Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement

This qualification covers the skills and knowledge required to perform a range of sampling and measurement as part of laboratory, production or field operations in the construction, manufacturing, resources and environmental industry sectors.

Job roles/employment outcomes

The Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement offers entry level training for sampling and measurement skills applied across a range of industries. Employment outcomes targeted by this qualification include samplers and testers, production personnel, plant operators, production operators, field assistants, drivers, sample couriers, and many others.

Samplers and testers conduct limited sampling and testing as part of their duties in their particular industry. In some industry sectors (for example, mineral assay) this work forms a whole job role. They apply a restricted range of skills and operational knowledge to perform these tasks and do not generally work inside a laboratory. They:

follow set procedures to sample raw materials and products

may package, label, store and transport samples

use simple equipment (hydrometers, thermometers and pH meters) to make measurements and perform basic tests that take a short time and involve a narrow range of variables and easily recognised control limits

may make visual inspection of products and packaging.

Examples of the work of sampler/testers are given below.

A milk tanker driver conducts aseptic sampling of milk before loading and then conveys the samples to the laboratory.

An operator in a quarry may take samples from stockpiles and conveyors and conduct simple tests on different grades of aggregates.

A field officer working in environmental monitoring may visit a catchment area to collect water samples

Sampler/testers take air samples for testing for microbial monitoring of air conditioning or cooling towers.

This qualification is typically used to prepare new employees or develop the skills of existing workers within the construction, manufacturing, resources and environmental industry sectors.

Training programs for this qualification are suitable to be undertaken as part of a formal training contract with an employer under an Australian Traineeship or Apprenticeship arrangement.

Pathways into the qualification

This qualification may be accessed by direct entry. Credit for this qualification may include units contained within relevant skill sets.

Pathways from the qualification

Further training pathways from this qualification include the MSL30109 Certificate III in Laboratory Skills or MSA30208 Certificate III in Manufacturing Technology (Laboratory Operations Stream).

Licensing considerations

There are no specific licences that relate to this qualification. However, depending on the jurisdiction, licensing or regulatory requirements may apply to the use of some units in this qualification. Local regulations should be checked for details.


Subjects

Packaging Rules

To be awarded a Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement competency must be achieved in a total of eight (8) units of competency, consisting of:

four (4) core units of competency

four (4) elective units of competency.

Units listed under core are considered essential for all people who perform sampling and measurement. The units listed as electives may only apply to some personnel according to the size and scope of the organisation.

Note: Prerequisite units are listed and must be included in the total number of units chosen.

Core units of competency

Select all four (4) units of competency from this group.

Unit code

Unit title

Prerequisites

add topic MSAENV272B

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

add topic MSL912001A

Work within a laboratory/field workplace (induction)

add topic MSL922001A

Record and present data

add topic MSL943002A

Participate in laboratory/field workplace safety

Elective units of competency

Select four (4) elective units from Groups A and B as specified below:

a minimum of two (2) units must be chosen from Group A

the remainder may be chosen from Groups A and B to bring the total number of electives to four (4).

Note that two (2) of the elective units may be chosen from this Training Package, other endorsed Training Packages and accredited courses, where those units are available at Certificate II.

Group A

Unit code

Unit title

Prerequisites

add topic MSL952001A

Collect routine site samples

add topic MSL952002A

Handle and transport samples or equipment

add topic MSL972001A

Conduct routine site measurements

Group B

Unit code

Unit title

Prerequisites

add topic MSL913001A

Communicate with other people

add topic MSL913002A

Plan and conduct laboratory/field work

add topic MSL933001A

Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose

add topic MSL933002A

Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives

add topic MSL933003A

Apply critical control point requirements

add topic MSL933004A

Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance

add topic MSL943001A

Work safely with instruments that emit ionising radiation

add topic MSL953001A

Receive and prepare samples for testing

add topic MSL953002A

Operate a robotic sample preparation system

add topic MSL963001A

Operate basic handblowing equipment

add topic MSL963002A

Repair glass apparatus using simple glassblowing equipment

add topic MSL963001A

add topic MSL973001A

Perform basic tests

add topic MSL973002A

Prepare working solutions

add topic MSL973003A

Prepare culture media

add topic MSL973004A

Perform aseptic techniques

add topic MSL973005A

Assist with fieldwork

add topic MSL973006A

Prepare trial batches for evaluation

add topic MSL973007A

Perform microscopic examination

add topic MSL973008A

Perform histological procedures

add topic MSL973009A

Conduct field-based acceptance tests for construction materials

add topic MSL973010A

Conduct laboratory-based acceptance tests for construction materials

add topic MSL973011A

Perform fire pouring techniques

add topic MSL973012A

Assist with geotechnical site investigations


Pathways...

    Not applicable.


Entry Requirements

Not applicable.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

QUALIFICATION SUMMARY

Employability Skill

Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification include:

Communication

Receive and pass on written and oral messages, provide relevant information in response to requests and demonstrate effective interpersonal skills including conflict resolution techniques

Record and store data, perform basic calculations of scientific quantities and present information in tables and graphs

Report using verbal responses, data entry into laboratory information management system (LIMS) or enterprise databases and brief written reports using enterprise proformas

Communicate with team members, supervisors and customers effectively and courteously

Interpret work instructions

Complete workplace documentation such as reports

Teamwork

Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and permits

Seek advice and clarify instructions with supervisors

Problem solving

Deal with inquiries in accordance with enterprise customer service requirements

Rectify obvious errors and atypical data using enterprise procedures

Identify site hazards and review enterprise safety procedures

Report problems accidents or incidents

Initiative and enterprise

Identify and report opportunities for improvements in procedures, processes and equipment

Identify hazards associated with samples, preparation methods, reagents and equipment and implement enterprise control measures

Planning and organising

Plan and organise daily work activities to ensure the timely completion of tasks

Modify work plans to suit changing conditions and priorities

Assemble and organise specified sampling equipment and materials and maintain own work area

Self-management

Follow work instructions to perform scientific/technical tasks safely and efficiently

Follow enterprise procedures which reflect occupational health and safety (OHS), equal opportunity, anti-discrimination and non-harassment legislative requirements

Maintain confidentiality of all client/enterprise data and information

Use appropriate protective equipment to ensure personal safety when sampling, processing, transferring or disposing of samples

Learning

Clarify instructions with supervisors to ensure a complete understanding of the task

Identify training opportunities and career options

Seek advice if the required samples cannot be collected or if procedures require modification

Technology

Use communication, emergency, data recording, sampling measuring and laboratory equipment

Use computers and software to collect and report information