Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 8:41 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Undertake sampling and testing of water

Undertake sampling and testing of water

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCLPW306A
State Code
D6897
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/06/2011
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
18/06/2014
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
18/06/2014
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit covers the process of sampling and testing water quality as part of a monitoring program and defines the standard required to: plan a water sampling program under direction; test and correlate equipment; sample and test water; record results on data sheets.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan for sampling and testing field work
  • 1.1. Monitoring schedule is read/heard and confirmed with manager.
  • 1.2. Advanced water quality and environmental parameters are identified.
  • 1.3. Samples to be collected to determine water quality and environmental parameters are identified by supervisory staff.
  • 1.4. Equipment requirements for water sampling and testing are determined and arranged.
  • 1.5. Range of likely operating conditions, hazards and difficult/sensitive environments are assessed for impact on sampling and testing.
2. Prepare equipment and resources
  • 2.1. Equipment required for sampling and testing is sourced according to monitoring procedures.
  • 2.2. Equipment is checked for availability and serviceability in accordance with enterprise procedures.
  • 2.3. Testing and correlation is carried out to verify correct and accurate performance of equipment.
  • 2.4. Repairs and maintenance of field-based equipment and instruments are carried out in accordance with enterprise procedures and manufacturer's instructions.
  • 2.5. Data or record sheets/books are collected for use.
  • 2.6. Equipment, data sheets and personnel are moved to sampling sites without injury or damage and readied for use.
  • 2.7. Equipment is installed and protected according to manufacturer's specifications, safety and enterprise requirements.
  • 2.8. Staff undertaking sampling and testing are briefed on and are aware of responsibilities in accordance with monitoring schedule.
  • 2.9. Testing equipment is confirmed and serviceable for monitoring procedures in field conditions to enterprise and manufacturers' requirements.
3. Carry out sampling and testing of water
  • 3.1. Tests are undertaken in accordance with monitoring plan and enterprise procedures to avoid erroneous readings.
  • 3.2. Samples are taken and tested in accordance with monitoring standards and guidelines.
  • 3.3. Samples for external analysis are prepared, packaged and sent to laboratory in accordance with monitoring schedule and laboratory standards.
  • 3.4. Specific and general observations including information on relevant ambient and antecedent environmental conditions are made in accordance with monitoring schedule.
  • 3.5. Personnel undertaking sampling and testing tasks are supervised and feedback given on work performance.
  • 3.6. Equipment operation and work practices conform to OHS requirements.
4. Complete water sampling and testing activities
  • 4.1. Equipment and clothing is cleaned, sanitised, repaired and stored in accordance with enterprise procedures.
  • 4.2. Damaged or malfunctioning equipment is repaired on site or sent to manufacturer or specialist.
  • 4.3. Test results and observations are accurately recorded on data sheets and forwarded in accordance with enterprise procedures.
  • 4.4. Changes in field conditions and equipment are conveyed to supervisor according to enterprise procedures.
RANGE STATEMENT
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.
Sampling may include:
the range of water quality and environmental parameters such as dissolved oxygen, hardness, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, carbon dioxide, alkalinity, temperature, salinity, pH and turbidity.
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:
plan a water sampling program under direction
test and correlate equipment
sample and test water
record results on data sheets.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S2620 RTD3507A Undertake sampling and testing of water Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
BAS66 AHCLPW306 Undertake sampling and testing of water Unit of competency