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, integrated or concentrated samples for:
identification
enumeration
toxicity testing
Legislative and organisational requirements may include:
Australian standards, for example AS/NZS 5667 Water quality - sampling
state Environment Protection Authority sampling guidelines
relevant federal and state or territory legislation and regulations
codes of practice, associated standards and guidance material
documented organisational policies, manuals and induction programs
relevant community planning and development agreements, such as land care agreements
Sampling equipment may include:
buckets or wide-mouthed containers
depth samplers
sample dippers
hose pipe samplers
plankton nets
laboratory supplied sample containers
weighted sample bottles
Sample preservationmethods may include:
refrigeration
chemical addition, such as Lugol's iodine solution
Planning sampling work activities may include:
interpreting instructions and directions
planning timelines
interacting and communicating with team members and individuals
considering customer service requirements
Sampling locations may include:
water storages
rivers
wastewater lagoons
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
preservation techniques

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 perform blue green algae sampling, including:
planning and preparing for sampling tasks
collecting samples according to sampling plan
maintaining integrity of samples
recording required information
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Access to the workplace and resources including:
documentation that should normally be available in a water industry organisation
relevant codes, standards and government regulations
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:
competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice
a decision of competence should only be made when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence over time and in various contexts
all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be authenticated and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
assessment can be through 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 the underpinning knowledge. Questioning will be undertaken in a manner appropriate to the skill levels of the operator and cultural issues that may affect responses to the questions, and will reflect the requirements of the competency and the work being performed.