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

MSS025014 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSS025014 - Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the ability to collect samples and conduct field tests/measurements while working safely in a (potentially) hazardous environment. Personnel work under the close supervision of environmental scientists or engineers and use established site health and safety plans and sampling/field testing procedures. They are required to continually monitor levels of risk and use prescribed safe working procedures and safety equipment. This unit of competency is applicable to environmental technicians in a range of industry sectors, such as environmental services (e.g. sampling and monitoring of air quality, water and soil); environmental compliance, auditing and inspection; management of pollution and contaminated sites; and site remediation or rehabilitation.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, environmental monitoring and management activities are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace, or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

Holistic assessment methods include:

inspection of contaminated site samples collected by the candidate

review of observations, measurements, test results and calculations provided by the candidate

review of sampling/test records and site reports prepared by the candidate

feedback from supervisors about the candidate’s ability to perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites in accordance with given methods and workplace procedures, work safely and produce reliable results within the agreed timeframe

oral and/or written questions to assess the candidate’s understanding of the principles of sampling/testing of contaminated sites, risk and safety management at contaminated sites, operation of sampling equipment/test instruments/analysers, processing and analysis of data.

Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures, and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:

access to contaminated sites and vehicles

appropriate sampling containers, sampling/test equipment, analysers, reagents/consumables, digital camera, global positioning system (GPS), logbooks and data loggers, and/or computers and communication equipment

specified PPE, safety equipment and decontamination equipment

workplace procedures, work program, maps, site plans, site sampling plans and test methods, standards, environmental data sets, equipment manuals, safety procedures and safe work methods.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with an organisation providing environmental monitoring, management or technology related services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Sampling and testing
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: Assist with preliminary site study
  • Locate and review relevant legislative, regulatory and/or planning requirements and register for contaminated sites.
  • Confirm the site location, scope and purpose of the investigation and assigned tasks with supervisor.
  • Source and review available site data, including site history, geology, hydrogeology and meteorology data.
  • Summarise information to assist with preparation of a site chronology and identification of gaps or inadequacies in data, potential contaminants and areas of possible contamination.
       
Element: Prepare for site activities
  • Confirm the scope and purpose of sampling, testing and/or monitoring activities and data requirements with supervisor.
  • Liaise with site controller to access site, identify locations of services and arrange for induction, clearances and/or permits, as necessary.
  • Review risks posed by site contaminants and review the health and safety plan/safe work procedures specified for planned activities.
  • Confirm the sampling/test methods, sampling/test points, numbers and types of samples and/or measurements with supervisor.
  • Review specified sampling/test methods with close attention to the sequence of steps and details for each.
  • Check the operation/calibration of required sampling equipment, test and/or monitoring instruments in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions.
  • Ensure all required reagents, solutions and/or calibration standards are obtained and ready for field use.
  • Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers, safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site, as required.
       
Element: Assist with site inspection
  • Sketch, map and/or photograph the site features.
  • Conduct a visual inspection to identify site features that may inform the need for and design of subsequent investigations.
  • Collect preliminary samples, as directed, to help characterise possible contamination hazards prior to detailed investigations.
       
Element: Conduct sampling as directed
  • Locate sampling/test points and any services at the site.
  • Work effectively with other site personnel during drilling excavation and/or survey operations to collect reliable samples, logs and measurements, as necessary.
  • Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment.
  • Collect and preserve required samples in accordance with sampling plan, relevant methods and/or standards.
  • Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements.
  • Record environmental conditions and/or atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on validity or integrity of samples.
  • Store and transport all samples back to base in accordance with specified method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes.
       
Element: Conduct field tests and/or monitoring as directed
  • Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated field test.
  • Check that all equipment, instruments, reagents and calibration standards are fit for purpose.
  • Set up and calibrate instruments as necessary to ensure safe operation and valid results.
  • Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements.
  • Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment.
  • Perform required measurements and tests on all samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods.
  • Keep accurate, complete and traceable records of all field observations and test results.
       
Element: Clean, decontaminate and/or dispose of contaminated equipment and materials
  • Inspect equipment to assess the degree of contamination.
  • Use specified procedures to remove material from the exposed outer surfaces of sampling/test equipment and PPE.
  • Use specified procedures and reagents to neutralise, wash and/or rinse exposed surfaces.
  • Collect rinsate blanks for analysis and preserve/store in accordance with specified procedure or standard.
  • Stow items for transport only when thoroughly dry.
  • Safely collect all debris and sullage from decontamination in accordance with relevant regulations and codes.
       
Element: Finalise site activities
  • Arrange for the safe disposal of all hazardous wastes in accordance with relevant regulations and codes.
  • Ensure all site observations, sampling/test data and results are accurately transferred to the workplace information management system.
  • Store samples in accordance with method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes, as necessary.
  • Ensure samples are dispatched for analytical testing within recommended holding times.
       
Element: Process and interpret data
  • Review test/monitoring data noting atypical observations.
  • Calculate required quantities using relevant test method and ensure values are consistent with expectations.
  • Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, if required.
  • Record processed results in accordance with workplace procedures.
  • Interpret trends in data and/or results and report atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel.
  • Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results.
  • Compare results with established threshold levels or environmental quality concentration limits, if relevant.
  • Finalise reporting of results in accordance with workplace requirement.
       
Element: Maintain a safe work environment
  • Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures.
  • Check serviceability of all equipment before storage.
  • Use defined safe work practices and PPE to ensure personal safety and that of others.
  • Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts.
       


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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Assist with preliminary site study

1.1

Locate and review relevant legislative, regulatory and/or planning requirements and register for contaminated sites.

1.2

Confirm the site location, scope and purpose of the investigation and assigned tasks with supervisor.

1.3

Source and review available site data, including site history, geology, hydrogeology and meteorology data.

1.4

Summarise information to assist with preparation of a site chronology and identification of gaps or inadequacies in data, potential contaminants and areas of possible contamination.

2

Prepare for site activities

2.1

Confirm the scope and purpose of sampling, testing and/or monitoring activities and data requirements with supervisor.

2.2

Liaise with site controller to access site, identify locations of services and arrange for induction, clearances and/or permits, as necessary.

2.3

Review risks posed by site contaminants and review the health and safety plan/safe work procedures specified for planned activities.

2.4

Confirm the sampling/test methods, sampling/test points, numbers and types of samples and/or measurements with supervisor.

2.5

Review specified sampling/test methods with close attention to the sequence of steps and details for each.

2.6

Check the operation/calibration of required sampling equipment, test and/or monitoring instruments in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions.

2.7

Ensure all required reagents, solutions and/or calibration standards are obtained and ready for field use.

2.8

Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers, safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).

2.9

Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site, as required.

3

Assist with site inspection

3.1

Sketch, map and/or photograph the site features.

3.2

Conduct a visual inspection to identify site features that may inform the need for and design of subsequent investigations.

3.3

Collect preliminary samples, as directed, to help characterise possible contamination hazards prior to detailed investigations.

4

Conduct sampling as directed

4.1

Locate sampling/test points and any services at the site.

4.2

Work effectively with other site personnel during drilling excavation and/or survey operations to collect reliable samples, logs and measurements, as necessary.

4.3

Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment.

4.4

Collect and preserve required samples in accordance with sampling plan, relevant methods and/or standards.

4.5

Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements.

4.6

Record environmental conditions and/or atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on validity or integrity of samples.

4.7

Store and transport all samples back to base in accordance with specified method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes.

5

Conduct field tests and/or monitoring as directed

5.1

Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated field test.

5.2

Check that all equipment, instruments, reagents and calibration standards are fit for purpose.

5.3

Set up and calibrate instruments as necessary to ensure safe operation and valid results.

5.4

Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements.

5.5

Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment.

5.6

Perform required measurements and tests on all samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods.

5.7

Keep accurate, complete and traceable records of all field observations and test results.

6

Clean, decontaminate and/or dispose of contaminated equipment and materials

6.1

Inspect equipment to assess the degree of contamination.

6.2

Use specified procedures to remove material from the exposed outer surfaces of sampling/test equipment and PPE.

