Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:18 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.

Conduct geotechnical site investigations

Conduct geotechnical site investigations

Unit of competency
National Code
MSL974002
State Code
AWO10
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
01/03/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
16/08/2016
Field of Education
030911 - Geotechnical Engineering
Original Release Date
16/08/2016
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit of competency covers the ability to prepare for and conduct and conclude site activities, such as excavations, sampling and testing as part of a geotechnical investigation team. Personnel are expected to solve common site problems and seek advice to deal with situations beyond their own technical competence.This competency is typically performed by laboratory technicians working under the guidance of a geotechnical paraprofessional or engineer.This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory technicians working in the construction, mining and drilling industry sectors.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Prepare for on-site operations
  • 1.1 Identify the job, location, work instructions, appropriate sampling and test procedures and safety requirements
  • 1.2 Identify site hazards and identify appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures that are specified for the job and materials used
  • 1.3 Record description of the job to be undertaken, compare with specification and report any variations
  • 1.4 Arrange for the collection, checking, stowing and transport of all tools, equipment and materials required at the site
  • 1.5 Ensure site access requirements, such as entry permits and safety inductions, have been organised
2 Arrange excavation of boreholes, test pits and/or trenches
  • 2.1 Identify the sampling/testing location
  • 2.2 Excavate or oversee excavation to the sampling and testing depth, minimising disturbance and potential contamination of the site
  • 2.3 Identify materials and record changes of strata, test results and other relevant information
  • 2.4 Ensure materials from different strata are kept separate
  • 2.5 Terminate the excavation at the appropriate depth and record the reason for termination
3 Conduct site sampling
  • 3.1 Prepare and check sampling equipment and materials
  • 3.2 Take disturbed and undisturbed samples in accordance with workplace methods and procedures
  • 3.3 Label and record samples in accordance with workplace methods and procedures
  • 3.4 Recognise and record details of site conditions that may impact on sample integrity or site interpretation
4 Conduct testing
  • 4.1 Prepare and conduct pre-use checks of test equipment
  • 4.2 Perform, or assist with performing, tests in accordance with test methods or workplace procedures
  • 4.3 Record test data in accordance with test methods or workplace procedures
  • 4.4 Recognise obvious errors or atypical data and take appropriate corrective actions
5 Finalise site operations
  • 5.1 Backfill or seal any excavation and ensure that it is left in a safe and uncontaminated condition
  • 5.2 Reinstate surfaces disturbed by sampling or testing
  • 5.3 Clean all equipment (and vehicle, as necessary) avoiding environmental damage, stormwater contamination or spread of pests
  • 5.4 Check all equipment and materials prior to re-stowing them for safe transport
  • 5.5 Handle and transport samples in accordance with established practices
  • 5.6 Notify appropriate site personnel on completion of investigations and prior to leaving site
  • 5.7 Check serviceability of test equipment before storage on return to base
6 Maintain records
  • 6.1 Maintain equipment records in accordance with established practices
  • 6.2 Complete site safety plans, equipment logs and test reports in accordance with workplace procedures
  • 6.3 Maintain confidentiality of workplace information
7 Maintain a safe work environment
  • 7.1 Use safe work procedures and PPE to ensure personal safety and that of others
  • 7.2 Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste
  • 7.3 Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with workplace procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WA718 MSL974002A Conduct geotechnical site investigations Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAC41 MSL974018 Conduct geotechnical site investigations Unit of competency