems.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

access to geotechnical and/or construction sites and relevant site documentation

workplace procedures, sampling plans, test methods and equipment manuals

consumables; hand tools; field sampling and test equipment, such as dynamic cone penetration (DCP) testing, standard penetration testing (SPT), shear vane, pocket penetrometer and water level indicator

excavation equipment, such as hand and power augers, powered excavators, generators and jack hammers

safety clothing and equipment, including helmets, boots, gloves, earmuffs and glasses.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Confirm details of the job, location, work instructions, appropriate sampling/test procedures and safety requirements with supervisor 
Identify likely site hazards, personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures that are specified for the job and materials used 
Collect, check and stow all tools, equipment and materials required at the site 
Confirm site access requirements, such as entry permits and participate in safety induction as required 
Confirm specified sampling/testing locations with supervisor 
Excavate to the specified sampling/testing depth, minimising disturbance and potential contamination of the site 
Ensure materials from different strata are kept separate 
Identify materials and record changes of the strata and the test results 
Prepare and check sampling equipment and materials 
Take disturbed and undisturbed samples as directed and in accordance with workplace methods and procedures 
Label samples and record samples/site conditions in accordance with workplace methods and procedures 
Conduct pre-use checks of test equipment 
Perform basic tests as directed and in accordance with test methods or workplace procedures 
Record data in accordance with test methods or workplace procedures 
Recognise obvious errors or atypical data and seek advice 
Reinstate the site in accordance with instructions 
Clean all equipment (and vehicle as necessary) avoiding environmental damage, stormwater contamination or spread of pests 
Check all equipment and materials prior to re-stowing them for safe transport 
Handle and transport samples in accordance with workplace procedures 
Notify appropriate site personnel on completion of tasks and prior to leaving site (if unsupervised) 
On return to base, check serviceability of test equipment before storage 
Record details of site sampling, testing and material types in accordance with workplace procedures 
Maintain confidentiality of workplace information 
Use safe work procedures and PPE to ensure personal safety and that of others 
Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste 
Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with workplace procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL973012 - Perform site investigation activities
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

MSL973012 - Perform site investigation activities

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: