Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites

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 MSS025014A, 'Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites'.
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 contaminated sites' 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

Assist with preliminary site study

1.1

Locate and review relevant legislative, regulatory and/or planning requirements and register for contaminated sites

1.2

Confirm the site location, scope and purpose of the investigation and assigned tasks with supervisor

1.3

Source and review available site data, including site history, geology, hydrogeology and meteorological data

1.4

Summarise information to assist with preparation of a site chronology and identification of gaps or inadequacies in data, potential contaminants and areas of possible contamination

2

Prepare for site activities

2.1

Confirm the scope and purpose of sampling, testing and/or monitoring activities and data requirements with supervisor

2.2

Liaise with site controller to access site, identify locations of services and arrange for induction, clearances and/or permits, as necessary

2.3

Review risks posed by site contaminants and review the health and safety plan and safe work procedures specified for planned activities

2.4

Confirm the sampling/test methods, sampling/test points, numbers and types of samples and/or measurements with supervisor

2.5

Review specified sampling/test methods with close attention to the sequence of steps and details for each

2.6

Check the operation/calibration of required sampling equipment, test and/or monitoring instruments in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions

2.7

Check the operation/calibration of required sampling equipment, test and/or monitoring instruments in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions

2.8

Ensure all required reagents, solutions and/or calibration standards are obtained and ready for field use

2.9

Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers, safety equipment and personal protective equipmentArrange suitable transport to, from and around site as required

3

Assist with site inspection

3.1

Sketch, map and/or photograph the site features

3.2

Conduct a visual inspection to identify site features that may inform the need for and design of subsequent investigations

3.3

Collect preliminary samples, as directed, to help characterise possible contamination hazards prior to detailed investigations

4

Conduct sampling as directed

4.1

Locate sampling/test points and any services at the site

4.2

Work effectively with other site personnel during drilling excavation and/or survey operations to collect reliable samples, logs and measurements, as necessary

4.3

Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment

4.4

Collect and preserve required samples in accordance with sampling plan, relevant methods and/or standards

4.5

Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements

4.6

Record environmental conditions and/or atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on validity or integrity of samples

4.7

Store and transport all samples back to base in accordance with specified method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes

5

Conduct field tests and/or monitoring as directed

5.1

Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated field test

5.2

Check that all equipment, instruments, reagents and calibration standards 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

Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment

5.6

Perform required measurements and tests on all samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods

5.7

Keep accurate, complete and traceable records of all field observations and test results

6

Clean, decontaminate and/or dispose of contaminated equipment and materials

6.1

Inspect equipment to assess the degree of contamination

6.2

Use specified procedures to remove material from the exposed outer surfaces of sampling/test equipment and personal protective equipment

6.3

Use specified procedures and reagents to neutralise, wash and/or rinse exposed surfaces

6.4

Collect rinsate blanks for analysis and preserve/store in accordance with specified procedure or standard

6.5

Stow items for transport only when thoroughly dry

6.6

Safely collect all debris and sullage from decontamination in accordance with relevant regulations and codes

7

Finalise site activities

7.1

Arrange for the safe disposal of all hazardous wastes in accordance with relevant regulations and codes

7.2

Ensure all site observations, sampling/test data and results are accurately transferred to the enterprise information management system

7.3

Store samples in accordance with method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes, as necessary

7.4

Ensure samples are dispatched for analytical testing within recommended holding times

8

Process and interpret data

8.1

Review test/monitoring data noting atypical observations

8.2

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

8.3

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

8.4

Record processed results in accordance with enterprise procedures

8.5

Interpret trends in data and/or results and report atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel

8.6

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

8.7

Compare results with established threshold levels or environmental quality concentration limits, if relevant

8.8

Finalise reporting of results in accordance with enterprise requirement

9

Maintain a safe work environment

9.1

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

9.2

Check serviceability of all equipment before storage

9.3

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

9.4

Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts


Qualifications and Skillsets

MSS025014A 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