Required skills

Required skills include

using twoway radio and satellite phone in accordance with enterprise procedures

using basic field survival strategies such as map reading use of compass and global positioning system GPS and stay with vehicle in the event of accident or emergency

organising packingunpacking and stowing materials and equipment with close attention to detail

collecting samples in accordance with enterprise procedures and legislative requirements

storing andmaintaining samples in accordance with special requirements for continued wellbeing viability and integrity of sample

maintaining accurate and complete data records and checklists

working safely and in accordance with environmental requirements

cleaning equipment and collecting and disposing of wastes in accordance with safety and environmental requirements

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes

terms used to describe the relevant industry sectors field equipment materials samples and specimens

enterprise procedures relating to sample collection maintenance and storage

enterprise procedures relating to field testing

specific legislation and codes of practice related to sample and animal collection if relevant in the industry sector

principles of safety relating to fieldwork such as use of LPG operation of generators and use of protective clothing

relevant health safety and environment requirements

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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors should ensure that candidates can

perform all field activities according to enterprise procedures legislative and environmental requirements industry guidelines and codes of practice

complete all tasks efficiently and safely

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment

This unit of competency may be assessed with

MSLA Communicate with other people

MSL913001A Communicate with other people

MSLA Plan and conduct laboratoryfield work

MSL913002A Plan and conduct laboratory/field work.

Resources may include

enterprise procedures regulations and codes of practice

relevant field equipment samples test kits and reagents

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

review of performance with a focus on completing field activitiessafely and efficiently collection of field samples and data basic field survival skills teamwork and accurate record keeping

paper exercises associated with organisation of fieldwork fieldwork operations and basic field survival strategies

role plays based on possible accident and emergency situations requiring use of communication procedures and basic field survival strategies

oral or written questions

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

Access must be provided to appropriate learning andor assessment support when required

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

This competency in practice

Industry representatives have provided the case studies below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and show its relevance in a workplace setting

Environmental

On a field trip to determine the biodiversity of an island fringing reef a technical assistant assists with constructing a grid map of the study area The assistant counts the number of six different species of plant in part of the grid taking care to minimise the impact on the environment Heshe also accurately records the data on a map to show the location of each plant using a predetermined key

Environmental

A technical assistant is asked to pack and safely transport water sampling and monitoring equipment to a distant field site Firstly the assistant checks that all the equipment is in working order and that heshe is able to use and maintain it Given that the technical assistant is licenced to operate a small boat and is a competent underwater diver heshe also performs a simple underwater survey of macrophytes in a lake in the study area The assistant follows standard safety and operating procedures and records the results on a grid map and in the daily log book

Construction materials testing

A contract laboratory has assigned a team of three to conduct pavement investigations in a ruralremote region The field assistant uses a checklist to assemble all the required equipment and supplies for a three day trip The assistant checks the vehicle toolkit and spares communication equipment GPS water first aid kit and personal protective equipment Heshe also checks that the generator fuel jackhammerdynamic cone penetrometer DCP sample bags measuring devices and camera are all present and in good working order Because the team will be working away from base for three days the assistant knows that it is vital that all items are present and stowed safely before heshe tells the team leader that the vehicle is ready for departure

Codes of practice

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Items of equipment

Hazards

Safety procedures

Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements