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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Plan for sampling and testing field work
  2. Prepare equipment and resources
  3. Carry out sampling and testing of water
  4. Complete water sampling and testing activities

Evidence Required

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in sampling and testing water quality requires evidence that water quality has been appropriately sampled and tested for a given site according to prescribed scientific procedures standards and principles monitoring schedules and industry best practice The skills and knowledge required to sample and test for water quality must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts For example this could include different locations environments and monitoring schedules

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below

Hydrological cycle

Water monitoring schedules and guidelines

Standards for water quality

Sampling and testing methods

Groundwater contamination evaluation

Sources of groundwater contamination

Groundwater salinity mechanisms occurrence and management

Irrigation induced salinity mechanisms and management

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria some complementary skills are required These skills include the ability to

Plan for sampling and testing

Prepare equipment and resources

Carry out sampling and testing

Complete water sampling and testing activities

Record and input data into various data entry systems

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions Some of these are covered by the key competencies although others may be added The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Recording and reporting on sampling and testing activities

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Through completion of record sheets taking of samples for external analysis and recording of observations

How are activities planned and organised

Using appropriate equipment and in accordance with enterprise guidelines

How can team work be applied

Cooperation in sampling and testing activities

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Through evaluation of sampling and testing results and reporting to supervisor

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Assessing threats and changes to area being monitored

How can the use of technology be applied

Use of field equipment and machinery

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

For information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed refer to the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

Range Statement

Range of Variables

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this competency standard. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts

What advance water quality parameters may be relevant to this competency standard?

Dissolved or suspended solids, nitrogenous products (TKN, TAN, NO2- ,NO3-), redox, ozone, soil pH, clay content of soil, contaminants (including pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals), biological oxygen demand, bacterial levels (E. coli and faecal coliforms), aquatic life, chlorophyll, phosphorus (total and orthophosphate), macro-invertebrates and macrophytes.

Which environmental parameters may be included?

Changes in native land-based and/or aquatic life around the site, sediment and debris levels, wastes and contaminants, toxic microalgae and presence of severe weather conditions.

What water quality and environmental parameters may be relevant to this standard?

Dissolved oxygen, hardness, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, carbon dioxide, alkalinity, temperature, salinity, pH and turbidity.

What equipment may be included?

Electronic machines, probes, grabs, nets, dredges, plankton nets, water sample bottles, fox whistle, bailer, still and video cameras, specialised machinery, micropipettes, soil analysis kits, and refractometer.

What repairs and maintenance may apply to field-based equipment?

Adjustment of probes or other settings for calibration, correlation and replacement of electronic parts, covers, probes.

How can erroneous readings be avoided?

By following monitoring schedule and standards, through regular readings (e.g., at the same time each month), by taking readings before irrigation cycles commence, by bailing out before taking the reading (especially where salinity levels are being assessed).

What types of samples may be included?

Water, weather station/meteorological data, sediments or soils, pests, predators or fouling organisms and vegetation (land and aquatic).

What samples for external analysis may be relevant?

Contaminants (such as heavy metals, pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals), proximate analysis of culture or other organisms, trace elements, mineral content of waters/soils and pathology.

What is meant by antecedent environmental conditions?

Previously relevant weather, rainfall, irrigation, tides or floods that could influence sample/test results.

Which OHSrequirements may be included?

Codes of Practice, regulations and/or guidance notes which may apply in a jurisdiction, andenterprise-specific OHS procedures, policies or standards

For more information on contexts, environment and variables for training and assessment, refer to the Sector Booklet.