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 | Confirm air sampling and testing requirements with supervisor | 1.1 | Review available site information, such as site plan, sampling/testing locations and history of sampling/testing. |
| 1.2 | Confirm the scope and purpose of air sampling/testing and data requirements. |
| 1.3 | Confirm sampling methods, locations, numbers and types of samples, and duration/frequency of sampling from workplace or client’s sampling plan. |
| 1.4 | Check that all air sampling/testing procedures are in accordance with client or workplace requirements, relevant standards and guidelines. |
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2 | Prepare for air sampling and testing | 2.1 | Identify site and sampling/testing hazards and review workplace safety procedures. |
| 2.2 | Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and obtain all clearances and/or permits, as necessary. |
| 2.3 | Review field sampling procedures and sample preparation methods required for specific laboratory tests. |
| 2.4 | Select sampling equipment and conditions to achieve representative samples and preserve sample integrity during collection, storage and transit. |
| 2.5 | Ensure all reagents, solutions, standards and blanks (as appropriate) are obtained and/or ready for field use. |
| 2.6 | Select field test equipment/instruments and check operation and calibration, as required, in accordance with procedures and manufacturer instructions. |
| 2.7 | Assemble, check, stow all sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment. |
| 2.8 | Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site, as required. |
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3 | Conduct sampling of air | 3.1 | Locate sampling sites and, if required, services at the site. |
| 3.2 | Conduct representative sampling in accordance with sampling plan and defined procedures for field and/or laboratory testing. |
| 3.3 | Ensure all controls, blanks and replicate samples are properly integrated into the sampling process. |
| 3.4 | Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements. |
| 3.5 | Record environmental conditions and any atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on sample representativeness or integrity. |
| 3.6 | Transport all samples back to base according to workplace procedures and relevant guidelines. |
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4 | Conduct field and laboratory testing of air | 4.1 | Take sufficient measurements of all samples and standards, if appropriate, to obtain reliable data. |
| 4.2 | Obtain sample or subsample for designated field test or locate established locations for in-situ testing. |
| 4.3 | Set up, check/calibrate and operate equipment, instruments, reagents, gases and in accordance with test methods/procedures and manufacturer instructions. |
| 4.4 | Perform tests, procedures and any observations in accordance with specified methods/procedures. |
| 4.5 | Record all field/laboratory observations and results and ensure that they are accurately transferred to workplace information management system. |
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5 | Process and interpret air data | 5.1 | Review test data noting atypical observations. |
| 5.2 | Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations. |
| 5.3 | Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, if required. |
| 5.4 | Record processed results in accordance with workplace procedures. |
| 5.5 | Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel. |
| 5.6 | Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results. |
| 5.7 | Compare results with established air quality standards, statutory environmental quality concentration limits or similar, if relevant. |
| 5.8 | Finalise reporting of results in accordance with workplace requirements. |
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6 | Maintain a safe work environment | 6.1 | Rehabilitate sampling site to render it safe and to minimise environmental impact. |
| 6.2 | Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures. |
| 6.3 | Check serviceability of all equipment before storage. |
| 6.4 | Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others. |
| 6.5 | Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts. |
| 6.6 | Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal. |
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
collecting, preserving and labelling a set of representative air samples for at least one (1) site in accordance with a given sampling plan
preparing air (sub)samples and conducting at least two (2) field tests using given test methods
preparing air (sub)samples and conducting at least two (2) laboratory tests using given test methods
planning field and laboratory activities
selecting and checking all required field equipment, test instruments and materials
using sampling equipment to obtain reliable, representative air samples in accordance with sampling plan and paying close attention to any pre-treatment, containers, preservation, storage, labelling and traceability requirements
identifying atypical samples and taking appropriate action
setting-up, calibrating and operating field/laboratory test instruments to obtain valid and reliable data in accordance with test methods
interpreting gross features of data, identifying atypical results as out-of-normal range or an artefact and making relevant conclusions
identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults
calculating results using appropriate units/precision and/or preparing calibration graphs
using established criteria to make valid conclusions about air quality, if relevant
providing accurate, complete records of sampling and testing, site observations and data
presenting and reporting results in accordance with workplace procedures
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
safely transporting, cleaning, maintaining and storing field equipment in accordance with workplace procedures
working safely and following requirements for the disposal of waste and the preservation of the environment.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
scientific terminology used in job role covering atmospheric science, air measurement and air pollution
structure, circulation and composition of the atmosphere
atmospheric stability, lapse rates and inversions
localised meteorology and dispersion of air pollutants
air pollutants, such as:
particulates (e.g. inorganics, organics and metals)
inorganic gases (e.g. CO, CO2, NOx, SOx, ammonia, acid rain, halogens and ozone)
organic gases (e.g. hydrocarbons, oxygen, halogens, sulphur and nitrogen containing organics)
photochemical smog, greenhouse gases and ozone depletion
principles of air quality sampling and analysis, methods and standards
function of key components and operating principles of common air quality instruments
specific legislation, regulations, standards, statutory limits, policies and codes of practice related to air pollution and air quality monitoring
field sampling and monitoring procedures including labelling, preservation, storage and traceability
relevant hazards, health, safety and environment requirements, including field safety principles.
Judgement 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).
Holistic assessment methods include:
inspection of air samples collected by the candidate
review of air quality measurements, test results, calculations and observations and/or reports produced by the candidate
review of sampling/testing records completed by the candidate
feedback from supervisors about the candidate’s ability to apply workplace procedures and air sampling/test methods consistently, work safely and produce results within the agreed timeframe
oral and/or written questions to check the candidate’s understanding of the principles of air quality sampling/testing, operation of air sampling equipment, test instruments and processing of data.
Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures, and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:
vehicles, survey equipment, camera, air sampling/monitoring equipment, field/laboratory test instruments, consumables and manuals
work program, workplace procedures, codes of practice, site maps, site monitoring plans and test methods and field protocols.
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 competency 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 an organisation providing environmental monitoring, management or technology related services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.