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Evidence Guide: MSS025016A - Perform sampling and testing of stationary emissions

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

 

MSS025016A - Perform sampling and testing of stationary emissions

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

Confirm stack sampling/testing requirements with supervisor

  1. Confirm the site location, scope and purpose of stack sampling/testing, relevant standards and data requirements
  2. Review available information about the site, its industrial processes, details of sampling/testing locations and any previous sampling/testing results for emissions
  3. Select possible sampling/analyser train configurations to suit type and likely concentration of particulate matter, plant/stack conditions and/or gases of interest
  4. Check that selected sampling/test methods are in accordance with statutory, client or enterprise requirements, relevant standards and guidelines
Confirm the site location, scope and purpose of stack sampling/testing, relevant standards and data requirements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review available information about the site, its industrial processes, details of sampling/testing locations and any previous sampling/testing results for emissions

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select possible sampling/analyser train configurations to suit type and likely concentration of particulate matter, plant/stack conditions and/or gases of interest

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check that selected sampling/test methods are in accordance with statutory, client or enterprise requirements, relevant standards and guidelines

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assist with site liaison

  1. Liaise with site controller to access site
  2. Arrange for induction training, clearances and/or permits, as necessary
  3. Clarify site health and safety hazards/risks, safe work procedures/methods and availability of safe work platform
  4. Negotiate access to stack during suitable process operating conditions for sampling/testing and to minimise impact on normal operations
  5. Negotiate access to site equipment, services, materials and support personnel, as necessary
  6. Confirm schedule for stack sampling/testing activities
Liaise with site controller to access site

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arrange for induction training, clearances and/or permits, as necessary

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clarify site health and safety hazards/risks, safe work procedures/methods and availability of safe work platform

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Negotiate access to stack during suitable process operating conditions for sampling/testing and to minimise impact on normal operations

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Negotiate access to site equipment, services, materials and support personnel, as necessary

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confirm schedule for stack sampling/testing activities

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare for stack sampling/testing

  1. Review site hazards, risks, specified safe work methods
  2. Review approved health and safety plan covering site sampling/testing activities
  3. Review sampling/testing procedures and methods and equipment configurations with close attention to the sequence of steps and details for each
  4. Select sampling equipment and test instruments and check their operation/calibration in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions
  5. Ensure all conditioning reagents, solutions and calibration gases, as appropriate, are obtained and ready for field use
  6. Prepare and store filters appropriate for the likely physical and chemical nature of the gases and particulates and in accordance with sampling/test method
  7. Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers and safety equipment
  8. Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site as required
Review site hazards, risks, specified safe work methods

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review approved health and safety plan covering site sampling/testing activities

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review sampling/testing procedures and methods and equipment configurations with close attention to the sequence of steps and details for each

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select sampling equipment and test instruments and check their operation/calibration in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure all conditioning reagents, solutions and calibration gases, as appropriate, are obtained and ready for field use

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare and store filters appropriate for the likely physical and chemical nature of the gases and particulates and in accordance with sampling/test method

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers and safety equipment

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site as required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assist with site inspection and preliminary tests

  1. Locate the site controller and re-confirm access and suitability of stack conditions
  2. Inspect work platform and check for safe access to existing sampling access holes and electrical services
  3. Transport all required equipment and materials to work platform, check they are fit for purpose and rectify, as necessary
  4. Record the dimensions of the stack and conduct preliminary determinations of temperature, velocity, pressure and moisture content values using relevant methods
  5. Assess suitability/compliance of sampling plane
  6. Assess whether the operating environment will impact on safety or reliability of sampling/testing and make modifications or alternative arrangements as directed
  7. Confirm numbers of samples, sampling positions and times, sampling/test methods and equipment configurations for sampling and in-situ measurements
Locate the site controller and re-confirm access and suitability of stack conditions

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspect work platform and check for safe access to existing sampling access holes and electrical services

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transport all required equipment and materials to work platform, check they are fit for purpose and rectify, as necessary

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record the dimensions of the stack and conduct preliminary determinations of temperature, velocity, pressure and moisture content values using relevant methods

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assess suitability/compliance of sampling plane

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assess whether the operating environment will impact on safety or reliability of sampling/testing and make modifications or alternative arrangements as directed

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confirm numbers of samples, sampling positions and times, sampling/test methods and equipment configurations for sampling and in-situ measurements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct sampling and in-situ tests

  1. Set up sampling/analyser train with appropriate sensors, probes, nozzle, conditioning components and detectors in accordance with method
  2. Allow sufficient time for the system to stabilise
  3. Calibrate analyser in accordance with test method
  4. Operate equipment with close attention to each method step and to maintaining the isokinetic or required sampling/test conditions for each sampling point
  5. Conduct regular leak checks, purging and system performance tests in accordance with method to ensure reliable results
  6. Carefully collect, label and store each sample to minimise loss or contamination and ensure traceability
  7. Accurately record measurements, environmental conditions and any atypical observations that may impact on validity/integrity of samples or test results
Set up sampling/analyser train with appropriate sensors, probes, nozzle, conditioning components and detectors in accordance with method

