Required skills

Required skills include

planning and preparing for field activities

observational and descriptive skills

collecting representative samples in accordance with a sampling plan and method

using appropriate techniques to preserve the integrity of samples

demonstrating correct and safe use of fieldlaboratory instruments andor equipment including calibration

using air quality measurement instrumentation to obtain verifiable quantitative results

identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults

identifying atypical data and samples and taking appropriate action

maintaining sampling equipment

completing accurate records of sampling test data and results

communicating effectively and writingcompiling concise and accurate reports

responding effectively to changed or unforeseen circumstances

seeking advice when issuesproblems are beyond scope of competenceresponsibility

following requirements for the disposal of waste and the preservation of the environment

working safely

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes

appropriate terminology for atmospheric science air measurement and air pollution

the structure circulation and composition of the atmosphere

atmospheric stability lapse rates and inversions

localised meteorology and dispersion of air pollutants

air pollutants such as

particulates inorganics organics and metals

inorganic gases CO CO NOx SOx ammonia acid rain halogens and ozone

organic gases hydrocarbons oxygen halogens sulfur and nitrogen containing organics

photochemical smog greenhouse gases and ozone depletion

principles of air quality sampling and analysis methods and standards

function of key components and operating principles of common air quality instruments

specific legislation policies and codes of practice related to air pollution and air quality monitoring

field sampling and monitoring procedures including labelling and traceability

relevant health safety and environment requirements including field safety principles

Overview of assessment

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include

demonstrating an understanding of the legislative and regulatory framework relevant to air quality

using air quality measurement terminology accurately

interpreting and applying site air samplingmonitoring plans and procedures

collecting reliable representative air samples in accordance with methodsprocedures

operating maintaining and calibrating air quality measurement instrumentation to produce consistently valid and accurate results

interpreting gross features of data identifying atypical results as outofnormal range or an artefact and making relevant conclusions

calculating results using appropriate unitsprecision

providing accurate complete records of sampling and testing observations data and results

working safely and follow relevant legislative requirements for the disposal of waste and the preservation of the environment

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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

Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidates workplace

This unit of competency may be assessed with

MSLA Perform chemical tests and procedures

MSL974003A Perform chemical tests and procedures

MSLA Undertake fieldbased remote sensing

MSL974009A Undertake field-based remote sensing

MSSA Perform sampling and testing of stationary emissions

MSS025016A Perform sampling and testing of stationary emissions.

The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team

Resources may include

vehicles survey equipment air samplingmonitoring equipment cameras consumables and manuals

work program enterprise procedures codes of practice maps and field protocols

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

inspection of air samples collected by the candidate

review of air quality measurements test results calculations and observations produced by the candidate

review of samplingtesting records completed by the candidate

feedback from peers and supervisors about the candidates ability to consistently apply enterprise procedures and work safely

oral and written questioning to check the candidates understanding of the principles of air quality samplingtesting operation of air sampling equipment test instruments and processing of data

observation of the candidate performing a range of air sampling and testing tasks

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

The language literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a worklike environment

Guidance information for assessment

Codes of practice

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Ambient air parameters

Indoor air parameters

Occupational (workplace) air parameters

Sampling equipment

Testing equipment

Enterprise procedures for field activities

Additional equipment

Hazards

OHS and environmental management requirements