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

MSL975007 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Supervise sampling, inspections and testing at construction sites

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSL975007 - Supervise sampling, inspections and testing at construction sites
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the ability to supervise and direct the placement of materials, such as soil, concrete and asphalt, at a construction site. The unit involves confirming the requirements of the inspection and testing plans, liaising with site personnel and organising sampling and testing activities, collecting reliable data and reporting results. Personnel are also expected to interpret results in the field, provide reliable advice to construction personnel, recognise and rectify obvious errors or unexpected results and troubleshoot common problems. This unit of competency is applicable to technical officers working in the construction materials testing sector. This unit of competency is typically performed by experienced technicians or engineering paraprofessionals who often supervise or direct less experienced technical personnel.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Judgment 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. The timeframe must allow for adequate assessment of operation under all normal and a range of abnormal conditions.

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).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL915001 Provide information to customers

MSL915002 Schedule laboratory work for a small team

MSL925001 Analyse data and report results

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of inspection, sampling and testing programs, test results, analysis, project reports and records completed by the candidate

feedback from clients, supervisors and/or peers about the candidate’s ability to supervise sampling, inspections and testing at sites safely, efficiently and in accordance with relevant codes and client instructions

review of the candidate’s responses to simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios dealing with issues such as safety, minimising environmental impacts and resolving site problems

observation of the candidate supervising on site sampling, inspection and testing tasks

oral or written questioning about the preparation and establishment of site operations and supervision of material placement, including technical details of the collection and analysis of data, resolution of common site problems and promotion of a safe work environment.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

access to construction sites and relevant site documentation

workplace procedures, site plans, sampling and test methods/programs and equipment manuals

consumables; hand tools; field sampling equipment, such as moulds and coring equipment; and test equipment, such as nuclear moisture/density gauge, dynamic cone penetrometers and slumping equipment

levelling equipment (dumpy and automatic levels) and global positioning system (GPS)

still/video camera and communication equipment

safety clothing and equipment, including helmets, boots, gloves, earmuffs and glasses.

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 competence 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 a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.
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 for on-site operations
  • Identify the job, consult with the client and obtain relevant information, including the level of supervision required, drawings and specifications
  • Select equipment and materials required for the job
  • Identify site hazards and the personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures specified for job
  • Organise site induction for self and support personnel as required
  • Record description of the job to be undertaken, compare with specification and resolve any variations
  • Select suitable transport for site access
  • Brief support personnel on job-specific requirements
       
Element: Establish on-site operations
  • Consult with the site superintendent to determine methods of communication, roles, responsibilities and expectations of each party, including identification of potential site problems and conflicts
  • Set up facilities for supervision, testing and sample storage
  • Inspect the site to determine the characteristics of the project, including survey control points
  • Design inspection, sampling and testing program in accordance with specifications
       
Element: Supervise materials placement
  • Conduct inspection, sampling and testing in accordance with project requirements
  • Direct and advise the site superintendent based on test results and observations
  • Record test data and observations in accordance with workplace practices
  • Send samples to the base laboratory for testing as required
  • Ensure cleaning of equipment does not cause environmental damage
  • Supervise the removal of equipment and materials from site
       
Element: Analyse project data and report to client
  • Report test results to site superintendent at specified intervals
  • Analyse project data and provide reports to client in the agreed format and at agreed times
       
Element: Maintain workplace records
  • Ensure site results are documented in accordance with workplace practices
  • Maintain security and confidentiality of workplace information
  • Prepare and issue a final project report detailing supervision and testing carried out, statement of compliance and relevant tables and plans as required
       
Element: Promote a safe work environment
  • Promote the use of safe work procedures and protective equipment
  • Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste
  • Promote the collection and disposal of all waste in accordance with workplace procedures
       


Evidence Required

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

Prepare for on-site operations

1.1

Identify the job, consult with the client and obtain relevant information, including the level of supervision required, drawings and specifications

1.2

Select equipment and materials required for the job

1.3

Identify site hazards and the personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures specified for job

