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, composite or flow-weighted composite samples for:
microbiological testing
testing for chemical and physical characteristics
Organisational requirements may include:
standard operating procedures
Australian standards, for example AS/NZS 5667 Water quality - sampling
state Environment Protection Authority sampling guidelines
legislative requirements
OHS
Sampling equipment may include:
buckets or wide-mouthed containers
depth samplers
sample dippers
sterile sample containers:
plastic
glass
test-specific, such as acid washed
weighted sample bottles
dip tubes
composite and discrete automatic samplers
Sample preservation methods may include:
refrigeration
freezing
chemical addition, such as acidification
shielding from direct sunlight
filtration
Planning sampling work activities may include:
interpretation of instructions and directions
timelines
interaction and communication with team members and individuals
customer service requirements
Sampling locations may include:
raw water supply, including:
surface water
groundwater
water distribution and treatment systems
wastewater collection and treatment systems
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
pre-treatment
preservation
instructions to transporters

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 basic water sampling by:
planning and preparing for water sampling tasks
collecting samples according to sampling plan
maintaining integrity of water samples
recording all 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.