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Evidence Guide: MSS025009 - Perform sampling and testing of air

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

MSS025009 - Perform sampling and testing of air

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Confirm air sampling and testing requirements with supervisor

  1. Review available site information, such as site plan, sampling/testing locations and history of sampling/testing.
  2. Confirm the scope and purpose of air sampling/testing and data requirements.
  3. Confirm sampling methods, locations, numbers and types of samples, and duration/frequency of sampling from workplace or client’s sampling plan.
  4. Check that all air sampling/testing procedures are in accordance with client or workplace requirements, relevant standards and guidelines.
Review available site information, such as site plan, sampling/testing locations and history of sampling/testing.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confirm the scope and purpose of air sampling/testing and data requirements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confirm sampling methods, locations, numbers and types of samples, and duration/frequency of sampling from workplace or client’s sampling plan.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check that all air sampling/testing procedures are in accordance with client or workplace requirements, relevant standards and guidelines.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare for air sampling and testing

  1. Identify site and sampling/testing hazards and review workplace safety procedures.
  2. Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and obtain all clearances and/or permits, as necessary.
  3. Review field sampling procedures and sample preparation methods required for specific laboratory tests.
  4. Select sampling equipment and conditions to achieve representative samples and preserve sample integrity during collection, storage and transit.
  5. Ensure all reagents, solutions, standards and blanks (as appropriate) are obtained and/or ready for field use.
  6. Select field test equipment/instruments and check operation and calibration, as required, in accordance with procedures and manufacturer instructions.
  7. Assemble, check, stow all sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment.
  8. Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site, as required.
Identify site and sampling/testing hazards and review workplace safety procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and obtain all clearances and/or permits, as necessary.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review field sampling procedures and sample preparation methods required for specific laboratory tests.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select sampling equipment and conditions to achieve representative samples and preserve sample integrity during collection, storage and transit.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure all reagents, solutions, standards and blanks (as appropriate) are obtained and/or ready for field use.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select field test equipment/instruments and check operation and calibration, as required, in accordance with procedures and manufacturer instructions.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assemble, check, stow all sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site, as required.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct sampling of air

  1. Locate sampling sites and, if required, services at the site.
  2. Conduct representative sampling in accordance with sampling plan and defined procedures for field and/or laboratory testing.
  3. Ensure all controls, blanks and replicate samples are properly integrated into the sampling process.
  4. Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements.
  5. Record environmental conditions and any atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on sample representativeness or integrity.
  6. Transport all samples back to base according to workplace procedures and relevant guidelines.
Locate sampling sites and, if required, services at the site.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct representative sampling in accordance with sampling plan and defined procedures for field and/or laboratory testing.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure all controls, blanks and replicate samples are properly integrated into the sampling process.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record environmental conditions and any atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on sample representativeness or integrity.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transport all samples back to base according to workplace procedures and relevant guidelines.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct field and laboratory testing of air

  1. Take sufficient measurements of all samples and standards, if appropriate, to obtain reliable data.
  2. Obtain sample or subsample for designated field test or locate established locations for in-situ testing.
  3. Set up, check/calibrate and operate equipment, instruments, reagents, gases and in accordance with test methods/procedures and manufacturer instructions.
  4. Perform tests, procedures and any observations in accordance with specified methods/procedures.
  5. Record all field/laboratory observations and results and ensure that they are accurately transferred to workplace information management system.
Take sufficient measurements of all samples and standards, if appropriate, to obtain reliable data.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obtain sample or subsample for designated field test or locate established locations for in-situ testing.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set up, check/calibrate and operate equipment, instruments, reagents, gases and in accordance with test methods/procedures and manufacturer instructions.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform tests, procedures and any observations in accordance with specified methods/procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record all field/laboratory observations and results and ensure that they are accurately transferred to workplace information management system.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process and interpret air data