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allow sufficient time for the system to stabilise

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calibrate analyser in accordance with test method

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operate equipment with close attention to each method step and to maintaining the isokinetic or required sampling/test conditions for each sampling point

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct regular leak checks, purging and system performance tests in accordance with method to ensure reliable results

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carefully collect, label and store each sample to minimise loss or contamination and ensure traceability

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accurately record measurements, environmental conditions and any atypical observations that may impact on validity/integrity of samples or test results

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finalise stack sampling/testing

  1. Safely disassemble, clean/decontaminate and restow all equipment and materials for transport to base
  2. Transport all samples back to base as soon as practicable and in accordance with enterprise procedures, test methods or relevant standards
  3. Ensure all field observations, calibration data, measurements, calculations and results are accurately transferred to enterprise information database
  4. Distribute samples for laboratory analysis within specified holding times, if required
Safely disassemble, clean/decontaminate and restow all equipment and materials for transport to base

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transport all samples back to base as soon as practicable and in accordance with enterprise procedures, test methods or relevant standards

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure all field observations, calibration data, measurements, calculations and results are accurately transferred to enterprise information database

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribute samples for laboratory analysis within specified holding times, if required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process and interpret data

  1. Review test data noting atypical observations
  2. Calculate required quantities using relevant test method and ensure values are consistent with expectations
  3. Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required
  4. Record processed results in accordance with enterprise procedures
  5. Interpret trends in data and/or results and report 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 enterprise requirement
Review test data noting atypical observations

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calculate required quantities using relevant test method and ensure values are consistent with expectations

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record processed results in accordance with enterprise procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interpret trends in data and/or results and report 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 enterprise requirement

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain a safe work environment

  1. Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to enterprise procedures
  2. Check serviceability of all equipment before storage
  3. Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others
  4. Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts
  5. Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal
Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to enterprise 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 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

Overview of assessment

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:

demonstrating an understanding of the legislative and regulatory framework for air quality

using accurate terminology to describe air quality parameters and stack sampling/testing

interpreting and applying stack sampling/monitoring plans, sampling/test methods and standards

operating, maintaining and/or calibrating stack sampling and testing equipment to obtain representative stack samples and produce consistently valid and accurate results

interpreting gross features of data, identifying atypical results and making relevant conclusions

calculating results using appropriate units/precision

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

working safely and follow relevant legislative requirements for the disposal of waste and the preservation of the environment.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

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

Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL974003A Perform chemical tests and procedures

MSS025009A Perform sampling and testing of air.

The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.

Resources may include:

Vehicles, stack sampling/test equipment, analysers, reagents, gases, safety equipment, camera, consumables, logbooks and data loggers, and computers

safety procedures, sampling/test methods, standards and equipment manuals.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

inspection of stack samples collected by the candidate

review of stack measurements, test results, calculations and observations produced by the candidate

review of sampling/testing records and reports completed by the candidate

feedback from supervisor about the candidate’s ability to consistently apply enterprise procedures and work safely

oral and written questioning to check the candidate’s understanding of the principles of stack sampling/testing, operation of stack sampling equipment, test instruments/analysers and processing of data

observation of the candidate performing a range of stack sampling and testing tasks.

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.

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.

Guidance information for assessment

Required Skills and Knowledge

Required skills

Required skills include:

planning and preparing for field activities

communicating effectively with site personnel, and negotiating access and support

observational and descriptive skills

recognising hazards, assessing risks and using appropriate safe work methods/equipment

collecting representative samples of stationary source emissions in accordance with a sampling plan/procedures, standards or instructions

using appropriate techniques to preserve the integrity of samples and transport them safely

demonstrating correct and safe use of stack sampling equipment and analysers, including set-up, pre-use checks, calibration and performance checks

using stack testing equipment/analysers to obtain reliable, quantitative results

identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults

identifying atypical data and samples and taking appropriate action

solving technical problems and responding effectively to changed/unforeseen circumstances

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

maintaining, cleaning, decontaminating sampling equipment

completing accurate records of sampling, test data and results

writing/compiling concise and accurate reports

following requirements for the disposal of waste and the preservation of the environment

working safely

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

specific legislation, policies, standards and codes of practice related to air quality/pollution and monitoring of stationary source emissions

terminology for atmospheric science, sampling and testing of stationary source emissions

properties of air pollutants, such as:

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

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

volatile organics

localised meteorology and dispersion of air pollutants

ideal gas behaviour, principles of fluid flow through ducts, and effects of bends and orifices

principles of stationary source emissions sampling (particles, common gases and compounds) and associated sampling equipment

stack dimensions, source parameters and the selection of sampling planes, number and location of sampling points

isokinetic conditions, and effect of fluctuations in source parameters on results

principles of emission monitoring (particles and common gases) and associated analysers

function of key components, operating principles of common stack sampling/analyser trains

common procedure/equipment problems leading to atypical data/results

common process problems leading to atypical test results (e.g. high oxygen readings may indicate a hole in the stack)

labelling and traceability of samples and management of large volumes of data

hazards and risks associated with stationary source emissions

safe work methods and equipment, requirements for safe work platforms and services (e.g. AS 1657:1992 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders - Design, construction and installation), personal protective equipment, relevant health, safety and environment requirements and procedures

Range Statement

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

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

federal legislation, such as

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with:

land use, acquisition, planning and protection

environmental protection

pollution and contaminated sites

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS ISO 14050:1999 Environmental management - Vocabulary

AS/NZS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental management basic set

AS 4323.1:1995 Stationary source emissions - Selection of sampling positions

AS 4323.2:1995 Stationary source emissions - Determination of total particulate matter - Isokinetic manual sampling - Gravimetric method

ISO 10780:1994 Stationary source emissions - Measurement of velocity and volume flowrate of gas stream in ducts

US Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) methods, such as:

Method 4 Determination of moisture content in stack gases

Method 7E Determination of nitrogen oxides emissions from stationary sources (instrumental analyser procedure)

enterprise sampling and monitoring protocols

equipment manuals and warranties, supplier catalogue and handbooks

government policy (e.g. environmental protection and impact assessment)

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

national environment protection measures

occupational health and safety (OHS) national standards and codes of practice

site-specific requirements

Information about the site, industrial activities and emissions

Information about the site, industrial processes and emissions may include:

location of site and nearby buildings, topography and meteorological records

complaints, previous stack testing at site or odour assessments in nearby locations

industrial process inputs/outputs, process flowchart, unit operations, batch, cyclic or continuous operation, predictable variations in process conditions, production rates, and period of operation

air emission control systems, such as scrubbers, bag filters, stacks and bio filters

parameters of emission sources, such as location, geometry, release parameters and weather interaction

previous emissions data, such as:

velocity and temperature of pollutant concentration

moisture content

expected gas composition and likely interfering compounds

high vacuum, high pressure and high temperature gas streams

corrosive or very reactive components

Air pollutants

Air pollutants may include:

inorganic gases:

CO and CO2, NOx, andSOx

acid gases

H2S, HCl

ozone

chlorine, fluorine and fluorides

volatile organic liquids and compounds

particulates:

deposited matter

suspended matter (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1)

particulate fluorides

heavy metals

Stack tests

Stack tests may include, but are not limited to:

measurement of temperature, pressure, velocity and volume flowrate of gas streams

gas analysis for determination of molecular weight

determination of moisture content

determination of particulate matter

determination of concentration of specific gases in emissions (e.g. O2, CO2, SO2, NO and NO2)

Hazards

Hazards may include:

working on elevated platforms

exposure to toxic, corrosive or hot gases

electrical hazards

trip hazards from cables

noise or heat from plant equipment

objects falling from the work platform or into the duct/stack

flammability hazards

Safety procedures

Safety procedures may include:

preparation/approval of site health and safety plan for sampling/testing, and safe work permits/approvals

use of safe work method statements, site safety induction, risk cards, ‘step back’ and safety checks

use of personal protective equipment

ensuring two persons are present

monitoring of atmosphere for hazardous gases

working upwind of known contaminants

prohibition of eating, drinking and smoking

separation of heavy equipment into smaller units/cases for transport

testing and earthing of electrical services, generators, trip out devices and connectors

shielding of hot surfaces and exhausts

careful handling of glass containers

reporting procedures for safety problems

regular medical checks

Safety equipment

Safety equipment may include:

safety harness, personal protective equipment, such as boots, gloves, safety glasses and overalls

gas monitors

communication equipment (e.g. two-way radio and mobile phone)

MSDS

first aid equipment

Stack sampling and testing equipment

Stack sampling and testing equipment may include:

sampling train with in-stack or out-stack collector and components, such as:

sampling nozzles

probe tubes (e.g. glass and stainless steel)

filters, impingers and desiccators for transport of dry filters

flexible bags (e.g. Tedlar, Mylar and Teflon)

particulate matter collectors, accessories (e.g. cyclones and filter bags)

pre-prepared sample containers (e.g. Dioxin and furans), transport containers, eskies and ice

instruments to measure static and differential pressure (e.g. manometer and barometer)

sampling flow rate control devices

pumps

sampling flow meters

water removal device (e.g. condenser and silica gel)

temperature sensors in stack, duct and gas meters

gas velocity instruments (e.g. pitot tube)

heating/cooling elements to prevent condensation of probe tube or collectors

gas analysers (e.g. NOx, CO, CO2, O2 and N2) with components, such as:

sample gas manifolds

analyte specific, dual range and low concentration analysers

data recorder, data logger and/or computer for real-time analysis

reagents and standards (e.g. calibration gases, converter efficiency gases, interference checks and demineralised water)

sample lines, hoses, ropes, bags and winches

electrical extension cords

calibrated rod for measuring stack dimensions

balance, timers and digital camera

tools and spare access hole plugs

cherry picker

Sampling/measurement system performance tests

Sampling/measurement system performance checks may include:

detecting and rectifying leaks (or reducing them to acceptable levels)

analyser 2 or 3 point calibration tests

NO2 to NO conversion efficiency checks

system bias checks

system response time check

interference checks

post-run system bias and zero/span drift checks

quality control (QC) runs

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 consumables, 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