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 | Clarify site monitoring requirements with supervisor | 1.1 | Examine available information about the site’s history, current activities/processes, previous odour assessments, topography, prevalent meteorological conditions and complaint records. |
| 1.2 | Visit the site with supervisor to clarify issues with the proponent and community representatives, as appropriate. |
| 1.3 | Collect and review information about site process operations and conditions. |
| 1.4 | Identify potential odour sources at the site and current controls. |
| 1.5 | Review relevant legislative, regulatory and licensing requirements or workplace procedures/test methods. |
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2 | Prepare for source monitoring | 2.1 | Select, or design, appropriate sampling and monitoring strategies in consultation with supervisor. |
| 2.2 | Confirm details of relevant odour sampling/monitoring plans, need for site permits and access to the site. |
| 2.3 | Confirm data format and quality requirements. |
| 2.4 | Review relevant standards and/or specified workplace procedures/test methods. |
| 2.5 | Assemble required sampling and monitoring equipment and check that all reusable items are clean, fit for purpose and calibrated correctly. |
| 2.6 | Ensure that all required supplies and equipment are transported safely to and from the site. |
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3 | Prepare standardised or in-house odour panellists | 3.1 | Confirm the specifications for panellists with supervisor and client, as necessary. |
| 3.2 | Conduct standardised selection to determine odour threshold and ongoing olfactometry performance of individuals. |
| 3.3 | Conduct standardised or in-house selection to assess and compare sensitivity against internal criteria. |
| 3.4 | Select panellists in consultation with supervisor. |
| 3.5 | Train selected panellists in the use of objective odour observation techniques, odour descriptors, olfactometry procedures and test equipment. |
| 3.6 | Record the process and results used to establish and maintain a register of reliable panellists. |
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4 | Collect and store odour samples for source monitoring | 4.1 | Check that process/meteorological conditions are consistent with sampling design conditions and report any deviations. |
| 4.2 | Set up sampling equipment and conduct pre-use checks to ensure reliable operation. |
| 4.3 | Collect samples in accordance with standard methods or workplace procedures. |
| 4.4 | Store samples for subsequent analysis to ensure their ongoing integrity and traceability. |
| 4.5 | Identify and report any defects or abnormalities in samples. |
| 4.6 | Record all sample information in accordance with standard methods or workplace procedures. |
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5 | Conduct laboratory olfactometry measurements | 5.1 | Set up dynamic olfactometer and related equipment and conduct pre-use checks to ensure reliable operation. |
| 5.2 | Ensure that panellists fully understand the test procedures. |
| 5.3 | Conduct tests in accordance with standard method. |
| 5.4 | Monitor panellist’s performance for indications of odour fatigue, adaption of their senses to the surrounding ambient air and/or bias. |
| 5.5 | Analyse the conduct of the measurements and reliability of results before confirming data acceptability. |
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6 | Maintain a safe work environment | 6.1 | Ensure safety through the use of specified safety equipment, safe work procedures and personal protective clothing. |
| 6.2 | Handle all samples and equipment in accordance with workplace safety procedures. |
| 6.3 | Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts. |
| 6.4 | Collect and dispose of all wastes safely. |
| 6.5 | Report hazards and incidents to designated personnel using workplace procedures. |
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7 | Record data and report results | 7.1 | Record details of the testing process and data in accordance with standard method or workplace procedures. |
| 7.2 | Process data and report results in accordance with standard method or workplace procedures. |
| 7.3 | Record approved data in accordance with specified format and quality requirements. |
| 7.4 | Maintain confidentiality and security of workplace information and data. |
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
collecting and preparing odour samples from at least one (1) site in accordance with standard methods or workplace procedures
selecting and training odour panellists for olfactometry measurements in accordance with standard methods or workplace procedures on at least one (1) occasion (under supervision)
conducting laboratory olfactometry measurements in accordance with standard methods or workplace procedures on at least two (2) occasions
planning and preparing for field/laboratory activities, including researching and summarising legislative/regulatory requirements, site history and operations, existing data and complaints, and/or reports
accurately interpreting legislative/regulatory requirements, client requests, sampling/monitoring plans, test methods and workplace procedures
undertaking site reconnaissance and identifying potential odour sources and current controls (under supervision)
selecting/designing appropriate sampling and monitoring strategies (under supervision)
selecting and checking all required field/laboratory equipment, test instruments and materials
using sampling equipment to obtain reliable, representative odour samples in accordance with sampling/monitoring procedures and paying close attention to any pre-treatment, containers, preservation, storage, labelling and traceability requirements
identifying atypical odour samples and taking appropriate action
selecting panellists by using standardised tests and given criteria to determine their odour threshold and ongoing olfactometry performance (under supervision)
providing accurate information about use of objective odour observation techniques, odour descriptors, olfactometry procedures and test equipment to olfactometry panellists
listening and communicating effectively with clients and panellists
using olfactometry equipment correctly and closely monitoring panellist’s performance and testing environment to obtain valid and reliable data
identifying/rectifying basic equipment faults
processing odour data and analysing the conduct of measurements and reliability of results before confirming their acceptability
providing accurate, complete records of odour sampling, site observations and olfactometry data including any errors and/or unexpected variations
presenting odour results in the required format and timeframe and reporting on their significance
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
working safely for the protection of self and others.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
scientific terminology, such as olfactometry, odour threshold, odour intensity, hedonic tone, odour character or quality, odour nuisance, dilution to threshold, odour concentration, odour units (ou) and commonly used odour descriptors
basic principles of atmospheric chemistry, odorous compound families and meteorology
calculation of flow rates, dilution factors, odour emission rates and uncertainties
basic details of chemical/process engineering relevant to site
regulatory/licensing requirements that apply to site
nature of odour complaints, possible health effects, typical community concerns and environmental issues about odour
workplace procedures for odour sampling/monitoring and test methods, selection of odour panellists
set-up and operation of sampling equipment and dynamic olfactometers in the laboratory, function of key components, simple troubleshooting and calibration checks
control of the olfactory testing environment (e.g. conditions that can dull sensitivity)
likely causes of variation in odour results and their control
reporting requirements, protocols for the confidentiality and security of information and communicating with the community and media
relevant hazards, health, safety and environment requirements.
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:
review of odour data, results and records prepared by the candidate
feedback from supervisors that the candidate consistently follows workplace procedures and standard test methods, works safely and provides reliable results within the agreed timeframe
feedback from panellists and/or clients about the candidate’s ability to respond to enquiries and provide accurate information
oral and/or written questions to check the candidate’s understanding of odour sampling, odour measurements and calculations, conducting olfactometry testing and instructing panellists.
Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures, and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:
odour sampling and measuring equipment
standard laboratory with facilities, equipment, materials and reagents required for olfactory testing
work program, workplace procedures, codes of practice, site maps, odour sampling/monitoring plans, 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.