6.3

Use specified procedures and reagents to neutralise, wash and/or rinse exposed surfaces.

6.4

Collect rinsate blanks for analysis and preserve/store in accordance with specified procedure or standard.

6.5

Stow items for transport only when thoroughly dry.

6.6

Safely collect all debris and sullage from decontamination in accordance with relevant regulations and codes.

7

Finalise site activities

7.1

Arrange for the safe disposal of all hazardous wastes in accordance with relevant regulations and codes.

7.2

Ensure all site observations, sampling/test data and results are accurately transferred to the workplace information management system.

7.3

Store samples in accordance with method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes, as necessary.

7.4

Ensure samples are dispatched for analytical testing within recommended holding times.

8

Process and interpret data

8.1

Review test/monitoring data noting atypical observations.

8.2

Calculate required quantities using relevant test method and ensure values are consistent with expectations.

8.3

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, if required.

8.4

Record processed results in accordance with workplace procedures.

8.5

Interpret trends in data and/or results and report atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel.

8.6

Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results.

8.7

Compare results with established threshold levels or environmental quality concentration limits, if relevant.

8.8

Finalise reporting of results in accordance with workplace requirement.

9

Maintain a safe work environment

9.1

Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures.

9.2

Check serviceability of all equipment before storage.

9.3

Use defined safe work practices and PPE to ensure personal safety and that of others.

9.4

Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts.

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

conducting at least one (1) visual site inspection to identify a site’s key features and potential contamination hazards and to inform the design of subsequent investigation(s)

safely collecting, preserving and labelling a set of samples from at least one (1) contaminated site in accordance with a given sampling plan

safely preparing (sub)samples and conducting at least two (2) different tests/analyses in the field using given test methods

interpreting and applying regulatory and planning requirements for contaminated sites, site sampling/monitoring plans, sampling/test methods, standards and workplace procedures

recognising hazards and assessing risks; interpreting and applying health and safety plans and safe work methods, including use of designated safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)

planning for field activities, including researching and summarising site history and chronology, analysing existing data and/or reports, identifying potential contaminants and possible areas of contamination

preparing for field activities, including arranging site access, induction, permits, conducting reconnaissance, reviewing safety requirements and securing the resources required

selecting, checking, packaging and transporting supplies, equipment and instruments to and from the field

collecting reliable samples in accordance with site sampling plan/methods and paying close attention to any pre-treatment, container, preservation, storage, labelling and traceability requirements

demonstrating correct and safe use of test equipment and/or analysers including set-up, pre-use checks, calibration and performance checks to obtain reliable data

recognising atypical results as out-of-normal range or an artefact; identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults

accurately recording site features, environmental conditions and any observations that may impact on reliability of field data

calculating required quantities using appropriate units, precision, uncertainties and/or calibration graphs

interpreting gross features/trends in data, identifying atypical results and/or comparing results with established threshold levels or environmental quality concentration limits

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

writing/compiling concise and accurate reports in accordance with workplace procedures

maintaining, cleaning and decontaminating equipment and PPE in accordance with workplace procedures

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

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

scientific terminology covering the sampling/testing of air, water and soil at contaminated sites and relevant to job role

overview of specific legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice related to contaminated sites, and threshold levels or environmental quality concentration limits for contaminants

common site hazard and risks, risk assessment techniques and use of risk cards

properties and health risks associated with groups of contaminants, such as:

asbestos

heavy metals, such as lead, chromium and arsenic

chemical manufacture and industry wastes, such as acids/alkalis, resins, dyes, paints, solvents, fuels, oils, fertilisers, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols, chlorinated phenols, chlorinated benzenes and organochlorines

overview of sampling plan design for contaminated sites, including preliminary sampling, non-targeted/grid sampling, targeted/judgemental sampling, and different sampling strategies for gas, water and soil

sampling/test methods/standards relevant to site activities undertaken

function of key instrument components and operating principles of common sampling/test equipment relevant to site activities undertaken

common procedure/equipment problems leading to atypical data/results

processes for labelling, ensuring chain of custody/traceability of samples and management of large volumes of data

data processing, recording and reporting procedures

hazards, health, safety and environment requirements relevant to site activities undertaken; use of safe work methods, safety equipment and PPE.

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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Assist with preliminary site study

1.1

Locate and review relevant legislative, regulatory and/or planning requirements and register for contaminated sites.

1.2

Confirm the site location, scope and purpose of the investigation and assigned tasks with supervisor.

1.3

Source and review available site data, including site history, geology, hydrogeology and meteorology data.

1.4

Summarise information to assist with preparation of a site chronology and identification of gaps or inadequacies in data, potential contaminants and areas of possible contamination.

2

Prepare for site activities

2.1

Confirm the scope and purpose of sampling, testing and/or monitoring activities and data requirements with supervisor.

2.2

Liaise with site controller to access site, identify locations of services and arrange for induction, clearances and/or permits, as necessary.

2.3

Review risks posed by site contaminants and review the health and safety plan/safe work procedures specified for planned activities.

2.4

Confirm the sampling/test methods, sampling/test points, numbers and types of samples and/or measurements with supervisor.

2.5

Review specified sampling/test methods with close attention to the sequence of steps and details for each.

2.6

Check the operation/calibration of required sampling equipment, test and/or monitoring instruments in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions.

2.7

Ensure all required reagents, solutions and/or calibration standards are obtained and ready for field use.

2.8

Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers, safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).

2.9

Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site, as required.

3

Assist with site inspection

3.1

Sketch, map and/or photograph the site features.

3.2

Conduct a visual inspection to identify site features that may inform the need for and design of subsequent investigations.

3.3

Collect preliminary samples, as directed, to help characterise possible contamination hazards prior to detailed investigations.

4

Conduct sampling as directed

4.1

Locate sampling/test points and any services at the site.

4.2

Work effectively with other site personnel during drilling excavation and/or survey operations to collect reliable samples, logs and measurements, as necessary.

4.3

Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment.

4.4

Collect and preserve required samples in accordance with sampling plan, relevant methods and/or standards.

4.5

Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements.

4.6

Record environmental conditions and/or atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on validity or integrity of samples.

4.7

Store and transport all samples back to base in accordance with specified method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes.

5

Conduct field tests and/or monitoring as directed

5.1

Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated field test.

5.2

Check that all equipment, instruments, reagents and calibration standards are fit for purpose.

5.3

Set up and calibrate instruments as necessary to ensure safe operation and valid results.

5.4

Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements.

5.5

Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment.

5.6

Perform required measurements and tests on all samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods.

5.7

Keep accurate, complete and traceable records of all field observations and test results.

6

Clean, decontaminate and/or dispose of contaminated equipment and materials

6.1

Inspect equipment to assess the degree of contamination.

6.2

Use specified procedures to remove material from the exposed outer surfaces of sampling/test equipment and PPE.

6.3

Use specified procedures and reagents to neutralise, wash and/or rinse exposed surfaces.

6.4

Collect rinsate blanks for analysis and preserve/store in accordance with specified procedure or standard.

6.5

Stow items for transport only when thoroughly dry.

6.6

Safely collect all debris and sullage from decontamination in accordance with relevant regulations and codes.

7

Finalise site activities

7.1

Arrange for the safe disposal of all hazardous wastes in accordance with relevant regulations and codes.

7.2

Ensure all site observations, sampling/test data and results are accurately transferred to the workplace information management system.

7.3

Store samples in accordance with method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes, as necessary.

7.4

Ensure samples are dispatched for analytical testing within recommended holding times.

8

Process and interpret data

8.1

Review test/monitoring data noting atypical observations.

8.2

Calculate required quantities using relevant test method and ensure values are consistent with expectations.

8.3

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, if required.

8.4

Record processed results in accordance with workplace procedures.

8.5

Interpret trends in data and/or results and report atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel.

8.6

Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results.

8.7

Compare results with established threshold levels or environmental quality concentration limits, if relevant.

8.8

Finalise reporting of results in accordance with workplace requirement.

9

Maintain a safe work environment

9.1

Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures.

9.2

Check serviceability of all equipment before storage.

9.3

Use defined safe work practices and PPE to ensure personal safety and that of others.

