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

MSS025016A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform sampling and testing of stationary emissions

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSS025016A - Perform sampling and testing of stationary emissions
Description This unit of competency covers the ability to collect and test gaseous and particulate components in air pollution emissions from stationary sources. Personnel work in pairs with a senior stack tester or air pollution engineer and use specified sampling points and sampling/test methods. They continually monitor hazards and risks in the work area, apply specified safe working procedures and use prescribed safety equipment. Note that this unit does not cover laboratory analysis of samples (e.g. gravimetric, moisture content and gas analysis) which is addressed in units such as MSL974003A Perform chemical tests and procedures and MSL975020A Apply routine spectrometric techniques. Sampling and testing of source odours is addressed in the unit MSS025010A Assist with odour source assessment.
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. sampling and monitoring of air, odour, and air quality consultancy)environmental compliance, auditing and inspectionmanagement of pollution in chemical, food and by-product, mineral process manufacturing and energy production.
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 stack sampling/testing requirements with supervisor
  • Confirm the site location, scope and purpose of stack sampling/testing, relevant standards and data requirements
  • Review available information about the site, its industrial processes, details of sampling/testing locations and any previous sampling/testing results for emissions
  • Select possible sampling/analyser train configurations to suit type and likely concentration of particulate matter, plant/stack conditions and/or gases of interest
  • Check that selected sampling/test methods are in accordance with statutory, client or enterprise requirements, relevant standards and guidelines
       
Element: Assist with site liaison
  • Liaise with site controller to access site
  • Arrange for induction training, clearances and/or permits, as necessary
  • Clarify site health and safety hazards/risks, safe work procedures/methods and availability of safe work platform
  • Negotiate access to stack during suitable process operating conditions for sampling/testing and to minimise impact on normal operations
  • Negotiate access to site equipment, services, materials and support personnel, as necessary
  • Confirm schedule for stack sampling/testing activities
       
Element: Prepare for stack sampling/testing
  • Review site hazards, risks, specified safe work methods
  • Review approved health and safety plan covering site sampling/testing activities
  • Review sampling/testing procedures and methods and equipment configurations with close attention to the sequence of steps and details for each
  • Select sampling equipment and test instruments and check their operation/calibration in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions
  • Ensure all conditioning reagents, solutions and calibration gases, as appropriate, are obtained and ready for field use
  • Prepare and store filters appropriate for the likely physical and chemical nature of the gases and particulates and in accordance with sampling/test method
  • Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers and safety equipment
  • Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site as required
       
Element: Assist with site inspection and preliminary tests
  • Locate the site controller and re-confirm access and suitability of stack conditions
  • Inspect work platform and check for safe access to existing sampling access holes and electrical services
  • Transport all required equipment and materials to work platform, check they are fit for purpose and rectify, as necessary
  • Record the dimensions of the stack and conduct preliminary determinations of temperature, velocity, pressure and moisture content values using relevant methods
  • Assess suitability/compliance of sampling plane
  • Assess whether the operating environment will impact on safety or reliability of sampling/testing and make modifications or alternative arrangements as directed
  • Confirm numbers of samples, sampling positions and times, sampling/test methods and equipment configurations for sampling and in-situ measurements
       
Element: Conduct sampling and in-situ tests
  • Set up sampling/analyser train with appropriate sensors, probes, nozzle, conditioning components and detectors in accordance with method
  • Allow sufficient time for the system to stabilise
  • Calibrate analyser in accordance with test method
  • Operate equipment with close attention to each method step and to maintaining the isokinetic or required sampling/test conditions for each sampling point
  • Conduct regular leak checks, purging and system performance tests in accordance with method to ensure reliable results
  • Carefully collect, label and store each sample to minimise loss or contamination and ensure traceability
  • Accurately record measurements, environmental conditions and any atypical observations that may impact on validity/integrity of samples or test results
       
Element: Finalise stack sampling/testing
  • Safely disassemble, clean/decontaminate and restow all equipment and materials for transport to base
  • Transport all samples back to base as soon as practicable and in accordance with enterprise procedures, test methods or relevant standards
  • Ensure all field observations, calibration data, measurements, calculations and results are accurately transferred to enterprise information database
  • Distribute samples for laboratory analysis within specified holding times, if required
       
Element: Process and interpret data
  • Review test 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 enterprise procedures, if required
  • Record processed results in accordance with enterprise 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 air quality standards, statutory environmental quality concentration limits or similar, if relevant
  • Finalise reporting of results in accordance with enterprise requirement
       
Element: Maintain a safe work environment
  • Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to enterprise procedures
  • Check serviceability of all equipment before storage
  • Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others
  • Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts
  • Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal
       


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 for air quality

using accurate terminology to describe air quality parameters and stack sampling/testing

interpreting and applying stack sampling/monitoring plans, sampling/test methods and standards

operating, maintaining and/or calibrating stack sampling and testing equipment to obtain representative stack samples and produce consistently valid and accurate results

interpreting gross features of data, identifying atypical results and making relevant conclusions

calculating results using appropriate units/precision

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 candidate’s workplace.

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL974003A Perform chemical tests and procedures

MSS025009A Perform sampling and testing of air.

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

Resources may include:

Vehicles, stack sampling/test equipment, analysers, reagents, gases, safety equipment, camera, consumables, logbooks and data loggers, and computers

safety procedures, sampling/test methods, standards and equipment manuals.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

inspection of stack samples collected by the candidate

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

review of sampling/testing records and reports completed by the candidate

feedback from supervisor about the candidate’s ability to consistently apply enterprise procedures and work safely

oral and written questioning to check the candidate’s understanding of the principles of stack sampling/testing, operation of stack sampling equipment, test instruments/analysers and processing of data

observation of the candidate performing a range of stack 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 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:

planning and preparing for field activities

communicating effectively with site personnel, and negotiating access and support

observational and descriptive skills

recognising hazards, assessing risks and using appropriate safe work methods/equipment

collecting representative samples of stationary source emissions in accordance with a sampling plan/procedures, standards or instructions

using appropriate techniques to preserve the integrity of samples and transport them safely

demonstrating correct and safe use of stack sampling equipment and analysers, including set-up, pre-use checks, calibration and performance checks

using stack testing equipment/analysers to obtain reliable, quantitative results

identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults

identifying atypical data and samples and taking appropriate action

solving technical problems and responding effectively to changed/unforeseen circumstances

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

maintaining, cleaning, decontaminating sampling equipment

completing accurate records of sampling, test data and results

writing/compiling concise and accurate reports

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

working safely

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

specific legislation, policies, standards and codes of practice related to air quality/pollution and monitoring of stationary source emissions

terminology for atmospheric science, sampling and testing of stationary source emissions

properties of air pollutants, such as:

particulates (e.g. inorganics and organics, and metals)

inorganic gases (e.g. CO, CO2, NOx, SOx, ammonia, acid rain and halogens)

volatile organics

localised meteorology and dispersion of air pollutants

ideal gas behaviour, principles of fluid flow through ducts, and effects of bends and orifices

principles of stationary source emissions sampling (particles, common gases and compounds) and associated sampling equipment

stack dimensions, source parameters and the selection of sampling planes, number and location of sampling points

isokinetic conditions, and effect of fluctuations in source parameters on results

principles of emission monitoring (particles and common gases) and associated analysers

function of key components, operating principles of common stack sampling/analyser trains

common procedure/equipment problems leading to atypical data/results

common process problems leading to atypical test results (e.g. high oxygen readings may indicate a hole in the stack)

labelling and traceability of samples and management of large volumes of data

hazards and risks associated with stationary source emissions

safe work methods and equipment, requirements for safe work platforms and services (e.g. AS 1657:1992 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders - Design, construction and installation), personal protective equipment, relevant health, safety and environment requirements and procedures

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

pollution and contaminated sites

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS ISO 14050:1999 Environmental management - Vocabulary

AS/NZS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental management basic set

AS 4323.1:1995 Stationary source emissions - Selection of sampling positions

AS 4323.2:1995 Stationary source emissions - Determination of total particulate matter - Isokinetic manual sampling - Gravimetric method

ISO 10780:1994 Stationary source emissions - Measurement of velocity and volume flowrate of gas stream in ducts

US Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) methods, such as:

Method 4 Determination of moisture content in stack gases

Method 7E Determination of nitrogen oxides emissions from stationary sources (instrumental analyser procedure)

enterprise sampling and monitoring protocols

equipment manuals and warranties, supplier catalogue and handbooks

government policy (e.g. environmental protection and impact assessment)

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

national environment protection measures

occupational health and safety (OHS) national standards and codes of practice

site-specific requirements

Information about the site, industrial activities and emissions

Information about the site, industrial processes and emissions may include:

location of site and nearby buildings, topography and meteorological records

complaints, previous stack testing at site or odour assessments in nearby locations

industrial process inputs/outputs, process flowchart, unit operations, batch, cyclic or continuous operation, predictable variations in process conditions, production rates, and period of operation

air emission control systems, such as scrubbers, bag filters, stacks and bio filters

parameters of emission sources, such as location, geometry, release parameters and weather interaction

previous emissions data, such as:

velocity and temperature of pollutant concentration

moisture content

expected gas composition and likely interfering compounds

high vacuum, high pressure and high temperature gas streams

corrosive or very reactive components

Air pollutants

Air pollutants may include:

inorganic gases:

CO and CO2, NOx, andSOx

acid gases

H2S, HCl

ozone

chlorine, fluorine and fluorides

volatile organic liquids and compounds

particulates:

deposited matter

suspended matter (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1)

particulate fluorides

heavy metals

Stack tests

Stack tests may include, but are not limited to:

measurement of temperature, pressure, velocity and volume flowrate of gas streams

gas analysis for determination of molecular weight

determination of moisture content

determination of particulate matter

determination of concentration of specific gases in emissions (e.g. O2, CO2, SO2, NO and NO2)

Hazards

Hazards may include:

working on elevated platforms

exposure to toxic, corrosive or hot gases

electrical hazards

trip hazards from cables

noise or heat from plant equipment

objects falling from the work platform or into the duct/stack

flammability hazards

Safety procedures

Safety procedures may include:

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

use of personal protective equipment

ensuring two persons are present

monitoring of atmosphere for hazardous gases

working upwind of known contaminants

prohibition of eating, drinking and smoking

separation of heavy equipment into smaller units/cases for transport

testing and earthing of electrical services, generators, trip out devices and connectors

shielding of hot surfaces and exhausts

careful handling of glass containers

reporting procedures for safety problems

regular medical checks

Safety equipment

Safety equipment may include:

safety harness, personal protective equipment, such as boots, gloves, safety glasses and overalls

gas monitors

communication equipment (e.g. two-way radio and mobile phone)

MSDS

first aid equipment

Stack sampling and testing equipment

Stack sampling and testing equipment may include:

sampling train with in-stack or out-stack collector and components, such as:

sampling nozzles

probe tubes (e.g. glass and stainless steel)

filters, impingers and desiccators for transport of dry filters

flexible bags (e.g. Tedlar, Mylar and Teflon)

particulate matter collectors, accessories (e.g. cyclones and filter bags)

pre-prepared sample containers (e.g. Dioxin and furans), transport containers, eskies and ice

instruments to measure static and differential pressure (e.g. manometer and barometer)

sampling flow rate control devices

pumps

sampling flow meters

water removal device (e.g. condenser and silica gel)

temperature sensors in stack, duct and gas meters

gas velocity instruments (e.g. pitot tube)

heating/cooling elements to prevent condensation of probe tube or collectors

gas analysers (e.g. NOx, CO, CO2, O2 and N2) with components, such as:

sample gas manifolds

analyte specific, dual range and low concentration analysers

data recorder, data logger and/or computer for real-time analysis

reagents and standards (e.g. calibration gases, converter efficiency gases, interference checks and demineralised water)

