Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 5:15 AM AWST

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Perform sampling and testing of air

Perform sampling and testing of air

Unit of competency
National Code
MSS025009
State Code
BAK75
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/08/2016
Field of Education
010701 - Atmospheric Sciences
Original Release Date
08/08/2016
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit of competency covers the ability to collect and test gaseous and particulate components in ambient, indoor and occupational air. Personnel will normally work within an existing sampling or monitoring plan. They will continually monitor levels of risk, apply specified safe working procedures and use prescribed safety equipment. This unit of competency is applicable to environmental technicians in a range of industry sectors, such as environmental services involved with sampling and monitoring of ambient air, indoor air and occupational air parameters; occupational hygiene; and environmental compliance, auditing and inspection.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, environmental monitoring and management activities are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Confirm air sampling and testing requirements with supervisor
  • 1.1 Review available site information, such as site plan, sampling/testing locations and history of sampling/testing.
  • 1.2 Confirm the scope and purpose of air sampling/testing and data requirements.
  • 1.3 Confirm sampling methods, locations, numbers and types of samples, and duration/frequency of sampling from workplace or client’s sampling plan.
  • 1.4 Check that all air sampling/testing procedures are in accordance with client or workplace requirements, relevant standards and guidelines.
2 Prepare for air sampling and testing
  • 2.1 Identify site and sampling/testing hazards and review workplace safety procedures.
  • 2.2 Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and obtain all clearances and/or permits, as necessary.
  • 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/instruments and check operation and calibration, as required, in accordance with procedures and manufacturer instructions.
  • 2.7 Assemble, check, stow all sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment.
  • 2.8 Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site, as required.
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/or laboratory testing.
  • 3.3 Ensure all controls, blanks and replicate samples are properly integrated into the sampling process.
  • 3.4 Record all 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 all 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 all samples and standards, if appropriate, 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 operate equipment, instruments, reagents, gases and in accordance with test methods/procedures and manufacturer instructions.
  • 4.4 Perform tests, procedures and any observations in accordance with specified methods/procedures.
  • 4.5 Record all field/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 Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations.
  • 5.3 Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, if required.
  • 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 appropriate 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, statutory environmental quality concentration limits or similar, if relevant.
  • 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 all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures.
  • 6.3 Check serviceability of all equipment 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 wastes and environment impacts.
  • 6.6 Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D7704 MSS025009A Perform sampling and testing of air Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OEQ95 MSS025026 Perform sampling and testing of air Unit of competency