  1. Review test data noting atypical observations.
  2. Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations.
  3. Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, if required.
  4. Record processed results in accordance with workplace procedures.
  5. Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel.
  6. Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results.
  7. Compare results with established air quality standards, statutory environmental quality concentration limits or similar, if relevant.
  8. Finalise reporting of results in accordance with workplace requirements.
Review test data noting atypical observations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, if required.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record processed results in accordance with workplace procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compare results with established air quality standards, statutory environmental quality concentration limits or similar, if relevant.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finalise reporting of results in accordance with workplace requirements.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain a safe work environment

  1. Rehabilitate sampling site to render it safe and to minimise environmental impact.
  2. Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures.
  3. Check serviceability of all equipment before storage.
  4. Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others.
  5. Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts.
  6. Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal.
Rehabilitate sampling site to render it safe and to minimise environmental impact.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check serviceability of all equipment before storage.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Confirm air sampling and testing requirements with supervisor

1.1

Review available site information, such as site plan, sampling/testing locations and history of sampling/testing.

1.2

Confirm the scope and purpose of air sampling/testing and data requirements.

1.3

Confirm sampling methods, locations, numbers and types of samples, and duration/frequency of sampling from workplace or client’s sampling plan.

1.4

Check that all air sampling/testing procedures are in accordance with client or workplace requirements, relevant standards and guidelines.

2

Prepare for air sampling and testing

2.1

Identify site and sampling/testing hazards and review workplace safety procedures.

2.2

Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and obtain all clearances and/or permits, as necessary.

2.3

Review field sampling procedures and sample preparation methods required for specific laboratory tests.

2.4

Select sampling equipment and conditions to achieve representative samples and preserve sample integrity during collection, storage and transit.

2.5

Ensure all reagents, solutions, standards and blanks (as appropriate) are obtained and/or ready for field use.

2.6

Select field test equipment/instruments and check operation and calibration, as required, in accordance with procedures and manufacturer instructions.

2.7

Assemble, check, stow all sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment.

2.8

Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site, as required.

3

Conduct sampling of air

3.1

Locate sampling sites and, if required, services at the site.

3.2

Conduct representative sampling in accordance with sampling plan and defined procedures for field and/or laboratory testing.

3.3

Ensure all controls, blanks and replicate samples are properly integrated into the sampling process.

3.4

Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements.

3.5

Record environmental conditions and any atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on sample representativeness or integrity.

3.6

Transport all samples back to base according to workplace procedures and relevant guidelines.

4

Conduct field and laboratory testing of air

4.1

Take sufficient measurements of all samples and standards, if appropriate, to obtain reliable data.

4.2

Obtain sample or subsample for designated field test or locate established locations for in-situ testing.

4.3

Set up, check/calibrate and operate equipment, instruments, reagents, gases and in accordance with test methods/procedures and manufacturer instructions.

4.4

Perform tests, procedures and any observations in accordance with specified methods/procedures.

4.5

Record all field/laboratory observations and results and ensure that they are accurately transferred to workplace information management system.

5

Process and interpret air data

5.1

Review test data noting atypical observations.

5.2

Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations.

5.3

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, if required.

5.4

Record processed results in accordance with workplace procedures.

5.5

Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel.

5.6

Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results.

5.7

Compare results with established air quality standards, statutory environmental quality concentration limits or similar, if relevant.

5.8

Finalise reporting of results in accordance with workplace requirements.

6

Maintain a safe work environment

6.1

Rehabilitate sampling site to render it safe and to minimise environmental impact.

6.2

Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures.

6.3

Check serviceability of all equipment before storage.

6.4

Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others.

6.5

Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts.

6.6

Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Confirm air sampling and testing requirements with supervisor

1.1

Review available site information, such as site plan, sampling/testing locations and history of sampling/testing.

1.2

Confirm the scope and purpose of air sampling/testing and data requirements.

1.3

Confirm sampling methods, locations, numbers and types of samples, and duration/frequency of sampling from workplace or client’s sampling plan.

1.4

Check that all air sampling/testing procedures are in accordance with client or workplace requirements, relevant standards and guidelines.

2

Prepare for air sampling and testing

2.1

Identify site and sampling/testing hazards and review workplace safety procedures.

2.2

Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and obtain all clearances and/or permits, as necessary.

2.3

Review field sampling procedures and sample preparation methods required for specific laboratory tests.

2.4

Select sampling equipment and conditions to achieve representative samples and preserve sample integrity during collection, storage and transit.

2.5

Ensure all reagents, solutions, standards and blanks (as appropriate) are obtained and/or ready for field use.

2.6

Select field test equipment/instruments and check operation and calibration, as required, in accordance with procedures and manufacturer instructions.

2.7

Assemble, check, stow all sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment.

2.8

Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site, as required.

3

Conduct sampling of air

3.1

Locate sampling sites and, if required, services at the site.

3.2

Conduct representative sampling in accordance with sampling plan and defined procedures for field and/or laboratory testing.

3.3

Ensure all controls, blanks and replicate samples are properly integrated into the sampling process.

3.4

Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements.

3.5

Record environmental conditions and any atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on sample representativeness or integrity.

3.6

Transport all samples back to base according to workplace procedures and relevant guidelines.

4

Conduct field and laboratory testing of air

4.1

Take sufficient measurements of all samples and standards, if appropriate, to obtain reliable data.

4.2

Obtain sample or subsample for designated field test or locate established locations for in-situ testing.

4.3

Set up, check/calibrate and operate equipment, instruments, reagents, gases and in accordance with test methods/procedures and manufacturer instructions.

4.4

Perform tests, procedures and any observations in accordance with specified methods/procedures.

4.5

Record all field/laboratory observations and results and ensure that they are accurately transferred to workplace information management system.

5

Process and interpret air data

5.1

Review test data noting atypical observations.

5.2

Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations.

5.3

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, if required.

5.4

Record processed results in accordance with workplace procedures.

5.5

Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel.

5.6

Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results.

5.7

Compare results with established air quality standards, statutory environmental quality concentration limits or similar, if relevant.

5.8

Finalise reporting of results in accordance with workplace requirements.

6

Maintain a safe work environment

6.1

Rehabilitate sampling site to render it safe and to minimise environmental impact.

6.2

Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures.

6.3

Check serviceability of all equipment before storage.

6.4

Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others.

6.5

Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts.

6.6

Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal.

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

collecting, preserving and labelling a set of representative air samples for at least one (1) site in accordance with a given sampling plan

preparing air (sub)samples and conducting at least two (2) field tests using given test methods

preparing air (sub)samples and conducting at least two (2) laboratory tests using given test methods

planning field and laboratory activities

selecting and checking all required field equipment, test instruments and materials

using sampling equipment to obtain reliable, representative air samples in accordance with sampling plan and paying close attention to any pre-treatment, containers, preservation, storage, labelling and traceability requirements

identifying atypical samples and taking appropriate action

setting-up, calibrating and operating field/laboratory test instruments to obtain valid and reliable data in accordance with test methods

interpreting gross features of data, identifying atypical results as out-of-normal range or an artefact and making relevant conclusions

identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults

calculating results using appropriate units/precision and/or preparing calibration graphs

using established criteria to make valid conclusions about air quality, if relevant

providing accurate, complete records of sampling and testing, site observations and data

presenting and reporting results in accordance with workplace procedures

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

safely transporting, cleaning, maintaining and storing field equipment in accordance with workplace procedures

working safely and following requirements for the disposal of waste and the preservation of the environment.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

scientific terminology used in job role covering atmospheric science, air measurement and air pollution

structure, circulation and composition of the atmosphere

atmospheric stability, lapse rates and inversions

localised meteorology and dispersion of air pollutants

air pollutants, such as:

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

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

organic gases (e.g. hydrocarbons, oxygen, halogens, sulphur and nitrogen containing organics)

photochemical smog, greenhouse gases and ozone depletion

principles of air quality sampling and analysis, methods and standards

function of key components and operating principles of common air quality instruments

specific legislation, regulations, standards, statutory limits, policies and codes of practice related to air pollution and air quality monitoring

field sampling and monitoring procedures including labelling, preservation, storage and traceability

relevant hazards, health, safety and environment requirements, including field safety principles.

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Legislation, regulations, standards, codes, workplace procedures and requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

federal legislation, such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, and National Environmental Protection Measures

state/territory government legislation and local government by-laws, policies, regulations and plans dealing with land use, acquisition, planning and protection; environmental protection, pollution and contaminated sites

legislation, standards and codes of practice for work health and safety (WHS)

Australian and international standards covering: environmental management (e.g. AS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental Management Basic Set series and AS ISO 14050-1999 Environmental management - Vocabulary); sampling and analysis of indoor and ambient air, air quality and air monitoring (e.g. AS 2365 Methods for the sampling and analysis of indoor air series; AS/NZS 3580 Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air series; AS 2986 series Workplace air quality; and AS 2922 Ambient air series)

registration/licensing and/or accreditation requirements

industry guidelines and manuals, such as National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) (Ambient Air Quality), air quality standards, and statutory environmental quality concentration limits

site plans, maps and specifications; methods and procedures for air sampling and testing to meet workplace, client and/or regulatory/certifying body requirements

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); work schedules; recording and reporting procedures; equipment manuals and warranties; supplier catalogue and handbooks; field notebooks or log books; emergency and safety procedures; safety data sheets (SDS); waste minimisation, containment, processing and safe disposal procedures

Ambient air parameters include one or more of:

inorganic gases, such as:

CO and CO2, NOx and SOx,

acidic gases

hydrogen sulfide

ozone

fluorides

organic gases, such as:

methane and non-methane hydrocarbons

poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

organic oxidants and other photochemical smog compounds, such as poly-aromatic nitrates (PANs)

air toxics, such as:

benzene, toluene and xylenes

formaldehyde

Benzo(a)pyrene (PAH marker)

particulates, such as:

deposited matter

suspended matter (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1)

particulate fluorides

lead.

Indoor air parameters include one or more of:

inorganic gases, such as:

CO and CO2 and NOx

radon

organic gases, such as:

formaldehyde

poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

organic oxidants and other photochemical smog compounds, e.g. poly-aromatic nitrates (PANs)

particulates such as:

PM10, PM2.5, and PM1

microorganisms and spores.

Occupational (workplace) air parameters include one or more:

chemicals listed in the ‘Adopted National Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment’. Concentration levels for action are:

peak

short term exposure limit (STEL)

time weighted average (TWA).

Sampling equipment includes one or more of:

gas sample bags

gas sample bottles/containers

gas pipettes

gas syringes

air sampling pumps

sampling manifolds

passive diffusion samplers

impingers (with absorption solutions)

solid adsorbents

colour detection tubes

coated and uncoated filters

sampling trains in continuous gas monitors

pitot tubes

high volume samplers

dichotomous samplers

gas flow meters.

Testing equipment includes one or more of:

continuous gas monitors:

ultraviolet (UV) absorption (e.g. ozone)

chemiluminescence (e.g. NOx)

pulsed fluorescence (e.g. (SOx)

non-dispersive infrared (e.g. CO)

flame ionisation detection (FID) (e.g. methane)

photo ionisation detection (PID)

integrating nephelometer methodologies (e.g. suspended particulates)

oxygen sensors (e.g. zirconia)

gas chromatographs

mass spectrometers

atomic absorption spectrophotometers

infrared spectrophotometers

UV-visible spectrophotometers

tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM)

beta gauges

particle counters

portable (handheld) gas monitors.

Field test equipment includes one or more of:

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

electric generators and power leads

calibration gases

data loggers

first aid equipment.

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

compliance with relevant federal/state/territory WHS legislation at all times

assuming that samples are potentially hazardous and applying standard precautions

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and state/territory Departments of Health, where relevant.