9.4

Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts.

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.

Legislation, regulations, standards, codes, workplace procedures and requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

federal legislation, such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act

state/territory government legislation and local government by-laws, policies, regulations and plans dealing with land use, acquisition, planning and protection; environmental protection and impact assessment; and pollution and contaminated sites

legislation, standards and codes of practice for work health and safety (WHS)

registration/licensing and/or accreditation requirements

Australian and international standards covering environmental management (e.g. AS ISO 14050 Environmental management – Vocabulary and AS/NZS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental Management Basic Set); investigation and sampling of sites with potentially contaminated soil (e.g. AS 4482.1-2005 Guide to the investigation and sampling of sites with potentially contaminated soil - Non-volatile and semi-volatile compounds, and AS 4482.2-1999 Guide to the sampling and investigation of potentially contaminated soil - Volatile substances)

industry guidelines such as: National Environment Protection Measure Assessment of Site Contamination - Schedule B (2) Guideline on data collection, sample design and reporting

site plans, maps and specifications; methods and procedures for sampling and in-field testing to meet workplace, client and/or regulatory/certifying body requirements; client sampling schemes and sampling plans

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); work schedules; recording and reporting procedures; equipment manuals and warranties; supplier catalogue and handbooks; safety data sheets (SDS) and safety procedures; waste minimisation, containment, processing and safe disposal procedures.

Site information includes one or more of:

location of site, property details, and current and proposed use

site history details, such as:

site plans, zoning and adjacent land use

current and previous present owners, occupiers, users and contaminating uses/activities

current and previous buildings and structures

site industrial processes, raw materials, products, wastes/discharges and waste disposal locations

product spills/losses, incidents and accidents

sewer and other utilities/services, plans and previous power sources

chemical storage and transfer areas

earth moving activities

interviews, consultations and complaints.

Sources of information include one or more of:

government departments, such as Environment, Environmental Protection, Conservation, Primary Industry, Water Resources, Lands and Survey, and Planning

agencies, such as the Bureau of Meteorology and Geoscience Australia

libraries and environmental data sets

companies and employees, community representatives and historical societies.

Visual inspection of the site includes one or more of:

current uses of site

disturbed, coloured or stained soil, and bare soil patches

disturbed or distressed vegetation

unusual odour

quality of surface water and surface water drainage

condition of buildings, floors and roads

presence of chemical containers and holding tanks

presence of fill, containment areas, sumps, drains, landfill, and obvious surface hazards, such as asbestos

underground structures that may be associated with sub-surface contamination

condition of materials storage/handling facilities, and solid/liquid waste disposal areas

evidence of off-site migration, on-site spillage of dangerous goods, and staining/sheens on surface water.

Scope and purpose of sampling, field tests and/or monitoring include one or more of:

determining nature of contamination

determining concentration and distribution of contamination

identifying types and concentrations of contaminants for assessing potential exposure levels/risks

monitoring site conditions to check licence compliance or determine need for remedial action

rapid analysis of samples that may change between collection and analysis

rapid sample analysis during remediation activities

determining if clean-up has been achieved

screening of samples in the field.

Samples include one or more of:

air, soil gases and dust

soils

surface water and groundwater

radiation

replicates, field and trip (transport) blanks, rinsate blanks and background samples.

Field tests and monitoring include one or more of:

soil profile measurements and depth of fill

measurement of bores and water depth

screening of gas/vapours, soil and water samples using:

colour and texture

bioluminescence/toxicity test kits

colorimetric methods and dye shake tests

pH, electrical conductivity, redox potential, temperature, dissolved oxygen and ammonia concentration

photo ionisation detectors (PID)

flame ionisation detectors (FID)

gas detectors

portable infrared analysers for methane and carbon monoxide (CO)

portable X-ray fluorescence spectrum analyses

field gas chromatography

measurement of radiation.

