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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare to classify soil samples
   • Review job request and any accompanying documentation to identify purpose of soil classification and client’s information needs
   • Identify any hazards and relevant safe work procedures associated with the types of site samples
   • Inspect supplied samples and test data, compare with specifications and record and report any discrepancies
   • Liaise with client when supplied samples, test data and/or job request forms do not comply with workplace procedures and resolve any problems
   • Assemble required equipment/materials and check that they are fit for purpose
2. Examine properties of soil samples
   • Assess appearance and feel of soil to determine moisture condition
   • Use moulding/indentation tests, penetrometer and/or density index data to determine soil consistency
   • Identify the soil’s major, secondary and minor components and the proportion of each
   • Assign a soil colour based on own observations and review of field log sheets
   • Determine soil structure based on own observations and review of available zoning, defect and cementing data recorded for undisturbed field samples
   • Review any additional observations and test data that may identify soil origin
3. Analyse available test results
   • Compare supplied mechanical test data with standard classification values for different soil types
   • Compare particle size and percentage composition data with standard classification values for different soil types
   • Compare other laboratory test results with own observations to confirm assignment of plasticity, grading and strength of soil samples
   • Recognise anomalies or unexpected results and, if necessary, recheck specimens and test results and conduct repeat tests to ensure reliable results
4. Record soil classification
   • Use standard symbols and descriptors to assign a valid soil classification
   • Record and store client’s soil classification, samples and test data in accordance with workplace procedures
   • Maintain confidentiality of client information
5. Maintain a safe work environment
   • Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other personnel
   • Clean work area and collect, recycle or dispose of all waste in accordance with workplace procedures
   • Clean and check serviceability of test equipment before storage

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 standard methods for classifying soils, such as those listed in AS 1726-1993 Geotechnical site investigations, or its replacement specific codes, guidelines, procedures and methods, such as: AustRoads test methods and State/Territory Road Authority test methods National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) documents regarding construction materials testing (Field application document) 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; maps and site plans sampling and testing procedures for specific sites, clients and samples
Tests used to identify soil properties	Tests used to identify soil properties include, but are not limited to, one or more of: visual examination soil/water properties, such as moisture content; liquid, plastic and shrinkage limits; plasticity and liquidity indices, linear shrinkage, dispersion and permeability material density tests particle size and shape tests soil deformation characteristics soil strength tests, such as unconfined and triaxial compression, direct shear and California Bearing Ratio chemical tests, such as pH and organic matter
Safe work procedures	Safe work procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of: use of PPE, such as hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, goggles, coveralls and safety boots use 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 following established manual handling procedures
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

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Performance Evidence

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

correctly classifying at least two (2) different samples of each of the following:

gravel

sand

silt

clay

accurately interpreting job requests, client specifications and the relevant requirements of AS 1726-1993 Geotechnical site investigations, or its replacement

recognising soil characteristics and logging an accurate soil description that supports the classification given to the sample

interpreting test results and field observations with close attention to detail and making logical conclusions

reading graphs and tables to extract classification data, such as D10, D30 and D60 points

comparing the physical properties of samples with test results and expected values and recognising anomalous results

safely conducting laboratory tests to resolve anomalous results

performing accurate calculations, such as coefficients of curvature and uniformity for gravels and sands

seeking timely advice to deal with situations beyond own technical competence

providing classification results within the expected timeframe

maintaining accurate and complete records and confidentiality of client information

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

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

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Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

terms, symbols and requirements of AS 1726-1993 Geotechnical site investigations, or its replacement, used to perform soil classifications as part of job role

common purposes and client requirements for soil classifications conducted as part of job role

differences between classification of soils for agricultural and engineering purposes

common causes of misclassification of soils, such as:

identification of hard clay as sand or gravel

clayey gravels can have high plasticity

non-representative or contaminated samples

selecting inappropriate tests (e.g. clay-DCP and sand-penetrometer)

testing methods used for soil classifications as part of job role

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

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