Elements and Performance Criteria
- Confirm air sampling and testing requirements with supervisor
- Review available site information, such as site plan, sampling/testing locations and history of sampling/testing.
- Confirm the scope and purpose of air sampling/testing and data requirements.
- Confirm sampling methods, locations, numbers and types of samples, and duration/frequency of sampling from workplace or client’s sampling plan.
- Check that all air sampling/testing procedures are in accordance with client or workplace requirements, relevant standards and guidelines.
- Prepare for air sampling and testing
- Identify site and sampling/testing hazards and review workplace safety procedures.
- Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and obtain all clearances and/or permits, as necessary.
- Review field sampling procedures and sample preparation methods required for specific laboratory tests.
- Select sampling equipment and conditions to achieve representative samples and preserve sample integrity during collection, storage and transit.
- Ensure all reagents, solutions, standards and blanks (as appropriate) are obtained and/or ready for field use.
- Select field test equipment/instruments and check operation and calibration, as required, in accordance with procedures and manufacturer instructions.
- Assemble, check, stow all sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment.
- Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site, as required.
- Conduct sampling of air
- Locate sampling sites and, if required, services at the site.
- Conduct representative sampling in accordance with sampling plan and defined procedures for field and/or laboratory testing.
- Ensure all controls, blanks and replicate samples are properly integrated into the sampling process.
- Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements.
- Record environmental conditions and any atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on sample representativeness or integrity.
- Transport all samples back to base according to workplace procedures and relevant guidelines.
- Conduct field and laboratory testing of air
- Take sufficient measurements of all samples and standards, if appropriate, to obtain reliable data.
- Obtain sample or subsample for designated field test or locate established locations for in-situ testing.
- Set up, check/calibrate and operate equipment, instruments, reagents, gases and in accordance with test methods/procedures and manufacturer instructions.
- Perform tests, procedures and any observations in accordance with specified methods/procedures.
- Record all field/laboratory observations and results and ensure that they are accurately transferred to workplace information management system.
- Process and interpret air data
- Review test data noting atypical observations.
- Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations.
- Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, if required.
- Record processed results in accordance with workplace procedures.
- Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel.
- Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results.
- Compare results with established air quality standards, statutory environmental quality concentration limits or similar, if relevant.
- Finalise reporting of results in accordance with workplace requirements.
- Maintain a safe work environment
- Rehabilitate sampling site to render it safe and to minimise environmental impact.
- Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures.
- Check serviceability of all equipment before storage.
- Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others.
- Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts.
- Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal.