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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Confirm soil sampling and testing requirements with supervisor
   • Read and interpret available site information, site plan, sampling and testing locations and history of sampling and testing
2. Confirm the sampling locations, numbers and types of samples, timing and frequency of sampling from workplace or client’s sampling plan
3. Check that all sampling and testing procedures are in accordance with client or workplace requirements, standards and guidelines
4. Prepare for soil sampling
   • Identify site and sampling hazards and review workplace safety procedures
5. Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and obtain all clearances and permits
6. Select sampling equipment and conditions to achieve representative samples and to preserve sample integrity during collection, storage and transit
7. Select field test equipment and instruments and check operation and calibration in accordance with procedures and manufacturer instructions
8. Assemble and check all sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment
9. Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site
10. Conduct sampling and log soil samples
    • Locate sampling points and any services at the site
11. Work effectively with other site personnel during drilling and excavation operations to collect and log reliable samples
12. Conduct representative sampling in accordance with sampling plan and defined procedures for field and laboratory testing
13. Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements
14. Record environment and any conditions or atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on sample representativeness or integrity
15. Transport all samples back to base according to workplace procedures and codes
16. Prepare soil samples for testing
    • Prepare sub-samples and back-up sub-samples that are representative of the source
17. Label all sub-samples to ensure traceability and store in accordance with workplace procedures
18. Follow defined preparation and safety procedures to limit hazards or contamination to samples, self, work area and environment
19. Distribute sub-samples to required destinations for testing, maintaining sample integrity, traceability and chain of custody requirements
20. Conduct physical and chemical soil tests in the field
    • Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated field test
21. Check that all equipment, instruments and reagents are fit for purpose
22. Set up and calibrate instruments to ensure safe operation and valid results
23. Operate equipment and instruments in accordance with test method requirements
24. Perform tests, procedures and observations on all samples and standards in accordance with specified methods
25. Record all field observations and results and ensure that they are accurately transferred to workplace information management system
26. Conduct physical and chemical soil tests in the laboratory
    • Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated laboratory test
27. Perform tests and procedures on all samples, blanks and standards in accordance with specified methods
28. Record test data noting atypical observations
29. Process the data for samples, standards and blanks in accordance with workplace procedures
30. Enter approved information into workplace information management system
31. Review results and assess soil suitability for specific purposes
    • Read and interpret results in relation to legislative and client requirements
32. Compare data with required, established and desired parameters to establish suitability for purpose
33. Determine need for remedial action and report to client
34. Maintain a safe work environment
    • Rehabilitate sampling site to render it safe and to minimise environmental impact
35. Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures
36. Check serviceability of all equipment before storage
37. Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others
38. Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts
39. Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for disposal