This unit of competency is applicable to technical, field and environmental officers working in the construction materials, mining and environmental services industry sectors.

Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These are found at the end of this unit of competency under the section 'This competency in practice'.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Confirm requirements for field monitoring activities with supervising staff

1.1. Clarify the purpose, objectives and the defined site for the field monitoring activities

1.2. Review all emergency plans, risk assessments, and safety and environmental requirements associated with the field activities

1.3. Review and discuss the detailed work program with supervising staff

1.4. Clarify the need for permits and any access restrictions or local concerns at field site

1.5. Clarify details of all samples to be collected and field parameters to be measured

1.6. Confirm final data formats will suit stakeholders who receive or use the data

1.7. Review existing in-house protocols and/or associated in-house requirements that relate to field sampling, monitoring and data quality procedures

2. Prepare for field monitoring activities

2.1. Develop checklists, based on work program, to facilitate correct preparation of field activities

2.2. Identify and implement all actions required under enterprise emergency plan, risk assessment, and environment, safety and data quality procedures

2.3. Complete all administrative requirements and obtain appropriate approvals/permits

2.4. Prepare and check all instruments, equipment, materials and supplies required to implement field program

2.5. Confirm, correct and safe use of equipment and details of field activities with supervisor

2.6. Arrange and check correct operation, packaging and transportation of all supplies and equipment

2.7. Arrange all additional pre- and post-monitoring activities

3. Perform field activities

3.1. Establish and maintain field camp in accordance with enterprise procedures, as necessary

3.2. Perform field sampling, monitoring, data collection and recording as per the agreed work program

3.3. Label all samples and complete data sheets and field log book in accordance with enterprise procedures

3.4. Store samples/specimens in accordance with any special requirements for continued wellbeing, viability or integrity

3.5. Perform all tests and operate all equipment according to enterprise instructions

3.6. Store and maintain equipment and, where appropriate, calibrate instruments during field activities

3.7. Perform all activities safely with minimal impact on the environment

4. Close down field monitoring activities

4.1. Arrange and check final packaging and transportation of all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base

4.2. Ensure that monitoring/camp site is left in accordance with enterprise and environmental requirements

4.3. Ensure all samples and data are stored safely

4.4. Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent analysis

4.5. Test and, if required, decontaminate equipment before storage

4.6. Report results/noting any anomalies with users, data analysers and/or supervisor

Required skills

Required skills include:

field sampling and monitoring procedures, including labelling and traceability

demonstrating correct and safe use, under laboratory and field conditions, of field instruments and/or equipment (including field calibration)

identifying and rectifyingbasic instrument faults

collecting and preserving plants and animals to enable subsequent identification

operating communication systems

operating transportation systems

applying data quality procedures under field conditions

locating and managing of monitoring sites

communicating effectively and efficiently

reviewingand documenting emergency, safety or environmental field plans

developing checklists covering instruments, equipment and associated supplies

maintaining, storing and transporting samples/specimens to ensure their wellbeing, viability and integrity

working safely for the protection of self and others

negotiating with staff and stakeholders and reaching satisfactory agreements, where possible

responding effectively to changed or unforeseen circumstances

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

purpose and the objectives of a field activity, including:

information and analysis required

end users of information

significance of outcomes for broader programs

risk assessment principles

technical capabilities and limitations of common equipment and instruments

specific legislation and codes of practice related to sample and animal collection

a range of chemical and physical field monitoring procedures

enterprise procedures for the recording of field data

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

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

demonstrate understanding of the purpose and objectives of a field activity, including:

information and analysis required

end users of information

significance of outcomes for broader programs

communicate effectively and efficiently with staff and other relevant parties

review a written work program and define the major field activities

review emergency, safety or environmental field plans and document the key aspects which relate to a defined field activity

develop accurate and complete checklists covering instruments, equipment and associated supplies necessary for a defined field activity

apply sampling, testing and data quality procedures accurately under field conditions

prepare, check and calibrate field instruments

demonstrate correct and safe use, under laboratory and field conditions, of field instruments and/or equipment (including field calibration)

define and correctly prepare sample containers for different field samples

take samples, under field conditions, according to defined procedures

maintain, store and transport samples/specimens to ensure their wellbeing, viability and integrity

pack and transport supplies, equipment and instruments to and/or from a field site

accurately perform field tests according to written instructions

record data and information, conduct quality checks and field analysis

work safely for the protection of self and others

negotiate with staff and stakeholders and reach satisfactory agreements, where possible

respond effectively to changed or unforseen circumstances.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment.

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL945001A Maintain laboratory/field workplace safety

MSL954001A Obtain representative samples in accordance with sampling plan.

Resources may include:

vehicles, survey equipment, sampling/monitoring equipment, consumables and manuals

work program, enterprise procedures, codes of practice and field protocols.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

review of field data and results obtained by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and peers

demonstration of understanding of existing work program requirements by:

developing a checklist of the resources required to carry out a defined work program

developing a list of all pre-and post-monitoring requirements

observation of fieldwork performed by candidate with a focus on:

sample collection, preservation, storage and transportation

field sampling and monitoring procedures

accurate data recording

safety, emergency and environmental aspects of monitoring activity

communication techniques

general site reconnaissance

response to simulation exercises with a focus on:

accident and emergency situations

basic environmental impact assessment of a field site

loss of communication system and implementation of alternative procedures

demonstration of calibration, use and general maintenance of field instruments and equipment

oral and/or written questions to assess underpinning knowledge.

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.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

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.

This competency in practice

Industry representatives have provided the case studies below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting.

Environmental (1)

A technical officer in an environmental protection authority is required to undertake an emergency monitoring program in a small catchment following a public complaint that a small industrial site has illegally discharged a concentrated sodium chloride/acid mixture into a nearby creek system. The monitoring program requires three samples to be taken above and three samples below the industrial site over a distance of two kilometres. Additional tests covering electrical conductivity, pH, temperature and turbidity are to be done in situ at the same time as when the samples are taken. All samples and monitoring procedures are to be clearly documented and undertaken according to statutory and enterprise requirements, as the results may potentially be required to be presented and cross-examined in court. All of the above planning, implementation and reporting must be completed within 24 hours.

Environmental (2)

A technical officer is involved in a four day lake survey 100 km from the laboratory. The survey is designed to collect many water samples and undertake netting activity to determine the variety and food requirements of fish in the lake. The technical officer is responsible for collecting the water samples, in accordance with the predetermined sampling plan and enterprise sampling procedures, and disposing of the fish samples after they have undergone field-based gut analysis. Given the large number of water samples and the duration of the field trip, the technical officer arranges for the hire of several 3-way camping refrigerators (gas/12V/240V) to store and transport the water samples at 4°C and for appropriate supervised burial of the fish samples at a local council landfill. In addition, he/she prepares, checks and packs all the supplies and equipment.

Environmental (3)

In preparation for a major field trip to collect soil samples in a remote location, a technical officer spent several weeks ensuring that all arrangements were in place. The officer confirmed access to the site and located suitable maps, aerial photos and reconnaissance data. The logistics of food, water, hygiene, fuel, transport, communications and safety were planned with senior staff to suit the fieldwork location, duration and personnel involved. The vehicles were serviced in preparation for remote off-road work and a full complement of spares was assembled. All supplies and field equipment were purchased or assembled, checked against an inventory and securely stowed in the vehicles.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

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

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

Australian and international standards such as:

AS 1678 Emergency procedure guide - Transport

AS 1940-2004 Storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids

AS 3780-2008 The storage and handling of corrosive substances

AS 4332-2004 The storage and handling of gases in cylinders

AS ISO 17025-2005 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories

AS/NZS 2243 Set:2006 Safety in laboratories set

AS/NZS 2865 Set:2005 Safe working in a confined space set

AS/NZS 4452:1997 The storage and handling of toxic substances

AS/NZS 4501 Set:2008 Occupational clothing set

AS/NZS ISO 14000 Set:2005 Environmental management standards set

HB 9-1994 Occupational personal protection

animal welfare legislation and codes of practice

Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP)

Australian Dangerous Goods Code

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) Export Control (Orders) Regulations 1982

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) Import Guidelines

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) Codes of Practice

data quality procedures

enterprise sampling and monitoring protocols

equipment manuals and warranties, supplier catalogue and handbooks

gene technology regulations

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

Guide to physical containment levels and facility types

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

national environment protection measures

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Guidelines

national measurement regulations and guidelines

occupational health and safety national standards and codes of practice

principles of good laboratory practice (GLP)

site specific requirements

specific environmental standards

Therapeutic Goods Regulations 1009

Communications

Communications may include:

face-to-face

telephone

written documents

meetings

Purpose of field monitoring activities

Purpose of field monitoring activities may include:

single or multiple site sampling and monitoring

routine monitoring of physical/chemical parameters

biological/ecological surveys

requirement to comply with legislation, regulations or standards

requirement to comply with industry sampling or monitoring protocols or codes of practice

Related plans and procedures

Related plans and procedures may include:

risk assessments

safety and accident/injury plans

emergency plans and procedures, access to nearest medical services

environmental impact assessment procedures

pollution prevention procedures

first aid and survival procedures

Hazards

Hazards may include:

solar radiation, dust and noise

personnel getting lost

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

exposure to severe weather conditions

manual handling of heavy objects

power tools, generators, moving machinery

vehicle and boat handling in rough/remote conditions

Safety procedures and control measures

Safety procedures and control measures may include:

use of personal protective equipment, such as sunscreen, hats, safety glasses, gloves, coveralls and safety boots

'stay with vehicle' and other survival techniques

regular communication schedule

global positioning system (GPS), maps and aerial photos

handling, storage and disposal of all hazardous materials/waste in accordance with MSDS, labels, enterprise procedures, codes and regulations

Enterprise procedures for field activities

Enterprise procedures for field activities may include:

field note books or log books

standard operating procedures (SOPs) 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

field camp procedures for cleaning, cooking, safety, security, hygiene, work management and set up/take down

requirements related to protection of the environment

incident/accident/injury report forms

Administrative requirements and appropriate approvals

Administrative requirements and appropriate approvals may include:

travel requisitions

authority for use of vehicles and equipment

insurance

permits

Equipment

Equipment may include:

navigation and communication equipment (e.g. compass, maps, GPS, two-way radio and mobile phone)

survey equipment

sampling equipment and containers, and animal cages

parameter specific meter or multi-probes (e.g. dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, pH, turbidity, nitrates, phosphates and temperature)

field test kits to determine such parameters as dissolved gases, chemical anions and cations, heavy metals, E. coli and biological oxygen demand

portable colourimeters, field microscopes

filters, sieves

soil monitoring kits

data loggers

tools, spares and vehicle recovery equipment

first aid equipment

Pre- and post-field activities

Pre- and post-field activities may include:

review of emergency and safety plans, risk assessment and environmental assessment requirements

confirming information regarding location and contact numbers of nearest emergency services

arranging site access (e.g. maps, permission, keys and condition of tracks)

arranging and checking all transportation systems (e.g. vehicles, boats and aircraft)

checking that communication systems are available and operational

confirming correct and safe use of instruments, equipment and field procedures with supervisor

confirming location and details of sampling sites (e.g. maps, photographs and descriptions)

preparing sample containers (e.g. container type and preparation, preservation techniques and labelling)

arranging correct transport, storage and laboratory testing of samples collected during field activities

arranging additional laboratory testing

Field monitoring activities and skills

Field monitoring activities and skills may include:

sample collection, preservation, labelling, storage, and transportation according to written procedures

correct use and calibration of field instruments according to written instructions

correct and accurate performance of field tests for specific parameters

clear and accurate recording of data

safe operation of motor vehicles and boats

Management of field camp activities

Management of field camp activities may include:

purchase of supplies

booking of accommodation

assembly, checking and transport of equipment/consumables, such as tents, cooking, bedding, communication system, food, water

mechanical checks of all transport vehicles

rostering and supervision of staff

location, establishment, and maintenance of site, including hygiene and waste

removal of waste and site remediation

Site and field issues and problems

Site and field issues and problems may include:

loss or failure of equipment

failure to bring critical equipment

communication failure/difficulties

unexpected restriction access to site

unforseen environmental impacts

contact with hazardous wastes

Occupational health and safety (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 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

Unit sector

Testing

This unit contains employability skills.