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 on-site operations
  2. Conduct excavation of boreholes, test pits and/or trenches
  3. Conduct site sampling
  4. Conduct site testing
  5. Complete site operations
  6. Maintain records
  7. Maintain a safe work environment

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory safety, quality management and environmental management

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, national measurement regulations and guidelines, and environmental legislation and regulations

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures; and maps and site plans

sampling and testing procedures for specific sites, clients and samples

Common site problems

Common site problems include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

caving in of excavation walls

drilling difficulties

sample loss during retrieval

knowing when to stop a hole, or what and when to test and sample

misidentification of samples and sampling locations

equipment breakdown and breakage

environmental impacts of construction activities on wildlife, vegetation, waterways and inclement weather

Site hazards

Site hazards include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

solar radiation, dust and noise

manual handling of heavy materials and equipment

working in/on trenches, confined spaces, wet and uneven surfaces, heights and slopes

vehicular and pedestrian traffic

underground services, such as gas and electricity

working close to earth moving equipment, trucks and overhead loads

Safe work procedures

Safe work procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

locating site services before investigations commence

use of signage, barriers, flashing lights and traffic control

use of PPE, such as hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, goggles, coveralls and safety boots

use of MSDS

use of machinery guards

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs/barriers

handling and storing hazardous material and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer instructions, and workplace procedures and regulations

labelling of samples, reagents and hazardous materials

regularly cleaning equipment and vehicles

following established manual handling procedures

Minimising environmental impacts

Minimising environmental impacts include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

damage from movement of vehicles

disposal of surplus or spent or materials

containing run-off of water

recycling of wastes

compliance with quarantine requirements, including cleaning of vehicles to prevent transfer of pests (e.g. fire ants and seeds) and contaminants

compliance with environmental, cultural and heritage protection requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

Performance Evidence

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

preparing for site investigations and safely performing relevant site sampling, testing and excavation/reinstatement tasks on at least three (3) occasions

following instructions and work as part of a small team

interpreting maps, site plans and drawings

recognising site services at sampling and testing sites

recognising site features and soil, rock and fill materials

taking representative samples, handling and transporting samples

performing basic in situ tests and site measurements (e.g. location and depth)

minimising environmental impacts and generation of waste while performing tasks

communicating site problems to appropriate personnel and seeking timely advice

maintaining accurate and complete records

setting up, checking, using, cleaning and maintaining tools and equipment

collecting, storing and disposing of waste in accordance with workplace procedures.

Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

the basic concepts, purposes and principles of site investigation activities conducted as part of job role

site safety and management rules, including safety induction, risk assessments, controlled entry/exit to site and required personal protective equipment (PPE)

simple methods for identifying and classifying materials

basic engineering properties of soil and rock materials and their use in engineering and construction

basic principles of representative sampling and testing

basic in situ testing methods relevant to job role

relevant site hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.