Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:57 AM AWST

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Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites

Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites

Unit of competency
National Code
MSS025014
State Code
BAK70
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
22/10/2018
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/08/2016
Field of Education
050999 - Environmental Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
08/08/2016
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit of competency covers the ability to collect samples and conduct field tests/measurements while working safely in a (potentially) hazardous environment. Personnel work under the close supervision of environmental scientists or engineers and use established site health and safety plans and sampling/field testing procedures. They are required to continually monitor levels of risk and use prescribed safe working procedures and safety equipment. This unit of competency is applicable to environmental technicians in a range of industry sectors, such as environmental services (e.g. sampling and monitoring of air quality, water and soil); environmental compliance, auditing and inspection; management of pollution and contaminated sites; and site remediation or rehabilitation.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, environmental monitoring and management activities are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Notes
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 meteorology 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/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 Ensure all required reagents, solutions and/or calibration standards are obtained and ready for field use.
  • 2.8 Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers, safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • 2.9 Arrange 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 PPE.
  • 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 workplace 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 workplace procedures, if required.
  • 8.4 Record processed results in accordance with workplace 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 workplace requirement.
9 Maintain a safe work environment
  • 9.1 Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures.
  • 9.2 Check serviceability of all equipment before storage.
  • 9.3 Use defined safe work practices and PPE to ensure personal safety and that of others.
  • 9.4 Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D7709 MSS025014A Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OEQ93 MSS025029 Perform sampling and testing for site contamination Unit of competency