This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for field and operational staff with specific responsibility for collecting blue green algae samples for identification, enumeration and toxicity testing.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1Prepare for blue green algae sampling.

1.1 Confirm required samples, procedures for sampling and sampling locations according to legislative and organisational requirements.

1.2 Select sampling equipment according to specified samples required and sample preservation methods.

1.3 Select and check equipment and tools required to meet organisational requirements.

1.4 Plan sampling work activities to comply with sampling plan and organisational requirements.

2Conduct blue green algae sampling.

2.1 Collect samples, ensuring that sample types, sampling locations and sampling times comply with sampling plan.

2.2 Maintain integrity of samples during sampling and label sample containers according to organisational requirements.

2.3 Follow approved safety procedures to limit hazards and contamination to self, work area and environment.

3Record and report data.

3.1 Record required information according to organisational requirements.

3.2 Report observations or measurements outside organisational guidelines or specifications for further action.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills:

prepare, collect, label and preserve blue green algae samples

produce reports and logs

plan work activities

work effectively as part of a team

identify and obtain resources

follow plans and instructions

apply procedures and standards

communicate work requirements

use literacy skills in regard to verbal and written communication in the workplace

use personal protective equipment.

Required knowledge:

types and purposes of blue green algae samples

procedures and techniques for blue green algae sampling

sample preparation, including:

prevention of contamination

volume of sample

appropriate containers

preservation

location selection

location maintenance

equipment

transportation

documentation procedures for samples

legislative and organisational policies, procedures and standards

communication systems

work planning processes

hazards associated with collection of blue green algae samples.

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

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

The candidate should demonstrate the ability to perform blue green algae sampling, including:

planning and preparing for sampling tasks

collecting samples according to sampling plan

maintaining integrity of samples

recording required information.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Access to the workplace and resources including:

documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation

relevant codes, standards and government regulations.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

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

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice

a decision of competence should only be made when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence

where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time

assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.

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. Add any 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.

Samples may include grab, integrated or concentrated samples for:

identification

enumeration

toxicity testing.

Legislative and organisational requirements may include:

Australian standards, for example AS/NZS 5667 Water quality - sampling

state Environment Protection Authority sampling guidelines

relevant federal and state or territory legislation and regulations

codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material

documented organisational policies, manuals and induction programs

relevant community planning and development agreements, such as land care agreements.

Sampling equipment may include:

buckets or wide-mouthed containers

depth samplers

sample dippers

hose pipe samplers

plankton nets

laboratory supplied sample containers

weighted sample bottles.

Sample preservationmethods may include:

refrigeration

chemical addition, such as Lugol's iodine solution.

Planning sampling work activities may include:

interpreting instructions and directions

planning timelines

interacting and communicating with team members and individuals

considering customer service requirements.

Sampling locations may include:

water storages

rivers

wastewater lagoons.

Records may include:

sample records, field detail sheets or chain of custody forms, including information such as:

time sample was taken

details of person collecting sample

sample point

volume of sample

data gathered at time of collection

preservation techniques.

Treatment

This unit of competency contains employability skills.