ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for sampling

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the collection of routine site samples

1.2. Confirm the purpose, priority and scope of the sample request or plan

1.3. Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and all necessary clearances/permits

1.4. Identify site hazards and review enterprise safety procedures

1.5. Use and document procedures to ensure representative sampling

1.6. Confirm quantity, location, frequency or time of sampling and types of samples to be collected

1.7. Assemble required sampling tools and equipment

2. Conduct sample collection

2.1. Collect samples as specified in sample request or plan

2.2. Preserve sample integrity throughout collection

2.3. Place samples in suitable containers and label accurately

2.4. Store and transport samples

2.5. Identify and record characteristics of sampling environment, in particular any non-standard aspects

2.6. Maintain sampling equipment in a clean and safe working condition

3. Prepare samples

3.1. Verify sample, check documentation and required equipment for preparation

3.2. Perform sample preparation according to plan using recommended procedures

3.3. Contain loss of material and protect sample against contamination

3.4. Recover and clean samples using techniques and equipment specified for the particular sample

3.5. Store or dispose of residues and samples following OHS and environmental guidelines

4. Prepare samples for dispatch

4.1. Label, store and transport core samples to maintain integrity of sample

4.2. Use appropriate reference materials, standards and controls

4.3. Contain loss of material and protect sample against contamination

4.4. Document any change to preparation methods

4.5. Forward samples for analysis to external laboratories

4.6. Store, test and dispose of samples

5. Maintain a safe work environment

5.1. Use established work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others

5.2. Minimise environmental impacts of sampling and generation of waste

5.3. Dispose of all waste in accordance with enterprise procedures

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the performance criteria in this unit, particularly for the application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be applied. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to collect routine site samples:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

apply established work practices

wear personal protective equipment

apply plan, report, map, specification interpretation skills

apply record maintenance and operations monitoring procedures

apply worksite communication procedures

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly its application in a variety of circumstances in which the unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to collect routine site samples:

key terminology and concepts, such as: sample, contamination, traceability, integrity, chain of custody

purpose for which the samples have been collected

the function of key sampling equipment/materials and principles of operation

hazards, risks and enterprise safety procedures associated with routine sampling is undertaken

enterprise procedures dealing with:

sampling

waste management, clean up and spillage

handling, transport and storage of dangerous goods

health, safety and environment requirements

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for the collection of routine site samples

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient collection of routine site samples

working with others to undertake and complete the collection of routine site samples that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of the collection of routine site samples that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.

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

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

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete the collection of routine site samples

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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.

Compliance documentation may include:

legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

code of practice

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Samples may include:

soils

rocks

minerals

fossils

hydrocarbons

drill core

stream sediment

mine samples

gas or air samples

water, wastewater, stormwater, sewage, sludges

construction materials

solid wastes

raw materials

final products

hazardous materials and/or dangerous goods

atmospheric or airborne contaminants

Site hazards may include:

solar radiation, dust and noise

wildlife, such as snakes, spiders, domestic animals

biohazards, such as micro-organisms and agents associated with soil, air, water

chemicals, such as acids and hydrocarbons

sharps, broken glassware

manual/handling of heavy sample bags and containers

crushing, entanglement, cuts associated with moving machinery and hand tools

falling objects, uneven surfaces, heights, slopes, wet surfaces, trenches, confined spaces

vehicle handling in rough terrain, boat handling in rough or flowing water

Safety procedures may include:

use of materials safety data sheets (MSDS)

use of personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, heavy protection, gloves, safety glasses, goggles, faceguards, coveralls, gown, body suits, respirators, safety boots

correct labelling of hazardous materials

handling and storing hazardous material and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer's instructions, enterprise procedures and regulations

regular cleaning and/or decontamination of equipment

machinery guards

signage, barriers, service isolation tags, traffic control, flashing lights

lockout and tagout procedures

Representative sampling may include:

size

frequency

location

Types of samples may include:

grab samples

disturbed or undisturbed materials

composite samples, such as time, flow proportioned, horizontal/vertical cross section

quality control samples, such as controls, background, duplicate, blanks

Sampling tools and equipment may include:

hand tools

carrying devices

portable power tools

front-end loader, backhoe, excavator, drill rig

shovels, augers, bucket

sampling frames, sampling tubes, dip tubes, spears, flexible bladders, syringes

access valves

sample thief

weighted sample bottles, bottles, plastic/metal containers and disposable buckets

sterile containers, pipettes, inoculating loops, disposable spoons

pumps, stainless steel bailers

mechanical gravity separator

high specific gravity liquids

hand magnet

isodynamic magnetic separator

electrostatic separator

crusher

ultrasonic cleaner

panning and hand jigging

hydraulic rock splitter

diamond saw

sledge hammer

crushers

screens

Sample preparation may include:

marking up

splitting

sub-sampling

sealing

size reduction

specific gravity

magnetic suspension

core-cutting

crushing/grinding

sieving

riffling

blending

homogenisation

coning

quartering

preparing sub-sample including: stain/polish

petrological and electron microscope/electron microprobes

Maintenance of integrity of samples could include:

appropriate containers and lids (for example, glass, plastic, amber, opaque)

sealing of sample containers

purging of sample lines and bores

decontamination of sampling tools between collection of consecutive samples

use of appropriate preservatives (for example, sodium azide, toluene or antibiotics)

wrapping container in foil or wet newspaper

temperature control, which may involve prevention of direct contact between the sample and coolant

transfer of sterile sample into sterile container

monitoring of storage conditions

enterprise/legal traceability through appropriate sample labelling and records

Minimising environmental impacts may involve:

replacement of soils and vegetation

driving to minimise soil erosion and damage to fauna and vegetation

disposal of surplus, spent or purged materials

recycling of non-hazardous wastes

appropriate disposal of hazardous waste

cleaning of vehicles to prevent transfer of pests and contaminants