1.4

Organise site induction for self and support personnel as required

1.5

Record description of the job to be undertaken, compare with specification and resolve any variations

1.6

Select suitable transport for site access

1.7

Brief support personnel on job-specific requirements

2

Establish on-site operations

2.1

Consult with the site superintendent to determine methods of communication, roles, responsibilities and expectations of each party, including identification of potential site problems and conflicts

2.2

Set up facilities for supervision, testing and sample storage

2.3

Inspect the site to determine the characteristics of the project, including survey control points

2.4

Design inspection, sampling and testing program in accordance with specifications

3

Supervise materials placement

3.1

Conduct inspection, sampling and testing in accordance with project requirements

3.2

Direct and advise the site superintendent based on test results and observations

3.3

Record test data and observations in accordance with workplace practices

3.4

Send samples to the base laboratory for testing as required

3.5

Ensure cleaning of equipment does not cause environmental damage

3.6

Supervise the removal of equipment and materials from site

4

Analyse project data and report to client

4.1

Report test results to site superintendent at specified intervals

4.2

Analyse project data and provide reports to client in the agreed format and at agreed times

5

Maintain workplace records

5.1

Ensure site results are documented in accordance with workplace practices

5.2

Maintain security and confidentiality of workplace information

5.3

Prepare and issue a final project report detailing supervision and testing carried out, statement of compliance and relevant tables and plans as required

6

Promote a safe work environment

6.1

Promote the use of safe work procedures and protective equipment

6.2

Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste

6.3

Promote the collection and disposal of all waste in accordance with workplace procedures

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

supervising and directing the placement of materials, such as soil, concrete and asphalt, at a construction site on at least two (2) occasions

interpreting site plans, project specifications and codes to determine level of supervision and resources required, hazards, sampling/testing locations and frequencies

liaising with site superintendent to establish safe and efficient on-site operations, organise site induction and/or inspect the site

designing an inspection, sampling and testing program in accordance with specifications

supervising the safe set-up, use, cleaning and removal of equipment from the site and the minimisation, collection and disposal of waste

safely directing sampling and testing in accordance with inspection and testing plans and remit of samples for testing as required

recording and storing reliable data, observations and project information, including accurate sketches and photographs of site features

accurately interpreting test results and observations in the field to provide timely advice for construction personnel

recognising, troubleshooting and rectifying obvious errors and unexpected results

communicating and resolving site problems constructively with appropriate personnel

seeking advice about problems beyond technical competence from appropriate personnel

comparing test results with specifications and drawing valid conclusions on compliance

issuing a final report that clearly sets out the supervision and testing carried out, statement of compliance, site results and other relevant project information

maintaining accurate, complete and secure project records

maintaining the confidentiality of client information

working safely, promoting site safety and minimisation of environmental impacts.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

principles of planning and project management

identification and classification of construction materials

engineering properties of civil construction materials

techniques and plant and equipment used in civil construction relevant to job role

in situ and laboratory test methods for construction materials relevant to job role

roles and responsibilities for different levels of site supervision

typical site problems and recommended corrective actions

typical hazards at construction sites, relevant work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for on-site operations

1.1

Identify the job, consult with the client and obtain relevant information, including the level of supervision required, drawings and specifications

1.2

Select equipment and materials required for the job

1.3

Identify site hazards and the personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures specified for job

1.4

Organise site induction for self and support personnel as required

1.5

Record description of the job to be undertaken, compare with specification and resolve any variations

1.6

Select suitable transport for site access

1.7

Brief support personnel on job-specific requirements

2

Establish on-site operations

2.1

Consult with the site superintendent to determine methods of communication, roles, responsibilities and expectations of each party, including identification of potential site problems and conflicts

2.2

Set up facilities for supervision, testing and sample storage

2.3

Inspect the site to determine the characteristics of the project, including survey control points

2.4

Design inspection, sampling and testing program in accordance with specifications

3

Supervise materials placement

3.1

Conduct inspection, sampling and testing in accordance with project requirements

3.2

Direct and advise the site superintendent based on test results and observations

3.3

Record test data and observations in accordance with workplace practices

3.4

Send samples to the base laboratory for testing as required

3.5

Ensure cleaning of equipment does not cause environmental damage

3.6

Supervise the removal of equipment and materials from site

4

Analyse project data and report to client

4.1

Report test results to site superintendent at specified intervals

4.2

Analyse project data and provide reports to client in the agreed format and at agreed times

5

Maintain workplace records

5.1

Ensure site results are documented in accordance with workplace practices

5.2

Maintain security and confidentiality of workplace information

5.3

Prepare and issue a final project report detailing supervision and testing carried out, statement of compliance and relevant tables and plans as required

6

Promote a safe work environment

6.1

Promote the use of safe work procedures and protective equipment

6.2

Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste

6.3

Promote the collection and disposal of all waste in accordance with workplace procedures

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory safety, and quality and environmental management

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, national measurement regulations and guidelines, and environmental legislation and regulations

standard methods for sampling and testing construction materials, such as soils, aggregates, concrete and asphalt

specific codes, guidelines, procedures and methods, such as:

AustRoads test methods, and State/Territory Road Authority test methods

National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) documents regarding construction materials testing (Field application document)

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures; maps and site plans

sampling and testing procedures for specific sites, clients and samples

Site problems

Site problems include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

uncooperative site personnel

non-conformances leading to confrontation with other personnel

delays in obtaining test results

damage to services, materials and site conditions

displaced, missing and inaccurate survey markers

misidentification of samples and sampling locations

equipment breakdown and breakage

environmental problems and issues, including site access, inclement weather, traffic, wildlife, vegetation and construction activities

Site hazards

Site hazards include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

solar radiation, dust and noise

manual handling of heavy materials and equipment

working in/on trenches, confined spaces, wet and uneven surfaces, heights and slopes

vehicular and pedestrian traffic

underground services, such as gas and electricity

working close to earth moving equipment, trucks and overhead loads

Safe work procedures

Safe work procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

locating site services before investigations commence

use of signage, barriers, flashing lights and traffic control

use of PPE, such as hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, goggles, coveralls and safety boots

use of material safety data sheets (MSDS)

use of machinery guards

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs/barriers

handling and storing hazardous material and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer instructions, and workplace procedures and regulations

labelling of samples, reagents and hazardous materials

regularly cleaning equipment and vehicles

following established manual handling procedures

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

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
Identify the job, consult with the client and obtain relevant information, including the level of supervision required, drawings and specifications 
Select equipment and materials required for the job 
Identify site hazards and the personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures specified for job 
Organise site induction for self and support personnel as required 
Record description of the job to be undertaken, compare with specification and resolve any variations 
Select suitable transport for site access 
Brief support personnel on job-specific requirements 
Consult with the site superintendent to determine methods of communication, roles, responsibilities and expectations of each party, including identification of potential site problems and conflicts 
Set up facilities for supervision, testing and sample storage 
Inspect the site to determine the characteristics of the project, including survey control points 
Design inspection, sampling and testing program in accordance with specifications 
Conduct inspection, sampling and testing in accordance with project requirements 
Direct and advise the site superintendent based on test results and observations 
Record test data and observations in accordance with workplace practices 
Send samples to the base laboratory for testing as required 
Ensure cleaning of equipment does not cause environmental damage 
Supervise the removal of equipment and materials from site 
Report test results to site superintendent at specified intervals 
Analyse project data and provide reports to client in the agreed format and at agreed times 
Ensure site results are documented in accordance with workplace practices 
Maintain security and confidentiality of workplace information 
Prepare and issue a final project report detailing supervision and testing carried out, statement of compliance and relevant tables and plans as required 
Promote the use of safe work procedures and protective equipment 
Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste 
Promote the collection and disposal of all waste in accordance with workplace procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL975007 - Supervise sampling, inspections and testing at construction sites
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

MSL975007 - Supervise sampling, inspections and testing at construction sites

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: