This unit of competency is applicable to environmental technicians in a range of industry sectors, such as:
environmental services (e.g. sampling and monitoring of air quality, water and soil)
environmental compliance, auditing and inspection
groundwater and clean water (e.g. catchments, supply and environmental flows)
solid and hazardous waste management
management of contaminated sites
site remediation or rehabilitation
geotechnical services and civil engineering
natural resource management.
This unit of competency covers the ability to obtain soil samples in accordance with a defined sampling plan, prepare the samples for testing, conduct in-field and laboratory testing of the samples and report the results. Personnel are required to check the validity and reliability of data, recognise atypical test data, and troubleshoot common test procedures and equipment problems.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
MSS024008A
Recognise common geological landforms and samples
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:
collecting and preserving sufficient representative soil samples to enable all processing and testing to occur and storage of back-up samples
identifying atypical materials and samples and taking appropriate action
labelling samples and sub-samples to satisfy enterprise/legal traceability requirements
applying sampling and test methods/procedures to accurately prepare and test samples
safely operating and maintaining sampling equipment and test instruments to enterprise standards and/or manufacturer specification
interpreting gross features of data, and identifying atypical results as out-of-normal range or an artefact
preparing calibration graphs and calculating results using appropriate units and precision
making valid conclusions about soil suitability
reporting results and completing sampling records using enterprise procedures
working safely and following relevant legislative requirements for the disposal of waste and the preservation of the environment.
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.
MSS025014A Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Resources may include:
variety of sample types
sampling plans
sampling containers and sampling equipment
equipment/instruments for in-field and laboratory soils testing.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
inspection of soil samples collected by the candidate
review of sampling/testing documentation completed by the candidate
feedback from peers and supervisors that the candidate consistently follows enterprise procedures, sampling/testing procedures and works safely
questioning to assess underpinning knowledge of soil sampling, soil testing equipment and methods
observation of the candidate collecting and testing a range of soil samples.
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:
planning and preparing for field and laboratory activities
site observational and descriptive skills
researching and summarising existing data and reports
communicating effectively and writing/compiling concise and accurate reports
field sampling and monitoring procedures, including labelling and traceability
demonstrating correct and safe use of field instruments and/or equipment under laboratory and field conditions, including field calibration
identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults
collecting representative samples in accordance with a sampling plan
using appropriate techniques to preserve the integrity of samples
identifying atypical materials and samples and taking appropriate action
maintaining sampling equipment
completing sampling records
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
following requirements for the disposal of waste and the preservation of the environment
working safely
Required knowledge
Required knowledge includes:
appropriate scientific terminology for soils and soil science
soil classifications
fundamentals of soil science, including:
soil morphology
mineralogy
physical, chemical and biological properties
soil formation processes
soil function within ecosystems
land use and soil systems (interactions and impacts)
principles of representative samples
principles and procedures for random, systematic and stratified sampling, and consistency of sampling procedures
preservation of the integrity of samples
maintaining identification of samples relative to their source, enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements
cost-effectiveness of sampling
characteristics of soils to be sampled and likely contaminants
links between quality control, quality assurance, quality management systems and sampling procedures
enterprise procedures dealing with legislative requirements for the handling, labelling and transport of hazardous goods
links between correct occupational health and safety (OHS) procedures and personal and environmental safety particularly at high risk sites
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
Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:
federal legislation, such as:
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with:
land use, acquisition, planning and protection
environmental protection
soil conservation
pollution and contaminated sites
Australian and international standards, such as:
Standards Australia HB 160 Soils testing
AS 1289 series Methods of testing of soils for engineering purposes
AS 1726:1993 Geotechnical site investigations
AS 1199 series Sampling procedures for inspection by attributes
AS 1678 series Emergency procedure guide -Transport
AS 4433.2:1997 Guide to the sampling of particulate materials - Preparation of samples
enterprise and/or client sampling schemes and sampling plans
enterprise recording and reporting procedures
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
methods and procedures which may be written to meet enterprise, client and/or regulatory/certifying body requirements
site plans, maps and specifications
Fundamentals of soil science
Fundamentals of soil science include:
soil morphology:
soil profiles and soil horizons
soil structure and texture
mineralogy
(Australian) soil classification:
order and suborder
great group, subgroup and family
pedology and soil formation:
pedogenesis
pedosphere
Climate, Organisms, Relief, Parent Material or Lithography, Time (CLORPT)
edaphology:
plant-soil interactions
agricultural soil science (soil fertility)
environmental soil science (soil contamination and remediation)
geomorphology:
erosion and mass wasting
transportation and deposition (sedimentation)
fluvial, aeolian, hillslope and weathering processes
soil chemistry:
soil solids (composition and structure)
solid (solution equilibria)
acid-base equilibria (acid sulfate soils)
oxidation-reduction equilibria
anion and cation exchange
soil salinity
complexiometric equilibria
sorption phenomena on soils
physical/engineering soil properties:
colour (Munsell chart)
liquid and plastic limits
linear shrinkage
soil particle density
particle size distribution
dispersion and Emerson class number
Basic principles of sampling
Basic principles of sampling include:
sampling plans and site selection
representative samples
preservation of integrity of samples
maintaining identification of samples relative to their source, enterprise and legal traceability
cost-effectiveness of sampling
consistency of sampling procedures
sampling principles, including random, systematic stratified and composite sampling
Materials sampled
Materials sampled may include:
solid samples, such as soil and sediments
natural, agricultural and engineered soils
solid wastes
soil water
soil gas/vapour
Types of samples
Types of samples may include:
discrete samples
composite samples
quality control samples
research or one-off samples
environmental or survey samples
Sampling tools and equipment
Sampling tools and equipment may include:
maps, global positioning system (GPS) unit and compass
shovels and crow bars
metal-free scoop and cleaning brush
folding rulers and tape measures
hand and power augers
pry bars and files (auger maintenance)
push tubes
sampling tubes, dip tubes, spears and syringes
front-end loader, backhoe, excavator and drill rig
sample bottles or containers, plastic bags/containers and disposable buckets
lysimeters
soil gas probes
sample splitters
graters and mills
mortar and pestles
Testing equipment and instruments
Testing equipment and instruments may include:
sieves and sieve shakers
digital camera
hand lenses and microscopes
Munsell colour chart
pH meter and soil pH test kit
conductivity meter
tensiometer (moisture measurements)
ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectrophotometer
atomic absorption spectrophotometer
gas chromatographs (GC) and GC-MS
infrared spectrophotometer
diffuse reflectance accessories
inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometers and ICP-MS
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers
radiation monitor (e.g. Geiger-Muller counter)
drying ovens
balances
laboratory glassware
Site and sampling hazards
Site and sampling hazards may include:
solar radiation, dust and noise
wildlife, such as snakes, spiders and domestic animals
biohazards, such as microorganisms and agents associated with soil
chemicals, such as acids and hydrocarbons
aerosols
sharps and broken glassware
manual handling of heavy sample bags and containers
crushing, entanglement and cuts associated with moving machinery and hand tools
vehicular and pedestrian traffic
Safety procedures
Safety procedures may include:
use of MSDS
use of personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, safety glasses, goggles, face guards, coveralls, gowns, body suits, respirators and safety boots
use of biohazard containers and laminar flow cabinets
correct labelling of reagents and hazardous materials
handling, and storing hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer instructions, and enterprise procedures and regulations
regular cleaning and/or decontaminating equipment and work areas
machinery guards
signage, barriers, service isolation tags, traffic control and flashing lights
lock-out and tag-out procedures
Chemical soil tests
Chemical soil tests may include:
electrical conductivity
pH
alkalinity
cation exchange capacity
organic carbon
available phosphorus
nutrients and micronutrients
sulfate
carbonate
nitrate and total nitrogen
metals, including heavy metals
organics, including pesticides and other hazardous chemicals
Physical soil tests
Physical soil tests may include:
soil profile description
soil colour (Munsell)
soil texture
soil resistivity
liquid limit
plastic limit (plasticity index)
Atterberg limits
standard penetration test
cone penetration test
soil moisture content
compaction
infiltration
volume expansion
linear shrinkage
particle size analysis
dispersibility (Emerson class number)
water repellence
radioactivity
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
Review available site information, such as site plan, sampling/testing locations and history of sampling/testing
Confirm the sampling locations, numbers and types of samples, timing and frequency of sampling from enterprise or client’s sampling plan
Check that all sampling/testing procedures are in accordance with client or enterprise requirements, relevant standards and guidelines
Identify site and sampling hazards and review enterprise safety procedures
Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and obtain all clearances and/or permits, as necessary
Select sampling equipment and conditions to achieve representative samples and to preserve sample integrity during collection, storage and transit
Select field test equipment/instruments and check operation and calibration, as required, in accordance with procedures and manufacturer instructions
Assemble and check all sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment
Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site, as required
Locate sampling points and any services at the site
Work effectively with other site personnel during drilling and excavation operations to collect and log reliable samples, as necessary
Conduct representative sampling in accordance with sampling plan and defined procedures for field and/or laboratory testing, as required
Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements
Record environment and any conditions or atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on sample representativeness or integrity
Transport all samples back to base according to enterprise procedures and relevant codes
Prepare sub-samples and back-up sub-samples that are representative of the source
Label all sub-samples to ensure traceability and store in accordance with enterprise procedures
Follow defined preparation and safety procedures to limit hazards or contamination to samples, self, work area and environment
Distribute sub-samples to required destinations for testing, maintaining sample integrity, traceability and chain of custody requirements
Obtain sample or subsample for designated field test
Check that all equipment, instruments and reagents are fit for purpose
Set up and calibrate instruments, as necessary, to ensure safe operation and valid results
Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
Perform tests/procedures/observations on all samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods
Record all field observations and results and ensure that they are accurately transferred to enterprise information management system
Obtain sample or subsample for designated laboratory test
Check that all equipment, instruments and reagents are fit for purpose
Set up and calibrate instruments, as necessary, to ensure safe operation and valid results
Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
Perform tests/procedures on all samples, blanks and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods
Record test data noting atypical observations
Process the data for samples, standards and blanks in accordance with enterprise procedures
Enter approved information into enterprise information management system
Review results in relation to legislative and/or client requirements
Compare data with required/established/desired parameters to establish suitability for purpose
Determine need for remedial action and report to client
Rehabilitate sampling site to render it safe and to minimise environmental impact
Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to enterprise procedures
Check serviceability of all equipment before storage
Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others
Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts
Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal.
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
MSS025007A - Perform sampling and testing of soils
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
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Assessment Record Sheet
MSS025007A - Perform sampling and testing of 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