Assessor Resource

NWPSOU003
Identify and confirm blue-green algae outbreaks

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills required to sample, identify and confirm outbreaks of blue-green algae blooms.

This unit applies to those working as operational staff with a specific responsibility for ensuring that water and/or wastewater quality conforms to organisational standards and complies with statutory requirements.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision, while performing routine tasks within a familiar context.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

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


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.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Confirm and conduct algae sampling

1.1 Confirm type of samples required, procedures for sampling and sampling locations from the work instruction.

1.2 Select and prepare sampling equipment according to specified samples required.

1.3 Carry out algae sampling.

1.4 Maintain integrity of samples during sampling and label sample containers.

2. Prepare samples for testing

2.1 Receive, handle and prepare samples for testing.

2.2 Prepare and check testing equipment for blue-green algae identification and enumeration.

3. Identify and enumerate blue-green algae

3.1 Conduct microscopic examination of algae sample.

3.2 Determine number of cells using Sedgwick-Rafter Counting Chamber and calculate cell concentration.

4. Complete documentation

4.1 Complete data report of the blue-green algae test results.

4.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. The candidate must be assessed in at least one type of sampling technique listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

using safety and personal protective equipment

interpreting instructions

interpreting policies, procedures and standards

performing algae sampling

maintaining integrity of samples

recording information and reporting on basic data

identifying algae types

conducting blue-green algae identification and enumeration tests

performing calculations

reporting test results

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

types and purposes of algae samples

sampling and testing of water quality parameters related to algae growth

procedures and techniques for all algae sampling

hazards associated with collection and handling of blue-green algae samples

environmental factors which favour the growth of algae

characteristics of algae

problems caused by algal blooms

impact of blue-green algae on water and/or wastewater treatment processes

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

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.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Confirm and conduct algae sampling

1.1 Confirm type of samples required, procedures for sampling and sampling locations from the work instruction.

1.2 Select and prepare sampling equipment according to specified samples required.

1.3 Carry out algae sampling.

1.4 Maintain integrity of samples during sampling and label sample containers.

2. Prepare samples for testing

2.1 Receive, handle and prepare samples for testing.

2.2 Prepare and check testing equipment for blue-green algae identification and enumeration.

3. Identify and enumerate blue-green algae

3.1 Conduct microscopic examination of algae sample.

3.2 Determine number of cells using Sedgwick-Rafter Counting Chamber and calculate cell concentration.

4. Complete documentation

4.1 Complete data report of the blue-green algae test results.

4.2 Report observations outside defined parameters for further action.

Types of sample techniques include:

grab

integrated

concentrated

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. The candidate must be assessed in at least one type of sampling technique listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

using safety and personal protective equipment

interpreting instructions

interpreting policies, procedures and standards

performing algae sampling

maintaining integrity of samples

recording information and reporting on basic data

identifying algae types

conducting blue-green algae identification and enumeration tests

performing calculations

reporting test results

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

types and purposes of algae samples

sampling and testing of water quality parameters related to algae growth

procedures and techniques for all algae sampling

hazards associated with collection and handling of blue-green algae samples

environmental factors which favour the growth of algae

characteristics of algae

problems caused by algal blooms

impact of blue-green algae on water and/or wastewater treatment processes

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
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
Confirm type of samples required, procedures for sampling and sampling locations from the work instruction. 
Select and prepare sampling equipment according to specified samples required. 
Carry out algae sampling. 
Maintain integrity of samples during sampling and label sample containers. 
Receive, handle and prepare samples for testing. 
Prepare and check testing equipment for blue-green algae identification and enumeration. 
Conduct microscopic examination of algae sample. 
Determine number of cells using Sedgwick-Rafter Counting Chamber and calculate cell concentration. 
Complete data report of the blue-green algae test results. 
Report observations outside defined parameters for further action. 
Confirm type of samples required, procedures for sampling and sampling locations from the work instruction. 
Select and prepare sampling equipment according to specified samples required. 
Carry out algae sampling. 
Maintain integrity of samples during sampling and label sample containers. 
Receive, handle and prepare samples for testing. 
Prepare and check testing equipment for blue-green algae identification and enumeration. 
Conduct microscopic examination of algae sample. 
Determine number of cells using Sedgwick-Rafter Counting Chamber and calculate cell concentration. 
Complete data report of the blue-green algae test results. 
Report observations outside defined parameters for further action. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWPSOU003 - Identify and confirm blue-green algae outbreaks
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

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Assessor name:

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Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

NWPSOU003 - Identify and confirm blue-green algae outbreaks

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:

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