Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for sampling
   • Sampling requirements are identified in accordance with the sampling plan
   • Sampling equipment, containers and labels are prepared
2. Collect samples
   • Samples are collected according to sampling procedures and the requirements of the sampling plan
   • Samples are handled and prepared to preserve sample and source integrity
   • Defects or abnormalities in source material and/or sample are identified and reported
   • Sample information is recorded according to workplace sample recording requirements
   • The work area is maintained according to housekeeping standards
   • Work is conducted in accordance with workplace environmental guidelines

Required Skills

Required skills

Ability to access and interpret sampling plan to identify sampling requirements select fit and use personal protective clothing andor equipment prepare for sampling to ensure required tools containers and labels are available follow sampling procedures and the sampling plan to collect samples from the points in the quantities and at the times specified identify atypical source materials andor samples and take corrective action such as reporting abnormalities repeating sample collection andor following intensive sampling schedules as required complete sample records according to workplace requirements such as labelling samples as required transfer samples for testing maintain work area to meet housekeeping standards prepare samples according to enterprise procedures use oral communication skillslanguage competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning active listening asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor work cooperatively within a culturally diverse workforce

Required knowledge

Knowledge of basic sampling principles including the importance of following the sampling plan to obtain representative sampling reflecting characteristics of source material the sample characteristics and related preservation handling and storage requirements and the labelling system purpose and requirements tests to be conducted on samples and related handling and preparation requirements and responsibilities characteristics of materials sampled and common contaminants and related conditions under which contamination is likely to occur sampling techniques relevant to samples collected such as sterilisation methods and procedures the relationship between sampling testing and production processes including different sampling regimes that may apply in response to nonstandard conditions or after corrective action is taken to adjust production outputs procedures and responsibility for reporting and recording sampling information such as legislative requirements procedures for preparing samples where relevant

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package
Overview of assessment	Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	Evidence of ability to conduct prestart checks on equipment used for collecting and handling samples collect handle and store samples according to sampling requirements and standards take corrective action in response to typical defects and inconsistencies complete workplace records as required apply safe work practices and identify OHS hazards and controls apply food safety procedures
Context of and specific resources for assessment	Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to sampling plan documentation including specifications work instruction and other advice on sampling requirements recording and reporting system sampling instrumentation and containers as required productsource material to be sampled
Method of assessment	This unit should be assessed together with core units and other units of competency relevant to the function or work role Example could be MSLA Perform basic tests MSL973001A Perform basic tests
Guidance information for assessment	To ensure consistency in ones performance competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances cases and responsibilities and where possible over a number of assessment activities

---

Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Policies and procedures	Work is carried out according to company policies and procedures, regulatory and licensing requirements, legislative requirements and industrial awards and agreements
Workplace information	Workplace information may include: standard operating procedures (SOPs) specifications production schedules and instructions manufacturers' advice sampling plans
Sampling requirements	Sampling requirements include: sampling under standard conditions sampling after processes are adjusted in response to variation or non-conformance
Sampling	Sampling typically occurs at a number of points and using a range of techniques
Maintenance of sample integrity	Maintenance of sample integrity may be achieved by: use of appropriate personal protective clothing use of clean sampling tools and containers (sterilised tools/containers for aseptic sampling) temperature control addition of preservatives as required
Sampling techniques	Sampling techniques may include: sub-sampling

---