sample lines, hoses, ropes, bags and winches

electrical extension cords

calibrated rod for measuring stack dimensions

balance, timers and digital camera

tools and spare access hole plugs

cherry picker

Sampling/measurement system performance tests

Sampling/measurement system performance checks may include:

detecting and rectifying leaks (or reducing them to acceptable levels)

analyser 2 or 3 point calibration tests

NO2 to NO conversion efficiency checks

system bias checks

system response time check

interference checks

post-run system bias and zero/span drift checks

quality control (QC) runs

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 samples and consumables, 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 site location, scope and purpose of stack sampling/testing, relevant standards and data requirements 
Review available information about the site, its industrial processes, details of sampling/testing locations and any previous sampling/testing results for emissions 
Select possible sampling/analyser train configurations to suit type and likely concentration of particulate matter, plant/stack conditions and/or gases of interest 
Check that selected sampling/test methods are in accordance with statutory, client or enterprise requirements, relevant standards and guidelines 
Liaise with site controller to access site 
Arrange for induction training, clearances and/or permits, as necessary 
Clarify site health and safety hazards/risks, safe work procedures/methods and availability of safe work platform 
Negotiate access to stack during suitable process operating conditions for sampling/testing and to minimise impact on normal operations 
Negotiate access to site equipment, services, materials and support personnel, as necessary 
Confirm schedule for stack sampling/testing activities 
Review site hazards, risks, specified safe work methods 
Review approved health and safety plan covering site sampling/testing activities 
Review sampling/testing procedures and methods and equipment configurations with close attention to the sequence of steps and details for each 
Select sampling equipment and test instruments and check their operation/calibration in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions 
Ensure all conditioning reagents, solutions and calibration gases, as appropriate, are obtained and ready for field use 
Prepare and store filters appropriate for the likely physical and chemical nature of the gases and particulates and in accordance with sampling/test method 
Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers and safety equipment 
Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site as required 
Locate the site controller and re-confirm access and suitability of stack conditions 
Inspect work platform and check for safe access to existing sampling access holes and electrical services 
Transport all required equipment and materials to work platform, check they are fit for purpose and rectify, as necessary 
Record the dimensions of the stack and conduct preliminary determinations of temperature, velocity, pressure and moisture content values using relevant methods 
Assess suitability/compliance of sampling plane 
Assess whether the operating environment will impact on safety or reliability of sampling/testing and make modifications or alternative arrangements as directed 
Confirm numbers of samples, sampling positions and times, sampling/test methods and equipment configurations for sampling and in-situ measurements 
Set up sampling/analyser train with appropriate sensors, probes, nozzle, conditioning components and detectors in accordance with method 
Allow sufficient time for the system to stabilise 
Calibrate analyser in accordance with test method 
Operate equipment with close attention to each method step and to maintaining the isokinetic or required sampling/test conditions for each sampling point 
Conduct regular leak checks, purging and system performance tests in accordance with method to ensure reliable results 
Carefully collect, label and store each sample to minimise loss or contamination and ensure traceability 
Accurately record measurements, environmental conditions and any atypical observations that may impact on validity/integrity of samples or test results 
Safely disassemble, clean/decontaminate and restow all equipment and materials for transport to base 
Transport all samples back to base as soon as practicable and in accordance with enterprise procedures, test methods or relevant standards 
Ensure all field observations, calibration data, measurements, calculations and results are accurately transferred to enterprise information database 
Distribute samples for laboratory analysis within specified holding times, if required 
Review test 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 enterprise procedures, if required 
Record processed results in accordance with enterprise 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 air quality standards, statutory environmental quality concentration limits or similar, if relevant 
Finalise reporting of results in accordance with enterprise requirement 
Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to enterprise procedures 
Check serviceability of all equipment before storage 
Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others 
Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts 
Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSS025016A - Perform sampling and testing of stationary emissions
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

MSS025016A - Perform sampling and testing of stationary emissions

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: