Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

MSL974028 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Classify soils

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSL974028 - Classify soils
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to classify soils for geotechnical and civil construction purposes using the symbols and descriptors specified in the Australian Standard for Geotechnical Site Investigations (AS 1726-2017 Geotechnical site investigations, or its replacement). The unit involves confirming the client’s requirements, physical examination of site samples, interpreting field observations and test results and assignment of an appropriate soil classification. Personnel are expected to recognise and rectify obvious errors or unexpected results, perform confirmatory tests if required and seek advice to deal with situations beyond their own technical competence.This unit applies to laboratory technicians working in the construction, mining and drilling industry sectors under the guidance of a geotechnical paraprofessional or engineer.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Testing
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare to classify soil samples
  • Review job request and any accompanying documentation to identify purpose of soil classification and client’s information needs
       
Element: Identify any hazards and relevant safe work procedures associated with the types of site samples
       
Element: Inspect supplied samples and test data, compare with specifications and record and report any discrepancies
       
Element: Liaise with client when supplied samples, test data and/or job request forms do not comply with workplace procedures and resolve any problems
       
Element: Assemble required equipment/materials and check that they are fit for purpose
       
Element: Examine properties of soil samples
  • Assess appearance and feel of soil to determine moisture condition
       
Element: Use moulding/indentation tests, penetrometer and/or density index data to determine soil consistency
       
Element: Identify the soil’s major, secondary and minor components and the proportion of each
       
Element: Assign a soil colour based on own observations and review of field log sheets
       
Element: Determine soil structure based on own observations and review of available zoning, defect and cementing data recorded for undisturbed field samples
       
Element: Review any additional observations and test data that may identify soil origin
       
Element: Analyse available test results
  • Compare supplied mechanical test data with standard classification values for different soil types
       
Element: Compare particle size and percentage composition data with standard classification values for different soil types
       
Element: Compare other laboratory test results with own observations to confirm assignment of plasticity, grading and strength of soil samples
       
Element: Recognise anomalies or unexpected results and, if necessary, recheck specimens and test results and conduct repeat tests to ensure reliable results
       
Element: Record soil classification
  • Use standard symbols and descriptors to assign a valid soil classification
       
Element: Record and store client’s soil classification, samples and test data in accordance with workplace procedures
       
Element: Maintain confidentiality of client information in accordance with workplace procedures
       
Element: Maintain a safe work environment
  • Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other personnel
       
Element: Clean work area and collect, recycle or dispose of all waste in accordance with workplace procedures
       
Element: Clean and check serviceability of test equipment before storage
       

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Review job request and any accompanying documentation to identify purpose of soil classification and client’s information needs 
 
 
 
 
Assess appearance and feel of soil to determine moisture condition 
 
 
 
 
 
Compare supplied mechanical test data with standard classification values for different soil types 
 
 
 
Use standard symbols and descriptors to assign a valid soil classification 
 
 
Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other personnel 
 
 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL974028 - Classify soils
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MSL974028 - Classify soils

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: