Perform sampling and testing of soils

Formats and tools

Unit Description
Reconstruct the unit from the xml and display it as an HTML page.
Assessment Tool
an assessor resource that builds a framework for writing an assessment tool
Assessment Template
generate a spreadsheet for marking this unit in a classroom environment. Put student names in the top row and check them off as they demonstrate competenece for each of the unit's elements and performance criteria.
Assessment Matrix
a slightly different format than the assessment template. A spreadsheet with unit names, elements and performance criteria in separate columns. Put assessment names in column headings to track which performance criteria each one covers. Good for ensuring that you've covered every one of the performance criteria with your assessment instrument (all assessement tools together).
Wiki Markup
mark up the unit in a wiki markup codes, ready to copy and paste into a wiki page. The output will work in most wikis but is designed to work particularly well as a Wikiversity learning project.
Evidence Guide
create an evidence guide for workplace assessment and RPL applicants
Competency Mapping Template
Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners. A template for developing assessments for a unit, which will help you to create valid, fair and reliable assessments for the unit, ready to give to trainers and students
Observation Checklist
create an observation checklist for workplace assessment and RPL applicants. This is similar to the evidence guide above, but a little shorter and friendlier on your printer. You will also need to create a seperate Assessor Marking Guide for guidelines on gathering evidence and a list of key points for each activity observed using the unit's range statement, required skills and evidence required (see the unit's html page for details)

Self Assessment Survey
A form for students to assess thier current skill levels against each of the unit's performance criteria. Cut and paste into a web document or print and distribute in hard copy.
Moodle Outcomes
Create a csv file of the unit's performance criteria to import into a moodle course as outcomes, ready to associate with each of your assignments. Here's a quick 'how to' for importing these into moodle 2.x
Registered Training Organisations
Trying to find someone to train or assess you? This link lists all the RTOs that are currently registered to deliver MSS025007A, 'Perform sampling and testing of soils'.
Google Links
links to google searches, with filtering in place to maximise the usefulness of the returned results
Books
Reference books for 'Perform sampling and testing of soils' on fishpond.com.au. This online store has a huge range of books, pretty reasonable prices, free delivery in Australia *and* they give a small commission to ntisthis.com for every purchase, so go nuts :)


Elements and Performance Criteria

1

Confirm soil 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 sampling locations, numbers and types of samples, timing and frequency of sampling from enterprise or client’s sampling plan

1.3

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

2

Prepare for soil sampling

2.1

Identify site and sampling hazards and review enterprise safety procedures

2.2

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

2.3

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

2.4

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

2.5

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

2.6

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

3

Conduct sampling and log soil samples

3.1

Locate sampling points and any services at the site

3.2

Work effectively with other site personnel during drilling and excavation operations to collect and log reliable samples, as necessary

3.3

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

3.4

Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements

3.5

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

3.6

Transport all samples back to base according to enterprise procedures and relevant codes

4

Prepare soil samples for testing

4.1

Prepare sub-samples and back-up sub-samples that are representative of the source

4.2

Label all sub-samples to ensure traceability and store in accordance with enterprise procedures

4.3

Follow defined preparation and safety procedures to limit hazards or contamination to samples, self, work area and environment

4.4

Distribute sub-samples to required destinations for testing, maintaining sample integrity, traceability and chain of custody requirements

5

Conduct physical and chemical soil tests in the field

5.1

Obtain sample or subsample for designated field test

5.2

Check that all equipment, instruments and reagents are fit for purpose

5.3

Set up and calibrate instruments, as necessary, to ensure safe operation and valid results

5.4

Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements

5.5

Perform tests/procedures/observations on all samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods

5.6

Record all field observations and results and ensure that they are accurately transferred to enterprise information management system

6

Conduct physical and chemical soil tests in the laboratory

6.1

Obtain sample or subsample for designated laboratory test

6.2

Check that all equipment, instruments and reagents are fit for purpose

6.3

Set up and calibrate instruments, as necessary, to ensure safe operation and valid results

6.4

Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements

6.5

Perform tests/procedures on all samples, blanks and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods

6.6

Record test data noting atypical observations

6.7

Process the data for samples, standards and blanks in accordance with enterprise procedures

6.8

Enter approved information into enterprise information management system

7

Review results and assess soil suitability for specific purposes

7.1

Review results in relation to legislative and/or client requirements

7.2

Compare data with required/established/desired parameters to establish suitability for purpose

7.3

Determine need for remedial action and report to client

8

Maintain a safe work environment

8.1

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

8.2

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

8.3

Check serviceability of all equipment before storage

8.4

Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others

8.5

Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts

8.6

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


Qualifications and Skillsets

MSS025007A appears in the following qualifications:

  • MSS40211 - Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology
  • MSS50211 - Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology
  • MSS70211 - Vocational Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management