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 soil 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 sampling locations, numbers and types of samples, timing and frequency of sampling from workplace or client’s sampling plan. |
| 1.3 | Check that all sampling/testing procedures are in accordance with client or workplace requirements, relevant standards and guidelines. |
|
2 | Prepare for soil sampling | 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 | Select sampling equipment and conditions to achieve representative samples and to preserve sample integrity during collection, storage and transit. |
| 2.4 | Select field test equipment/instruments and check operation and calibration, as required, in accordance with procedures and manufacturer instructions. |
| 2.5 | Assemble and check all sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment. |
| 2.6 | Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site, as required. |
|
3 | Conduct sampling and log soil samples | 3.1 | Locate sampling points and any services at the site. |
| 3.2 | Work effectively with other site personnel during drilling and excavation operations to collect and log reliable samples, as necessary. |
| 3.3 | Conduct representative sampling in accordance with sampling plan and defined procedures for field and/or laboratory testing, as required. |
| 3.4 | Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements. |
| 3.5 | Record environment and any conditions or 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 codes. |
|
4 | Prepare soil samples for testing | 4.1 | Prepare sub-samples and back-up sub-samples that are representative of the source. |
| 4.2 | Label all sub-samples to ensure traceability and store in accordance with workplace procedures. |
| 4.3 | Follow defined preparation and safety procedures to limit hazards or contamination to samples, self, work area and environment. |
| 4.4 | Distribute sub-samples to required destinations for testing, maintaining sample integrity, traceability and chain of custody requirements. |
|
5 | Conduct physical and chemical soil tests in the field | 5.1 | Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated field test. |
| 5.2 | Check that all equipment, instruments and reagents are fit for purpose. |
| 5.3 | Set up and calibrate instruments, as necessary, to ensure safe operation and valid results. |
| 5.4 | Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements. |
| 5.5 | Perform tests/procedures/observations on all samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods |
| 5.6 | Record all field observations and results and ensure that they are accurately transferred to workplace information management system. |
|
6 | Conduct physical and chemical soil tests in the laboratory | 6.1 | Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated laboratory test. |
| 6.2 | Check that all equipment, instruments and reagents are fit for purpose. |
| 6.3 | Set up and calibrate instruments, as necessary, to ensure safe operation and valid results. |
| 6.4 | Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements. |
| 6.5 | Perform tests/procedures on all samples, blanks and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods.. |
| 6.6 | Record test data noting atypical observations |
| 6.7 | Process the data for samples, standards and blanks in accordance with workplace procedures. |
| 6.8 | Enter approved information into workplace information management system. |
|
7 | Review results and assess soil suitability for specific purposes | 7.1 | Review results in relation to legislative and/or client requirements. |
| 7.2 | Compare data with required/established/desired parameters to establish suitability for purpose. |
| 7.3 | Determine need for remedial action and report to client. |
|
8 | Maintain a safe work environment | 8.1 | Rehabilitate sampling site to render it safe and to minimise environmental impact. |
| 8.2 | Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures. |
| 8.3 | Check serviceability of all equipment before storage. |
| 8.4 | Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others. |
| 8.5 | Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts. |
| 8.6 | Ensure 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, preserving and labelling a set of representative soil samples for at least one (1) site in accordance with a given sampling plan
preparing soil samples and conducting at least one (1) chemical test and one (1) physical test in the field using given test methods
preparing soil samples and conducting at least one (1) chemical test and one (1) physical test in a laboratory using given test methods
planning field and laboratory activities
selecting and checking all required field equipment, instruments and materials
using sampling equipment to obtain reliable, representative soil samples in accordance with sampling plan and paying close attention to any pre-treatment, containers, preservation, storage, labelling and traceability requirements
identifying atypical materials and samples and taking appropriate action
setting-up, calibrating and operating field/laboratory test instruments to obtain valid and reliable data in accordance with test methods
accurately recording site features, environmental conditions and any observations that may impact on reliability of field data
interpreting gross features of data, identifying atypical results as out-of-normal range or an artefact and making relevant conclusions
identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults
calculating results using appropriate units and precision and/or preparing calibration graphs
checking the acceptability of environmental data using specified quality tests or procedures
using established soil parameters/criteria to make valid conclusions about soil suitability
providing accurate, complete records of sampling and testing, site observations and data
presenting and reporting results in accordance with workplace procedures
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
safely transporting, cleaning, maintaining and storing field equipment in accordance with workplace procedures
working safely and following relevant legislative requirements for the disposal of waste and the preservation of the environment.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
scientific terminology used in job role covering soil sampling and testing
fundamentals of soil morphology, such as soil profiles, horizons, structure and texture, and mineralogy
(Australian) soil classification system
fundamentals of soil formation
land use and soil systems (interactions and impacts), such as plant-soil interactions, soil fertility, soil contamination and remediation
fundamentals of geomorphology, such as erosion and mass wasting; transportation and deposition, sedimentation; fluvial, aeolian, hillslope and weathering processes
fundamentals of soil chemistry, soil salinity
physical/engineering soil properties, such as:
colour (Munsell chart)
liquid and plastic limits
linear shrinkage
soil particle density
particle size distribution
dispersion and Emerson class number
fundamentals of sampling, such as:
sampling plans and site selection
principles of representative samples
principles and procedures for random, systematic, stratified and composite sampling; consistency of sampling procedures
preservation of the integrity of samples
maintaining identification of samples relative to their source, workplace and/or legal traceability requirements
cost-effectiveness of sampling
characteristics of soils to be sampled and likely 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 soil samples collected by the candidate
review of field and laboratory chemical/physical soil test results, calculations and site observations produced by the candidate, including assessment of soil suitability
review of sampling/testing records completed by the candidate
feedback from supervisors about the candidate’s ability to apply workplace procedures and soil sampling/test methods consistently, work safely and produce results within the agreed timeframe
oral and/or written questions to check the candidate’s knowledge of soil sampling and testing procedures, set-up and use of equipment, normal ranges, and troubleshooting of common sampling and testing problems.
Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures, and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:
vehicles, soil sampling equipment, field test equipment, digital camera, containers and reagents/consumables
equipment/instruments for laboratory based soils testing
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.