Elements and Performance Criteria

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Samples may include:
grab, composite or flow-weighted composite samples for:
microbiological testing
testing for chemical and physical characteristics
Sampling locations may include:
raw water supply, including:
surface water
groundwater
water distribution and treatment systems
Assignment requirements for sampling procedures that may be established in a real or simulated environment may include:
standard procedures
Australian Standards, such as AS/NZS 5667 Water quality - sampling
state Environment Protection Authority sampling guidelines
legislative requirements
safety procedures
Sampling equipment may include:
buckets or wide-mouthed containers
depth samplers
sample dippers
sterile sample containers:
plastic
glass
test-specific (such as acid washed)
weighted sample bottles
dip tubes
composite and discrete automatic samplers
equipment for preservation of samples, including:
refrigeration
cool storage devices
screw top containers
containers for storing and carrying samples safely
Integrity of samples is maintained by ensuring:
application of correct:
holding time
storage procedures
sub-sampling procedures
Plan testing work to address a range of requirements, including:
timelines
communication with other team members and individuals
interpretation of organisational and statutory requirements
locations, such as:
on-site testing
field-based testing
laboratory
range of testing procedures and techniques that applies to organisational, plant or field sites
variety of samples to be tested
testing equipment to be used
test reporting systems
Standard practice for testing procedures that may be established in a real or simulated environment, may include:
standard procedures for testing
equipment manufacturers' operations manuals
methods recommended by Australian Public Health Association (APHA) reference document: 'Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater'
methods recommended by American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) International
safety procedures, including:
risk and hazard assessment
safe handling of samples and chemicals
use of personal protective clothing and equipment
relevant organisational policies
local authority regulations and federal, state or territory legislative requirements
Basic water quality tests include the range of tests required for competent performance of work tasks in an organisational context, and should comprise at least three of the following types of test:
pH
temperature
electrical conductivity
microscopy
turbidity
colour
chlorine residue
jar testing
alkalinity
hardness
dissolved oxygen
Records may include:
sample records, field detail sheets or chain of custody forms, including information such as:
time sample was taken
details of person collecting sample
sample point
volume of sample
data gathered at time of collection
pre-treatment
preservation
instructions to transporters
time and logging of sample receipt and testing
visual observations
equipment identification
atypical results
test results

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The candidate should demonstrate the ability to collect and prepare water samples and perform water flow and quality tests according to specified standards and parameters relevant to water quality standards including:
identifying potential hazards in water sampling
planning and organising sampling and testing assignment
using appropriate sampling and testing equipment and personal protective clothing and equipment
understanding and applying procedures for water sampling and testing
determining and reporting accurate and relevant results from testing
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Access to resources including:
library, water enterprise information, information sources for research and investigation
mentors, advisors and teachers able to guide and support research and investigation of water resource management
guided visits to key locations associated with water resource management
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support.
Assessment processes and techniques must take into account language, literacy and cultural factors which might have an impact on the candidate's demonstration of competency.
Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:
competency will need to be demonstrated over a variety of assignments and activities reflecting the scope and practical requirements of research and practical assignments
assessment can be through assignments, projects, excursions and simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess underpinning knowledge.