Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:55 PM 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.

Perform sampling and testing of air

Perform sampling and testing of air

Unit of competency
National Code
MSS025026
State Code
OEQ95
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
16/12/2022
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
03/05/2023
Field of Education
010701 - Atmospheric Sciences
Original Release Date
03/05/2023
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to collect and test gaseous and particulate components in air using an existing sampling or monitoring plan and specified test methods and/or procedures for field and laboratory tests.This unit applies to environmental technicians, environmental officers and other roles who are required to sample and test air quality, monitor risks and apply safety procedures, select equipment and materials, calculate uncertainty of measurement and record and interpret data. No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Confirm air sampling and testing requirements with supervisor
  • 1.1 Review site plan, sampling and testing locations and history of sampling and testing
  • 1.2 Confirm the scope and purpose of air sampling and testing and data requirements
  • 1.3 Confirm sampling methods, locations, numbers and types of samples, and duration and/or frequency of sampling from workplace or client’s sampling plan
  • 1.4 Check that all air sampling and testing procedures are in accordance with client or workplace requirements and relevant standards and guidelines
  • 1.5 Clarify and/or confirm requirements with supervisor
2. Prepare for air sampling and testing
  • 2.1 Identify site and sampling and testing hazards and review workplace safety procedures
  • 2.2 Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and obtain required clearances and/or permits
  • 2.3 Review field sampling procedures and sample preparation methods required for specific laboratory tests
  • 2.4 Select sampling equipment and conditions to achieve representative samples and preserve sample integrity during collection, storage and transit
  • 2.5 Ensure all reagents, solutions, standards and blanks (as appropriate) are obtained and/or ready for field use
  • 2.6 Select field test equipment and/or instruments and check operation and calibration, as applicable, in accordance with procedures and manufacturer instructions
  • 2.7 Assemble, check and stow all sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment for safe transport
  • 2.8 Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site
3. Conduct sampling of air
  • 3.1 Locate sampling sites and, if required, services at the site
  • 3.2 Conduct representative sampling in accordance with sampling plan and defined procedures for field and laboratory testing
  • 3.3 Ensure controls, blanks and replicate samples are properly integrated into the sampling process
  • 3.4 Record information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements
  • 3.5 Record environmental conditions and any atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on sample representativeness or integrity
  • 3.6 Transport samples back to base according to workplace procedures and relevant guidelines
4. Conduct field and laboratory testing of air
  • 4.1 Take sufficient measurements of samples and, if appropriate, standards to obtain reliable data
  • 4.2 Obtain sample or subsample for designated field test or locate established locations for in-situ testing
  • 4.3 Set up, check, calibrate and use equipment, instruments, reagents, gases in accordance with specified test methods and/or procedures and any manufacturer instructions
  • 4.4 Perform tests, procedures and observations in accordance with specified methods and/or procedures
  • 4.5 Record field and laboratory observations and results and ensure that they are accurately transferred to workplace information management system
5. Process and interpret air data
  • 5.1 Review test data, noting atypical observations
  • 5.2 Check calculated values are consistent with expectations and recalculate to correct any errors
  • 5.3 Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures
  • 5.4 Record processed results in accordance with workplace procedures
  • 5.5 Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to relevant personnel
  • 5.6 Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results
  • 5.7 Compare results with established air quality standards and any statutory environmental quality concentration limits
  • 5.8 Finalise reporting of results in accordance with workplace requirements
6. Maintain a safe work environment
  • 6.1 Rehabilitate sampling site to render it safe and to minimise environmental impact
  • 6.2 Clean equipment, instruments, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures
  • 6.3 Check serviceability of equipment and instruments before storage
  • 6.4 Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others
  • 6.5 Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impact according to procedures
  • 6.6 Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for disposal
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAK75 MSS025009 Perform sampling and testing of air Unit of competency