Safety procedures include one or more of:

preparation/approval of site health and safety plan for sampling/testing, and safe work permits/approvals

use of safe work method statements, site safety induction, risk cards, ‘step back’ and safety checks, SDS, emergency procedures, and reporting procedures for safety problems

use of (disposable) PPE such as boots, helmets, gloves, eye and ear protection, overalls, face masks and filters, respirators, encapsulated suits, safety harness and safety torches

use of hazardous gas monitors/detectors, personal monitors, environmental monitors and radiation dosimeters, and communication equipment

ensuring two persons are present

working upwind of known contaminants

prohibition of eating, drinking and smoking

decontamination facilities, procedures and materials for plant, equipment and personnel

safe collection and disposal of hazardous waste

clear access for emergency vehicles

regular medical checks.

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

compliance with relevant federal/state/territory WHS legislation at all times

assuming that samples are potentially hazardous and applying standard precautions

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and state/territory Departments of Health, where relevant.

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
Locate and review relevant legislative, regulatory and/or planning requirements and register for contaminated sites. 
Confirm the site location, scope and purpose of the investigation and assigned tasks with supervisor. 
Source and review available site data, including site history, geology, hydrogeology and meteorology data. 
Summarise information to assist with preparation of a site chronology and identification of gaps or inadequacies in data, potential contaminants and areas of possible contamination. 
Confirm the scope and purpose of sampling, testing and/or monitoring activities and data requirements with supervisor. 
Liaise with site controller to access site, identify locations of services and arrange for induction, clearances and/or permits, as necessary. 
Review risks posed by site contaminants and review the health and safety plan/safe work procedures specified for planned activities. 
Confirm the sampling/test methods, sampling/test points, numbers and types of samples and/or measurements with supervisor. 
Review specified sampling/test methods with close attention to the sequence of steps and details for each. 
Check the operation/calibration of required sampling equipment, test and/or monitoring instruments in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions. 
Ensure all required reagents, solutions and/or calibration standards are obtained and ready for field use. 
Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers, safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE). 
Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site, as required. 
Sketch, map and/or photograph the site features. 
Conduct a visual inspection to identify site features that may inform the need for and design of subsequent investigations. 
Collect preliminary samples, as directed, to help characterise possible contamination hazards prior to detailed investigations. 
Locate sampling/test points and any services at the site. 
Work effectively with other site personnel during drilling excavation and/or survey operations to collect reliable samples, logs and measurements, as necessary. 
Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment. 
Collect and preserve required samples in accordance with sampling plan, relevant methods and/or standards. 
Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements. 
Record environmental conditions and/or atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on validity or integrity of samples. 
Store and transport all samples back to base in accordance with specified method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes. 
Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated field test. 
Check that all equipment, instruments, reagents and calibration standards are fit for purpose. 
Set up and calibrate instruments as necessary to ensure safe operation and valid results. 
Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements. 
Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment. 
Perform required measurements and tests on all samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods. 
Keep accurate, complete and traceable records of all field observations and test results. 
Inspect equipment to assess the degree of contamination. 
Use specified procedures to remove material from the exposed outer surfaces of sampling/test equipment and PPE. 
Use specified procedures and reagents to neutralise, wash and/or rinse exposed surfaces. 
Collect rinsate blanks for analysis and preserve/store in accordance with specified procedure or standard. 
Stow items for transport only when thoroughly dry. 
Safely collect all debris and sullage from decontamination in accordance with relevant regulations and codes. 
Arrange for the safe disposal of all hazardous wastes in accordance with relevant regulations and codes. 
Ensure all site observations, sampling/test data and results are accurately transferred to the workplace information management system. 
Store samples in accordance with method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes, as necessary. 
Ensure samples are dispatched for analytical testing within recommended holding times. 
Review test/monitoring data noting atypical observations. 
Calculate required quantities using relevant test method and ensure values are consistent with expectations. 
Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, if required. 
Record processed results in accordance with workplace procedures. 
Interpret trends in data and/or results and report atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel. 
Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results. 
Compare results with established threshold levels or environmental quality concentration limits, if relevant. 
Finalise reporting of results in accordance with workplace requirement. 
Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures. 
Check serviceability of all equipment before storage. 
Use defined safe work practices and PPE to ensure personal safety and that of others. 
Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSS025014 - Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites
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Assessment Record Sheet

MSS025014 - Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites

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