Assessor Resource

MSL974028
Classify soils

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to classify soils for geotechnical and civil construction purposes using the symbols and descriptors specified in the Australian Standard for Geotechnical Site Investigations (AS 1726-2017 Geotechnical site investigations, or its replacement). The unit involves confirming the client’s requirements, physical examination of site samples, interpreting field observations and test results and assignment of an appropriate soil classification. Personnel are expected to recognise and rectify obvious errors or unexpected results, perform confirmatory tests if required and seek advice to deal with situations beyond their own technical competence.

This unit applies to laboratory technicians working in the construction, mining and drilling industry sectors under the guidance of a geotechnical paraprofessional or engineer.

No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.

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

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:

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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.
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
Review job request and any accompanying documentation to identify purpose of soil classification and client’s information needs 
 
 
 
 
Assess appearance and feel of soil to determine moisture condition 
 
 
 
 
 
Compare supplied mechanical test data with standard classification values for different soil types 
 
 
 
Use standard symbols and descriptors to assign a valid soil classification 
 
 
Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other personnel 
 
 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL974028 - Classify soils
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

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

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

MSL974028 - Classify soils

Student name:

Student ID:

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

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Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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Date:

Student signature:

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