Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
24/07/2026 1:44 AM AWST
24/07/2026 1:44 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.
Take environmental samples and measurements
Take environmental samples and measurements
Unit of competency
National Code
RIISTD301A
RIISTD301A
State Code
WB449
WB449
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/02/2010
Field of Education
010703 - Geology
Original Release Date
11/02/2010
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit covers taking of environmental samples and measurements in resources and infrastructure industries. It includes: collecting environmental samples; take readings and measurements; coordinating with scientists and laboratories; maintain sampling and measurement equipment; and reporting, storing and archiving environmental data.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Collect environmental samples
- 1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to taking of environmental samples and measurements
- 1.2. Collect environmental samples as specified in environmental management system
- 1.3. Preserve sample integrity throughout collection
- 1.4. Place samples in suitable containers and labels accurately
- 1.5. Identify and record characteristics of sampling environment, in particular any non-standard aspects
2. Take readings and measurements
- 2.1. Set up measurement equipment in accordance with Australian standards
- 2.2. Take measurements in accordance with environmental management system requirements
- 2.3. Take accurate readings and document at time of reading to avoid error
3. Coordinate with scientists and laboratories
- 3.1. Provide information clearly and accurately
- 3.2. Provide for delivery of samples within required time constraints
- 3.3. Ensure integrity of sample is maintained during packing and transport
- 3.4. Act promptly upon receiving feedback from laboratories where environmental risk is identified
4. Maintain sampling and measurement equipment
- 4.1. Maintain equipment in specified operating condition
- 4.2. Calibrate equipment in accordance with maintenance schedule
- 4.3. Perform minor repairs and adjustments where authorised
- 4.4. Program equipment software accurately where authorised
5. Report, store and archive environmental data
- 5.1. Prepare regular reports in accordance with environmental management system
- 5.2. Store data accurately in manual and computer systems
- 5.3. Ensure data are backed up regularly
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. 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) may also be included.
Relevant compliance documentation
may include:
legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
code of practice
Employment and workplace relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Samples may include:
air and airborne dust
aerosols
sediment
rock
process streams
water
ground water
soil
noise
Sampling and measurement equipment may include:
passive air samplers
low and high volume air samplers
water pumps samplers
personal air samples
photometric dust measuring equipment
gas liquid chromatographic analytical equipment
Measurements and readings may include:
air velocity
flow rate
composition
temperature
humidity
barometric pressure
dust concentration and composition
water velocity
flow rate
composition
temperature
Relevant compliance documentation
may include:
legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures
manufacturer's guidelines and specifications
Australian standards
code of practice
Employment and workplace relations legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation
Samples may include:
air and airborne dust
aerosols
sediment
rock
process streams
water
ground water
soil
noise
Sampling and measurement equipment may include:
passive air samplers
low and high volume air samplers
water pumps samplers
personal air samples
photometric dust measuring equipment
gas liquid chromatographic analytical equipment
Measurements and readings may include:
air velocity
flow rate
composition
temperature
humidity
barometric pressure
dust concentration and composition
water velocity
flow rate
composition
temperature
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for taking environmental samples and measurements
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of environmental samples and measurements
working with others to take environmental samples and measurements that meet all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of environmental sampling and measurement that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:
written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
consistently achieving the required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to take environmental samples and measurements
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:
knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for taking environmental samples and measurements
implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of environmental samples and measurements
working with others to take environmental samples and measurements that meet all of the required outcomes
consistent timely completion of environmental sampling and measurement that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.
Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.
Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.
Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in the work environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to site circumstances.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:
written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes
consistently achieving the required outcomes
first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:
working with others to take environmental samples and measurements
Guidance information for assessment
Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W2310 | MNMMEN304A | Take environmental samples and measurements | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WH698 | RIISTD301D | Take environmental samples and measurements | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W669 | RII30509 | Certificate III in Mining Exploration | Qualification |