List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 | Confirm groundwater data requirements with supervisor | 1.1 | Confirm the scope and purpose of sampling/monitoring data requirements. |
| 1.2 | Review available site information, such as site plan, bore locations, construction and history of sampling/monitoring. |
| 1.3 | Confirm the 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 sampling/testing procedures are in accordance with client or workplace requirements, relevant standards and guidelines. |
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2 | Prepare for groundwater sampling and monitoring | 2.1 | Identify site and sampling 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 analyses. |
| 2.4 | Select purging/sampling equipment and sampling 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 prepared ready for field use. |
| 2.6 | Select field test equipment/instruments and check operation and calibration, as required, in accordance with methods/procedures and manufacturer instructions. |
| 2.7 | Assemble and stow all sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment. |
| 2.8 | Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site as required. |
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3 | Liaise with drillers during establishment of wells and bores | 3.1 | Confirm location of well or bore and groundwater monitoring requirements using site sampling and monitoring plan. |
| 3.2 | Examine the drilling/construction area to identify possible hazards. |
| 3.3 | Ensure proposed drilling/construction method will not cause contamination and that casing, drilling fluids and any other materials used in the bore are free of contaminants. |
| 3.4 | Ensure drilling and sampling equipment is cleaned thoroughly before drilling commences. |
| 3.5 | Ensure protective casings and screens are kept in their protective coverings prior to installation. |
| 3.6 | Monitor drilling to accurately log samples as required and prevent their contamination. |
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4 | Conduct representative sampling of groundwater | 4.1 | Locate sampling locations and services at the site and identify possible hazards. |
| 4.2 | Conduct sufficient measurements to accurately determine water level and bore depth, as required. |
| 4.3 | Record bore/environmental conditions and any atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on sample representativeness or integrity. |
| 4.4 | Conduct purging in accordance with defined procedure or method, collect the waste and decontaminate the equipment used. |
| 4.5 | Collect required representative samples and ensure all controls, blanks and replicate samples are properly integrated into the sampling process. |
| 4.6 | Record all information and label samples in accordance with chain of custody/traceability requirements. |
| 4.7 | Filter and prepare samples to preserve their integrity for subsequent analysis. |
| 4.8 | Secure and transport all samples back to base in accordance with workplace procedures and relevant guidelines. |
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5 | Conduct field testing of groundwater | 5.1 | Assemble required monitoring instruments, equipment, and reagents and conduct pre-use checks in accordance with manufacturer instructions. |
| 5.2 | Retrieve samples for designated field tests or locate established locations for in-situ testing. |
| 5.3 | Set up, calibrate and operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test methods/procedures and manufacturer instructions. |
| 5.4 | Take sufficient measurements of groundwater field parameters to obtain reliable data and in accordance with specified methods/procedures. |
| 5.5 | Record all field observations/data and ensure that they are accurately transferred to workplace information database. |
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6 | Process and interpret groundwater data | 6.1 | Review test data noting atypical observations. |
| 6.2 | Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations. |
| 6.3 | Estimate and document uncertainty of measurements in accordance with workplace procedures, if required. |
| 6.4 | Record and report processed results in accordance with workplace procedures. |
| 6.5 | Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel. |
| 6.6 | Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results. |
| 6.7 | Compare results with established groundwater quality standards, statutory environmental quality concentration limits or similar, if relevant. |
| 6.8 | Finalise reporting of results in accordance with workplace requirements. |
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7 | Maintain a safe work environment | 7.1 | Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others. |
| 7.2 | Rehabilitate sampling site to render it safe and to minimise environmental impact. |
| 7.3 | Clean/decontaminate all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures. |
| 7.4 | Check serviceability of all equipment before storage. |
| 7.5 | Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts. |
| 7.6 | Liaise with relevant personnel for the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal. |
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
collecting representative samples of groundwater in accordance with a site sampling plan for at least two (2) sites
measuring bore conditions and conducting reliable field tests of groundwater parameters on at least two (2) sites
planning and preparing for field activities
interpreting and applying groundwater sampling/monitoring plans and procedures for sites, including requirements covering pre-treatment, containers, preservation, storage, labelling and traceability
recognising site hazards and applying safe work procedures during sampling, testing and transport to and from site
communicating effectively with site personnel, drillers and supervisors about issues such as site access and permits, site operations, scheduling of sampling/testing and environmental requirements
demonstrating correct and safe use and calibration of field instruments and/or equipment
identifying atypical sampling conditions and samples and taking appropriate action
identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults
calculating results using appropriate units/precision
identifying atypical results as out-of-normal range or an artefact
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
cleaning, decontaminating and maintaining purging/sampling equipment
following relevant legislative requirements for the disposal of waste and the preservation of the environment
preparing accurate records of groundwater sampling, site observations and measurements
producing concise and accurate reports within the agreed timeframe.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
terminology used to describe aquifers, drilling/construction of wells and bores, and groundwater sampling/testing procedures
principles of representative sampling and field testing of common groundwater parameters
preservation of the integrity of samples
maintaining identification of samples relative to their source, workplace and/or legal traceability requirements
typical values of groundwater parameters, common pollutants/contaminants
links between quality control, quality assurance, quality management systems and sampling procedures
workplace procedures dealing with legislative requirements for the handling, labelling and transport of hazardous goods
common site hazards, links between safe work procedures and personal and environmental safety, particularly at high risk sites.
Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace, or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).
Holistic assessment methods include:
inspection of groundwater samples collected by the candidate from at least (2) two sites
review of groundwater measurements, test results, calculations and site observations produced by the candidate for at least two (2) sites
review of sampling/testing records completed by the candidate
feedback from supervisors about the candidate’s ability to apply workplace procedures consistently, work safely and produce results within the agreed timeframe
oral and/or written questions to check the candidate’s understanding of groundwater parameters, sampling/test procedures and calculations.
Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures, and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:
vehicles, sampling equipment, field test equipment, digital camera, containers and reagents/consumables
safe work procedures and safety equipment
workplace procedures, work program, maps, site plans, site sampling plans and test methods, and equipment manuals.
Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.
Technical competence can be demonstrated through:
relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR
relevant workplace experience
Currency can be demonstrated through:
performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR
having consulted with an organisation providing environmental monitoring, management or technology related services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.