This unit describes a participant’s skills and knowledge required to collect routine site samples in the Resources and Infrastructure Industries.

This unit is appropriate for those working in production operator, field assistant and laboratory assistant roles.

No licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Evidence is required to be collected that demonstrates a candidate’s competency in this unit. Evidence must be relevant to the roles within this sector’s work operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria of this unit and include evidence that the candidate:

locates and applies relevant documentation, policies and procedures

implements the requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of collecting routines site samples including:

solving problems associated with collecting routine site samples

applying techniques to recover and clean samples

works effectively with others to undertake and complete collecting routine site samples that meet all of the required outcomes including:

liaising with others to establish permits and coordinate access to sampling area

using a range of communications techniques and equipment to clearly and concisely convey information to others

maintaining written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

demonstrates completion of collecting routine site samples that safely, effectively and efficiently meets all of the required outcomes on more than one (1) occasion including:

interpreting the sample plan to identify the type of sample requested and the location, quantity and frequency of sampling

selecting, inspecting and using appropriate sampling tools and equipment

collecting, storing and transporting samples and ensuring:

minimising environmental impacts

maintaining the integrity of samples

protecting against contamination

disposing of waste

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of collecting routine site samples through:

using types of communication systems and equipment

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

identifying the purpose for which the samples are being collected

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

identifying hazards and risks associated with routine sampling

An assessor of this unit must satisfy the requirements of the NVR/AQTF or their successors; and Industry regulations for certification and licensing: and,

this unit is best assessed in the context of this sector’s 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 this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills; and,

this unit must be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures, processes and operational manuals directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,

assessment may be conducted in conjunction with the assessment of other Units of Competency; and,

assessment must confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances; and,

assessors must demonstrate the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence as outlined in this Unit of Competency, and through the minimum years of current* work experience specified below in an Industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or,

where the assessor does not meet experience requirements a co-assessment or partnership arrangement must exist between the qualified assessor and an Industry subject matter expert. The Industry subject matter expert should hold the unit being assessed (or an equivalent unit) and/or demonstrate equivalence of skills and knowledge at the unit level. An Industry technical expert must also demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience specified below in the Industry sector, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed; and,

assessor and Industry subject matter expert requirements differ depending on the Australian Qualifications Framework Level (AQF) of the qualification being assessed and/or Industry Sector as follows:

*Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within Industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the Unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to Industry by conducting frequent site assessments across various locations.

**Where a unit is being delivered outside of a Qualification the first numeric character in the Unit code should be considered to indicate the AQF level

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit. Further information is available in the Resources and Infrastructure Industry Training Package Companion Volume.