MSS025014A - Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites
Assessor Resource
MSS025014A Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites
Assessment tool
Version 1.0 Issue Date: April 2024
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
management of pollution and contaminated sites
site remediation or rehabilitation.
This unit of competency covers the ability to collect samples and conduct field tests/measurements while working safely in a (potentially) hazardous environment. Personnel work under the close supervision of environmental scientists or engineers and use established site health and safety plans and sampling/field testing procedures. They are required to continually monitor levels of risk and use prescribed safe working procedures and safety equipment. The specific details of sampling and field testing for groundwater and soils are covered in other relevant units. Details for other samples, such as surface water, air and radiation are covered in the units listed in the Context of Assessment.
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:
demonstrating an understanding of the legislative, regulatory and planning requirements for contaminated sites
using accurate terminology to describe common contaminants and sampling/test/safety equipment
interpreting and applying site sampling/monitoring plans, sampling/test methods and standards, health and safety plans, and safe work method statements
observing site features accurately and recognising hazards
operating, maintaining and/or calibrating sampling and test equipment to obtain reliable samples and produce consistently valid and accurate results
interpreting gross features of data, identifying atypical results and making relevant conclusions
calculating results using appropriate units/precision
providing accurate, complete records of sampling and test observations, data and results
working safely for the protection of self and others
following relevant legislative/regulatory 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.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Resources may include:
vehicles
safety procedures, safe work methods, sampling and test methods, standards and equipment manuals
appropriate sampling containers sampling/test equipment, analysers, reagents and gases
specified safety equipment, decontamination equipment and reagents
digital camera
global positioning system (GPS), logbooks and data loggers, and computers.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
inspection of samples collected by the candidate
review of measurements, test results, calculations and observations produced by the candidate
review of sampling/test records and reports completed by the candidate
feedback from supervisor about the candidate’s ability to consistently apply enterprise procedures and work safely
oral and written questioning to check the candidate’s understanding of the principles of sampling/testing of contaminated sites, operation of sampling equipment, test instruments/analysers and processing of data
observation of the candidate performing a range of sampling and testing tasks.
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 working on contaminated sites
communicating effectively with other site personnel, and negotiating access and support
recognising hazards and assessing risks, using risk cards and following ‘step back’ procedures
interpreting and consistently applying health and safety plans and safe work methods, using safety equipment and personal protective equipment
‘reading the landscape’, site observational and descriptive skills
collecting samples in accordance with sampling plan/procedures, standards or instructions
using appropriate techniques to preserve the integrity of samples and transport them safely
demonstrating correct and safe use of sampling/field test equipment and/or analysers, including set-up, pre-use checks, calibration and performance checks
using field test equipment/portable analysers to obtain reliable, quantitative results
identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults
identifying atypical data and samples and taking appropriate action
solving technical problems and responding effectively to changed/unforeseen circumstances
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
completing accurate records of site observations, sampling, test data and results
writing/compiling concise and accurate reports
maintaining, cleaning and decontaminating equipment and personal protective equipment
following requirements for the safe collection and disposal of (hazardous) waste and preservation of the environment
Required knowledge
Required knowledge includes:
specific legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice related to contaminated sites
common terminology used in sampling/testing of air, water and soil at contaminated sites
common site hazard and risks, risk assessment techniques and use of risk cards
properties and health risks associated with groups of contaminants, such as:
asbestos
heavy metals, such as lead, chromium and arsenic
chemical manufacture and industry wastes, such as acids/alkalis, resins, dyes, paints, solvents, fuels, oils, fertilisers, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, chlorinated phenols, chlorinated benzenes and organochlorines
safe work methods and equipment, personal protective equipment, and health, safety and environment requirements relevant to site activities undertaken
overview of sampling plan design for contaminated sites, including preliminary sampling, non-targeted/grid sampling, targeted/judgemental sampling, and different sampling strategies for gas, water and soil
sampling/test methods/standards relevant to site activities undertaken
function of key components, operating principles of common sampling/test equipment relevant to site activities undertaken
common procedure/equipment problems leading to atypical data/results
labelling, chain of custody/traceability of samples and management of large volumes of data
recording and reporting procedures
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
portable infrared analysers for methane and carbon monoxide (CO)
portable X-ray fluorescence spectrum analyses
field gas chromatography
measurement of radiation
Hazards/risks
Hazards/risks may include:
solar radiation, dust and noise
exposure to contaminants, such as chemicals, biohazards and radiation
working on uneven surfaces and in confined spaces
manual handling of heavy objects
crushing, entanglement and cuts associated with moving machinery and hand tools
heavy vehicle traffic on site
Safety procedures and equipment
Safety procedures may include:
preparation/approval of site health and safety plan for sampling/testing, and safe work permits/approvals
use of safe work method statements, site safety induction, risk cards, ‘step back’ and safety checks
use of (disposable) personal protective equipment
ensuring two persons are present
monitoring of atmosphere for hazardous gases
working upwind of known contaminants
prohibition of eating, drinking and smoking
decontamination facilities, procedures and materials for plant, equipment and personnel
safe collection and disposal of hazardous waste
careful handling of glass containers
separation of heavy equipment into smaller units/cases for transport
reporting procedures for safety problems
emergency procedures, access for emergency vehicles
regular medical checks
Safety equipment may include:
personal protective equipment, such as boots, helmets, gloves, eye and ear protection, overalls, face masks and filters, respirators, encapsulated suits, safety harness and safety torches
gas monitors, gas detectors, personal monitors, environmental monitors and radiation dosimeters
communication equipment (e.g. two-way radio and mobile phone)
materials safety data sheets (MSDS)
first aid equipment
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 consumables, 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
Locate and review relevant legislative, regulatory and/or planning requirements and register for contaminated sites
Confirm the site location, scope and purpose of the investigation and assigned tasks with supervisor
Source and review available site data, including site history, geology, hydrogeology and meteorological data
Summarise information to assist with preparation of a site chronology and identification of gaps or inadequacies in data, potential contaminants and areas of possible contamination
Confirm the scope and purpose of sampling, testing and/or monitoring activities and data requirements with supervisor
Liaise with site controller to access site, identify locations of services and arrange for induction, clearances and/or permits, as necessary
Review risks posed by site contaminants and review the health and safety plan and safe work procedures specified for planned activities
Confirm the sampling/test methods, sampling/test points, numbers and types of samples and/or measurements with supervisor
Review specified sampling/test methods with close attention to the sequence of steps and details for each
Check the operation/calibration of required sampling equipment, test and/or monitoring instruments in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions
Ensure all required reagents, solutions and/or calibration standards are obtained and ready for field use
Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers, safety equipment and personal protective equipmentArrange suitable transport to, from and around site as required
Sketch, map and/or photograph the site features
Conduct a visual inspection to identify site features that may inform the need for and design of subsequent investigations
Collect preliminary samples, as directed, to help characterise possible contamination hazards prior to detailed investigations
Locate sampling/test points and any services at the site
Work effectively with other site personnel during drilling excavation and/or survey operations to collect reliable samples, logs and measurements, as necessary
Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment
Collect and preserve required samples in accordance with sampling plan, relevant methods and/or standards
Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements
Record environmental conditions and/or atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on validity or integrity of samples
Store and transport all samples back to base in accordance with specified method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes
Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated field test
Check that all equipment, instruments, reagents and calibration standards 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
Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment
Perform required measurements and tests on all samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods
Keep accurate, complete and traceable records of all field observations and test results
Inspect equipment to assess the degree of contamination
Use specified procedures to remove material from the exposed outer surfaces of sampling/test equipment and personal protective equipment
Use specified procedures and reagents to neutralise, wash and/or rinse exposed surfaces
Collect rinsate blanks for analysis and preserve/store in accordance with specified procedure or standard
Stow items for transport only when thoroughly dry
Safely collect all debris and sullage from decontamination in accordance with relevant regulations and codes
Arrange for the safe disposal of all hazardous wastes in accordance with relevant regulations and codes
Ensure all site observations, sampling/test data and results are accurately transferred to the enterprise information management system
Store samples in accordance with method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes, as necessary
Ensure samples are dispatched for analytical testing within recommended holding times
Review test/monitoring data noting atypical observations
Calculate required quantities using relevant test method and ensure values are consistent with expectations
Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required
Record processed results in accordance with enterprise procedures
Interpret trends in data and/or results and report atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel
Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results
Compare results with established threshold levels or environmental quality concentration limits, if relevant
Finalise reporting of results in accordance with enterprise requirement
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
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
MSS025014A - Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites
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Assessment Record Sheet
MSS025014A - Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites
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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent
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