Assessor Resource

MSS024004A
Process and present environmental data

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency is applicable to environmental technicians working in all industry sectors.

This unit of competency covers the ability to retrieve environmental data; evaluate formulae and perform scientific calculations; present and interpret information in tables, graphs and simple maps; and keep accurate records. The unit requires personnel to solve problems of limited complexity where the information may be not obvious, but not contradictory, and can be determined by direct reasoning.

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

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

Not applicable.



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.

Overview of assessment

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:

coding, recording and checking the documentation of data

calculating statistical quantities relevant to the workplace and presenting accurate results in the required format

recognising anomalies, variations and trends in data

maintaining the confidentiality of data in accordance with workplace and regulatory requirements

keeping records up-to-date and secure.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.

Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL924002A Use laboratory application software

environmental monitoring units, such as:

MSL974007A Undertake environmental field-based monitoring

MSS024003A Apply an understanding of environmental principles to a site

MSS024006A Perform sampling and testing of water.

The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.

Resources may include:

data sets and records

computer and relevant software or laboratory information system

relevant workplace procedures.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

review of data worksheets, calculations, computer files (such as spreadsheets, databases and statistical analysis), graphs, tables, charts and/or simple maps prepared by the candidate

review of records transcribed, maintained or stored by the candidate

questions to assess understanding of relevant procedures and trends in data

feedback from supervisors and peers about the candidate’s ability to consistently follow enterprise procedures

observation of the candidate as they process data, file and store records.

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.

Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.

The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.

Guidance information for assessment

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.

Required skills

Required skills include:

performing calculations of scientific quantities

using scientific notation

applying the concepts of metrology

applying calculations to the workplace

coding, recording and checking data accurately

presenting accurate results in the required format

preparing graphs, tables and charts (e.g. pie, bar and histogram), and/or simple maps

comparing data with reference values and interpreting variations and trends in data (e.g. seasonal, diurnal, location and non-conformance)

maintaining the confidentiality of data in accordance with enterprise and regulatory requirements

seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

concepts of metrology

the international system of units (SI)

relevant scientific and technical terminology

uncertainty associated with measurement steps

procedures for coding, entering, storing, retrieving and communicating data

procedures for verifying data and rectifying mistakes

converting units involving multiples and submultiples

significant figures, rounding off, estimating and approximating

transposing and evaluating formulae

calculations involving fractions, decimals, proportions and percentages

determining statistical values of data, such as mean, median, mode and standard deviation

procedures for maintaining and filing records, and maintaining security of data

Codes of practice

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

Australian and international standards such as:

AS ISO 1000-1998 The international system of units (SI) and its application

ISO 5725 Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results

ISO/IEC Guide 98-3:2008 Uncertainty of measurement - Part 3: Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM)

sampling/testing methods, procedures, guidelines provided by enterprise or regulator

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

equipment manuals and warranty, supplier catalogues and handbooks

enterprise quality manual and customer quality plan

validation of the equipment and associated software, where applicable

validation of spreadsheets developed in-house for routine calculations

Concepts of metrology

Concepts of metrology may include:

that all measurements are estimates

measurements belong to a population of measurements of the measured parameters

repeatability

precision

accuracy

significant figures

sources of error

uncertainty

traceability

Environmental data

Data may be recorded on:

worksheets

spreadsheets

databases linked to information management systems

Data may include results of:

observations

field tests and measurements

population surveys (type, species, age, sex and weight)

vegetation surveys (type, species, height, density and canopy)

dilution of working solutions and gases (odours)

laboratory analyses

quality assurance and control assessments

Data may be presented in the form of:

graphs

tables

histograms

pie charts

bar charts

semi-quantitative observations and be expressed on a scale (e.g. 1 to 4 or + to ++++)

photographs

Calculations

Calculations may be performed:

with or without a calculator

using computer software, spreadsheets, databases and statistical packages

Calculations of scientific quantities

Calculations of scientific quantities may include:

converting units involving multiples and submultiples

significant figures, round off, estimate and approximate

transposing and evaluating formulae

fractions, decimals, proportions and percentages

percentage and absolute uncertainties in measurements and test results

statistical values of data, such as mean, median, mode and standard deviation

perimeters and angles, areas (m2) and volumes (mL, L, m3) of regular shapes

sampling times

dose (mg), average mass, mass percentage, density, specific gravity, moisture, relative and absolute humidity, viscosity and permeability

ratios, such as mass to mass, mass to volume and volume to volume percentages

concentration, such as molarity, g/100mL, mg/L, mg/mL, ppm, ppb, dilution mL/L

average count, colonies per swab surface and cell counts, such as live and dead/total

variables, such as pressure, gauge pressure, velocity and flow rates

biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbons (TOC)

% content of moisture, sulphur dioxide and trace metals, such as calcium or zinc

Records

Records could include information associated with:

purchase of equipment and materials

service records

safety procedures

history of calibration and test results

Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements

OHS and environmental management requirements:

all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time

all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied

where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health

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
Store and retrieve data using appropriate files and/or application software 
Verify the quality of data using enterprise procedures 
Rectify errors in data using enterprise procedures 
Calculate statistical values for given data 
Calculate scientific quantities using given formulae and data and estimate uncertainties 
Ensure calculated quantities are consistent with estimations and expectations 
Report all calculated quantities using the appropriate units and correct number of significant figures 
Present data in clearly labelled tables, charts and/or simple maps 
Graph data using appropriate scales to span the range of data or display trends 
Report all data using the appropriate units and number of significant figures 
Compare data with reference values or expected ranges 
Recognise and report significant variations and trends in data 
Interpret significant features of graphs, such as gradients, intercepts, maximum and minimum values, and limit lines 
Transcribe information accurately 
Verify the accuracy of records following enterprise procedures 
File and store workplace records in accordance with enterprise procedures 
File all reference documents logically and keep them up-to-date and secured 
Observe enterprise confidentiality standards 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSS024004A - Process and present environmental data
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

MSS024004A - Process and present environmental data

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: