Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

MSS025008A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Monitor and evaluate noise

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSS025008A - Monitor and evaluate noise
Description This unit of competency covers the ability to monitor noise using handheld sound level meters and fixed sound monitoring stations with either data logging or telemetry. It includes the ability to perform noise surveys, process data and report results in accordance with enterprise standards.
Employability Skills Not applicable.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency is applicable to environmental technicians in a range of industry sectors, such as:environmental services (e.g. monitoring of environmental and/or occupational noise)environmental compliance, auditing and inspectionenvironmental managementoccupational hygiene.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Confirm noise monitoring requirements
  • Confirm the purpose for noise monitoring with supervisor
  • Confirm locations, timing and frequency of monitoring from enterprise or client’s monitoring plan or other instructions
  • Check that all noise measurement procedures are in accordance with client or enterprise requirements, relevant standards and codes
       
Element: Prepare for noise measurement
  • Identify site hazards and review enterprise safety procedures
  • Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and obtain all clearances and/or permits, as necessary
  • Select noise monitoring instruments and any ancillary equipment that are required for the particular task
  • Assemble all field test equipment and complete all pre-use and calibration checks in accordance with enterprise procedures and manufacturer instructions
  • Stow all equipment for safe and secure transport
  • Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site, as required
       
Element: Perform noise measurement
  • Record significant site features, such as noise sources, their direction and approximate distance, relevant barriers, structures, noise sensitive areas and adjacent land uses
  • Select and record sampling sites and ensure that site conditions are conducive for valid and reliable noise measurement
  • Measure and record relevant site condition parameters and make any modifications to procedures as appropriate
  • Check calibration of sound level meter and make any required adjustments and record results
  • Conduct noise measurements in accordance with enterprise, regulatory and manufacturer procedures
  • Ensure that background measurements are obtained at an appropriate time, under appropriate conditions and in accordance with enterprise/regulatory procedures
  • Repeat and record calibration measurements at the conclusion of the measurement sequence in accordance with enterprise/regulatory procedures
  • Collect and/or record all results and ensure that they are accurately transferred to enterprise information database
       
Element: Process and interpret noise data
  • Review test data noting atypical observations
  • Manipulate raw data to obtain corrected and adjusted data and ensure that calculated values are consistent with expectations
  • Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required
  • Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel
  • Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results
  • Compare results with established noise standards, statutory noise limits or similar, if relevant
  • Record and report data and results in accordance with enterprise requirement
       
Element: Maintain a safe work environment
  • Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of other personnel
  • Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts
  • Care for and store equipment and materials as required.
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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 noise monitoring

using noise measurement terminology accurately

planning and conducting a noise survey to produce valid data

operating, maintaining and calibrating noise measurement instrumentation to obtain reliable results

performing field tests in accordance with written instructions/enterprise procedures and obtaining reliable data

manipulating raw data to obtain corrected and adjusted data in the required format

applying basic principles of sound and noise science to evaluate noise data

providing accurate, complete records of noise measurements, field observations, data and results

working safely.

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 candidate’s workplace.

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSS024007A Collect and evaluate meteorological data

MSL974007A Undertake environmental field-based monitoring.

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

Resources may include:

noise measuring equipment, data loggers and telemetry equipment, vehicles, survey 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:

review of noise measurements, results and calculations provided by the candidate

feedback from peers and supervisors that the candidate consistently follows enterprise procedures and works safely

oral and written questioning to check the candidate’s understanding of the principles of noise measurement, operation of noise instruments and processing of data

observation of the candidate performing a range of noise measurement tasks

review of workplace documentation completed by the candidate.

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 work-like environment.

Guidance information for assessment

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

Required skills include:

identifying and interpreting statutory requirements accurately

confirming type, quantity and quality of data needed for defined monitoring activity

planning and preparing for field activities

undertaking reconnaissance and evaluating monitoring sites

observational skills, including the ability to ‘step back’, question and interpret those observations

assembling, testing, operating and closing down a field-based, sound monitoring station

packaging and transporting supplies, equipment and instruments into the field

identifying and establishing a secure field monitoring site according to defined criteria

using noise measurement instrumentation to obtain verifiable, quantitative results

correcting and adjusting sound pressure level measurements and calculating required noise parameters

performing automatic and manual measurement and calibration procedures

responding effectively to problems, changed or unforeseen circumstances

identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults

researching and summarising existing data and reports

seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility

communicating effectively and writing/compiling concise and accurate reports

working safely

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

appropriate terminology for noise measurements

principles and concepts of the physics of sound, the physiology of hearing and the measurement of environmental noise

function of key components and operating principles of noise measurement instrumentation

effects on test results of modifying equipment/instrument variables

data processing procedures to convert measured values to final reportable data

specific legislation, policies and codes of practice related to environmental noise measurement, noise limits

procedures for maintaining, storing and transporting noise measurement equipment and instrumentation

relevant health, safety and environment requirements, including field safety principles

Codes of practice

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used

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

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

federal legislation, such as:

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with:

land use, acquisition, planning and protection

environmental protection

occupational health and safety (OHS)

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS 1055.1:1997 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise - General procedures

AS 1055.2:1997 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise - Application to specific situations

AS 1055.3:1997 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise - Acquisition of data pertinent to land use

AS IEC 61672.1:2004 Electroacoustics - Sound level meters - Specifications

AS IEC 61672.2:2004 Electroacoustics - Sound level meters - Pattern evaluation tests

AS IEC 60942:2004 Electroacoustics - Sound calibrators

Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) or government departmental guidelines and manuals, such as:

Noise Measurement Manual (QLD EPA)

A Guide to Measurement and Analysis of Noise (VIC EPA)

Noise Guide for Local Government (NSW)

equipment manuals and warranties, supplier catalogue and handbooks

government policy (e.g. sustainable development and impact assessment)

OHS national standards and codes of practice

site-specific requirements

specific environmental standards

Principles of noise measurement

Principles of noise measurement may include:

noise terminology:

sound and noise

frequency, pitch and wavelength

sound power and acoustic energy

sound pressure and sound pressure level

sound intensity

noise measurement units (dBA and others)

frequency weighting curves

adding and subtracting sound levels

physiology of hearing

perception of noise

sources of noise

typical noise levels

types of noise:

continuous

intermittent

impulsive

point sources and line sources

Purpose of noise measurement

Purpose of noise measurement may include:

assessing compliance with a statutory condition, such as a licence

investigation of a noise complaint

environmental impact assessment studies

long-term monitoring programs

occupational hygiene

noise surveys

Noise measurements and surveys

Noise measurements and surveys may include:

difference between sound power and sound pressure

frequency analysis and weighting networks (including at least A and Lin)

calculation of combined sound levels using graphical and mathematical equation techniques

methods for measuring noise exposure, including equivalent continuous sound level (Leq)

components of a sound level meter

response rates for sound meters, including at least fast, slow, impulse and peak

hold circuits

integrating sound level meters

calibration of sound level meters, including both electrical and acoustic

common errors in sound level measurement, including mishandling of equipment, wind, humidity, temperature, reflected and absorbed sound, and background noise

background noise calculations

techniques for conducting noise level measurement

statistical analysis, including LAeq, LA10, LA50 and LA90

time weighted exposure measurement (LAeqT)

characterisation of noise by octave band analysis

background noise level (LA90)

day and night sound levels (LDN)

noise dosimeters

techniques for measuring different noise types, including steady noise, discretely varying noise and impulsive noise

calculation of individual noise exposure

noise mapping

noise rating curves

sound attenuation with distance and mathematical calculation of quantities linked to it

general guidelines for making sound measurements

effects of meteorological conditions on noise

effects of topography and built structures on noise

Noise monitoring instruments and ancillary equipment

Noise monitoring instruments and ancillary equipment may include:

type 1 and type 2 portable sound level meters

integrating and non-integrating sound level meters

noise dose meters

sound level calibrators

octave analysers

statistical analysers, data loggers and recorders

telemetry equipment

sound monitoring stations

microphones

wind shields

Additional resources and equipment

Additional resources and equipment may include:

meteorological instruments:

thermometers

hygrometers

barometers

anemometers

digital cameras

global positioning system (GPS) equipment

maps and aerial photographs

noise measurement and survey forms

personal protective equipment

Meteorological measurements

Meteorological measurements may include:

temperature

relative humidity

barometric pressure

wind speed and direction

Enterprise procedures for field activities

Enterprise procedures for field activities may include:

field notebooks or log books

standard operating procedures covering fieldwork, sampling and testing

equipment operating manuals, calibration procedures, instrument fault-finding procedures and general maintenance and repair procedures

emergency, first aid and survival procedures

requirements related to protection of the environment

incident/accident/injury report forms

Hazards

Hazards may include:

solar radiation, dust and noise

accidents, emergencies and incidents, such as snake, insect or animal bites

exposure to severe weather conditions

OHS and environmental management requirements

OHS and environmental management requirements:

all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time

all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of field work and require standard precautions to be applied

where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Confirm the purpose for noise monitoring with supervisor 
Confirm locations, timing and frequency of monitoring from enterprise or client’s monitoring plan or other instructions 
Check that all noise measurement procedures are in accordance with client or enterprise requirements, relevant standards and codes 
Identify site hazards and review enterprise safety procedures 
Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and obtain all clearances and/or permits, as necessary 
Select noise monitoring instruments and any ancillary equipment that are required for the particular task 
Assemble all field test equipment and complete all pre-use and calibration checks in accordance with enterprise procedures and manufacturer instructions 
Stow all equipment for safe and secure transport 
Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site, as required 
Record significant site features, such as noise sources, their direction and approximate distance, relevant barriers, structures, noise sensitive areas and adjacent land uses 
Select and record sampling sites and ensure that site conditions are conducive for valid and reliable noise measurement 
Measure and record relevant site condition parameters and make any modifications to procedures as appropriate 
Check calibration of sound level meter and make any required adjustments and record results 
Conduct noise measurements in accordance with enterprise, regulatory and manufacturer procedures 
Ensure that background measurements are obtained at an appropriate time, under appropriate conditions and in accordance with enterprise/regulatory procedures 
Repeat and record calibration measurements at the conclusion of the measurement sequence in accordance with enterprise/regulatory procedures 
Collect and/or record all results and ensure that they are accurately transferred to enterprise information database 
Review test data noting atypical observations 
Manipulate raw data to obtain corrected and adjusted data and ensure that calculated values are consistent with expectations 
Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required 
Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel 
Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results 
Compare results with established noise standards, statutory noise limits or similar, if relevant 
Record and report data and results in accordance with enterprise requirement 
Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of other personnel 
Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts 
Care for and store equipment and materials as required. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSS025008A - Monitor and evaluate noise
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MSS025008A - Monitor and evaluate noise

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: