MSS025016A - Perform sampling and testing of stationary emissions Competency Mapping Template
Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners
MSS025016A Mapping and Delivery Guide Perform sampling and testing of stationary emissions
Version 1.0 Issue Date: June 2024
Qualification
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Unit of Competency
MSS025016A - Perform sampling and testing of stationary emissions
Description
This unit of competency covers the ability to collect and test gaseous and particulate components in air pollution emissions from stationary sources. Personnel work in pairs with a senior stack tester or air pollution engineer and use specified sampling points and sampling/test methods. They continually monitor hazards and risks in the work area, apply specified safe working procedures and use prescribed safety equipment. Note that this unit does not cover laboratory analysis of samples (e.g. gravimetric, moisture content and gas analysis) which is addressed in units such as MSL974003A Perform chemical tests and procedures and MSL975020A Apply routine spectrometric techniques. Sampling and testing of source odours is addressed in the unit MSS025010A Assist with odour source assessment.
Employability Skills
Not applicable.
Learning Outcomes and Application
This unit of competency is applicable to environmental technicians in a range of industry sectors, such as:environmental services (e.g. sampling and monitoring of air, odour, and air quality consultancy)environmental compliance, auditing and inspectionmanagement of pollution in chemical, food and by-product, mineral process manufacturing and energy production.
Duration and Setting
X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Not applicable.
Competency Field
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: Confirm stack sampling/testing requirements with supervisor
Confirm the site location, scope and purpose of stack sampling/testing, relevant standards and data requirements
Review available information about the site, its industrial processes, details of sampling/testing locations and any previous sampling/testing results for emissions
Select possible sampling/analyser train configurations to suit type and likely concentration of particulate matter, plant/stack conditions and/or gases of interest
Check that selected sampling/test methods are in accordance with statutory, client or enterprise requirements, relevant standards and guidelines
Element: Assist with site liaison
Liaise with site controller to access site
Arrange for induction training, clearances and/or permits, as necessary
Clarify site health and safety hazards/risks, safe work procedures/methods and availability of safe work platform
Negotiate access to stack during suitable process operating conditions for sampling/testing and to minimise impact on normal operations
Negotiate access to site equipment, services, materials and support personnel, as necessary
Confirm schedule for stack sampling/testing activities
Element: Prepare for stack sampling/testing
Review site hazards, risks, specified safe work methods
Review approved health and safety plan covering site sampling/testing activities
Review sampling/testing procedures and methods and equipment configurations with close attention to the sequence of steps and details for each
Select sampling equipment and test instruments and check their operation/calibration in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions
Ensure all conditioning reagents, solutions and calibration gases, as appropriate, are obtained and ready for field use
Prepare and store filters appropriate for the likely physical and chemical nature of the gases and particulates and in accordance with sampling/test method
Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers and safety equipment
Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site as required
Element: Assist with site inspection and preliminary tests
Locate the site controller and re-confirm access and suitability of stack conditions
Inspect work platform and check for safe access to existing sampling access holes and electrical services
Transport all required equipment and materials to work platform, check they are fit for purpose and rectify, as necessary
Record the dimensions of the stack and conduct preliminary determinations of temperature, velocity, pressure and moisture content values using relevant methods
Assess suitability/compliance of sampling plane
Assess whether the operating environment will impact on safety or reliability of sampling/testing and make modifications or alternative arrangements as directed
Confirm numbers of samples, sampling positions and times, sampling/test methods and equipment configurations for sampling and in-situ measurements
Element: Conduct sampling and in-situ tests
Set up sampling/analyser train with appropriate sensors, probes, nozzle, conditioning components and detectors in accordance with method
Allow sufficient time for the system to stabilise
Calibrate analyser in accordance with test method
Operate equipment with close attention to each method step and to maintaining the isokinetic or required sampling/test conditions for each sampling point
Conduct regular leak checks, purging and system performance tests in accordance with method to ensure reliable results
Carefully collect, label and store each sample to minimise loss or contamination and ensure traceability
Accurately record measurements, environmental conditions and any atypical observations that may impact on validity/integrity of samples or test results
Element: Finalise stack sampling/testing
Safely disassemble, clean/decontaminate and restow all equipment and materials for transport to base
Transport all samples back to base as soon as practicable and in accordance with enterprise procedures, test methods or relevant standards
Ensure all field observations, calibration data, measurements, calculations and results are accurately transferred to enterprise information database
Distribute samples for laboratory analysis within specified holding times, if required
Element: Process and interpret data
Review test data noting atypical observations
Calculate required quantities using relevant test method and ensure values are consistent with expectations
Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required
Record processed results in accordance with enterprise procedures
Interpret trends in data and/or results and report 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 enterprise requirement
Element: Maintain a safe work environment
Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to enterprise procedures
Check serviceability of all equipment before storage
Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment 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
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.
Overview of assessment
Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:
demonstrating an understanding of the legislative and regulatory framework for air quality
using accurate terminology to describe air quality parameters and stack sampling/testing
interpreting and applying stack sampling/monitoring plans, sampling/test methods and standards
operating, maintaining and/or calibrating stack sampling and testing equipment to obtain representative stack samples and produce consistently valid and accurate results
interpreting gross features of data, identifying atypical results and making relevant conclusions
calculating results using appropriate units/precision
providing accurate, complete records of sampling and testing observations, data and results
working safely and follow relevant legislative requirements for the disposal of waste and the preservation of the environment.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.
Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Resources may include:
Vehicles, stack sampling/test equipment, analysers, reagents, gases, safety equipment, camera, consumables, logbooks and data loggers, and computers
safety procedures, sampling/test methods, standards and equipment manuals.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
inspection of stack samples collected by the candidate
review of stack measurements, test results, calculations and observations produced by the candidate
review of sampling/testing records and reports completed by the candidate
feedback from supervisor about the candidate’s ability to consistently apply enterprise procedures and work safely
oral and written questioning to check the candidate’s understanding of the principles of stack sampling/testing, operation of stack sampling equipment, test instruments/analysers and processing of data
observation of the candidate performing a range of stack sampling and testing tasks.
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.
Guidance information for assessment
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.
Required skills
Required skills include:
planning and preparing for field activities
communicating effectively with site personnel, and negotiating access and support
observational and descriptive skills
recognising hazards, assessing risks and using appropriate safe work methods/equipment
collecting representative samples of stationary source emissions in accordance with a sampling plan/procedures, standards or instructions
using appropriate techniques to preserve the integrity of samples and transport them safely
demonstrating correct and safe use of stack sampling equipment and analysers, including set-up, pre-use checks, calibration and performance checks
using stack testing equipment/analysers to obtain reliable, quantitative results
identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults
identifying atypical data and samples and taking appropriate action
solving technical problems and responding effectively to changed/unforeseen circumstances
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
localised meteorology and dispersion of air pollutants
ideal gas behaviour, principles of fluid flow through ducts, and effects of bends and orifices
principles of stationary source emissions sampling (particles, common gases and compounds) and associated sampling equipment
stack dimensions, source parameters and the selection of sampling planes, number and location of sampling points
isokinetic conditions, and effect of fluctuations in source parameters on results
principles of emission monitoring (particles and common gases) and associated analysers
function of key components, operating principles of common stack sampling/analyser trains
common procedure/equipment problems leading to atypical data/results
common process problems leading to atypical test results (e.g. high oxygen readings may indicate a hole in the stack)
labelling and traceability of samples and management of large volumes of data
hazards and risks associated with stationary source emissions
safe work methods and equipment, requirements for safe work platforms and services (e.g. AS 1657:1992 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders - Design, construction and installation), personal protective equipment, relevant health, safety and environment requirements and procedures
Codes of practice
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used
Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:
federal legislation, such as
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with:
land use, acquisition, planning and protection
environmental protection
pollution and contaminated sites
Australian and international standards, such as:
AS ISO 14050:1999 Environmental management - Vocabulary
AS/NZS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental management basic set
AS 4323.1:1995 Stationary source emissions - Selection of sampling positions
AS 4323.2:1995 Stationary source emissions - Determination of total particulate matter - Isokinetic manual sampling - Gravimetric method
ISO 10780:1994 Stationary source emissions - Measurement of velocity and volume flowrate of gas stream in ducts
US Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) methods, such as:
Method 4 Determination of moisture content in stack gases
Method 7E Determination of nitrogen oxides emissions from stationary sources (instrumental analyser procedure)
enterprise sampling and monitoring protocols
equipment manuals and warranties, supplier catalogue and handbooks
government policy (e.g. environmental protection and impact assessment)
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
national environment protection measures
occupational health and safety (OHS) national standards and codes of practice
site-specific requirements
Information about the site, industrial activities and emissions
Information about the site, industrial processes and emissions may include:
location of site and nearby buildings, topography and meteorological records
complaints, previous stack testing at site or odour assessments in nearby locations
industrial process inputs/outputs, process flowchart, unit operations, batch, cyclic or continuous operation, predictable variations in process conditions, production rates, and period of operation
air emission control systems, such as scrubbers, bag filters, stacks and bio filters
parameters of emission sources, such as location, geometry, release parameters and weather interaction
previous emissions data, such as:
velocity and temperature of pollutant concentration
moisture content
expected gas composition and likely interfering compounds
high vacuum, high pressure and high temperature gas streams
corrosive or very reactive components
Air pollutants
Air pollutants may include:
inorganic gases:
CO and CO2, NOx, andSOx
acid gases
H2S, HCl
ozone
chlorine, fluorine and fluorides
volatile organic liquids and compounds
particulates:
deposited matter
suspended matter (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1)
particulate fluorides
heavy metals
Stack tests
Stack tests may include, but are not limited to:
measurement of temperature, pressure, velocity and volume flowrate of gas streams
gas analysis for determination of molecular weight
determination of moisture content
determination of particulate matter
determination of concentration of specific gases in emissions (e.g. O2, CO2, SO2, NO and NO2)
Hazards
Hazards may include:
working on elevated platforms
exposure to toxic, corrosive or hot gases
electrical hazards
trip hazards from cables
noise or heat from plant equipment
objects falling from the work platform or into the duct/stack
flammability hazards
Safety procedures
Safety procedures may include:
preparation/approval of site health and safety plan for sampling/testing, and safe work permits/approvals
use of safe work method statements, site safety induction, risk cards, ‘step back’ and safety checks
use of personal protective equipment
ensuring two persons are present
monitoring of atmosphere for hazardous gases
working upwind of known contaminants
prohibition of eating, drinking and smoking
separation of heavy equipment into smaller units/cases for transport
testing and earthing of electrical services, generators, trip out devices and connectors
shielding of hot surfaces and exhausts
careful handling of glass containers
reporting procedures for safety problems
regular medical checks
Safety equipment
Safety equipment may include:
safety harness, personal protective equipment, such as boots, gloves, safety glasses and overalls
gas monitors
communication equipment (e.g. two-way radio and mobile phone)
MSDS
first aid equipment
Stack sampling and testing equipment
Stack sampling and testing equipment may include:
sampling train with in-stack or out-stack collector and components, such as:
sampling nozzles
probe tubes (e.g. glass and stainless steel)
filters, impingers and desiccators for transport of dry filters
flexible bags (e.g. Tedlar, Mylar and Teflon)
particulate matter collectors, accessories (e.g. cyclones and filter bags)
pre-prepared sample containers (e.g. Dioxin and furans), transport containers, eskies and ice
instruments to measure static and differential pressure (e.g. manometer and barometer)
sampling flow rate control devices
pumps
sampling flow meters
water removal device (e.g. condenser and silica gel)
temperature sensors in stack, duct and gas meters
gas velocity instruments (e.g. pitot tube)
heating/cooling elements to prevent condensation of probe tube or collectors
gas analysers (e.g. NOx, CO, CO2, O2 and N2) with components, such as:
sample gas manifolds
analyte specific, dual range and low concentration analysers
data recorder, data logger and/or computer for real-time analysis
reagents and standards (e.g. calibration gases, converter efficiency gases, interference checks and demineralised water)
sample lines, hoses, ropes, bags and winches
electrical extension cords
calibrated rod for measuring stack dimensions
balance, timers and digital camera
tools and spare access hole plugs
cherry picker
Sampling/measurement system performance tests
Sampling/measurement system performance checks may include:
detecting and rectifying leaks (or reducing them to acceptable levels)
analyser 2 or 3 point calibration tests
NO2 to NO conversion efficiency checks
system bias checks
system response time check
interference checks
post-run system bias and zero/span drift checks
quality control (QC) runs
OHS and environmental management requirements
OHS and environmental management requirements:
all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time
all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and consumables, and require standard precautions to be applied
where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health
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
Confirm the site location, scope and purpose of stack sampling/testing, relevant standards and data requirements
Review available information about the site, its industrial processes, details of sampling/testing locations and any previous sampling/testing results for emissions
Select possible sampling/analyser train configurations to suit type and likely concentration of particulate matter, plant/stack conditions and/or gases of interest
Check that selected sampling/test methods are in accordance with statutory, client or enterprise requirements, relevant standards and guidelines
Liaise with site controller to access site
Arrange for induction training, clearances and/or permits, as necessary
Clarify site health and safety hazards/risks, safe work procedures/methods and availability of safe work platform
Negotiate access to stack during suitable process operating conditions for sampling/testing and to minimise impact on normal operations
Negotiate access to site equipment, services, materials and support personnel, as necessary
Confirm schedule for stack sampling/testing activities
Review site hazards, risks, specified safe work methods
Review approved health and safety plan covering site sampling/testing activities
Review sampling/testing procedures and methods and equipment configurations with close attention to the sequence of steps and details for each
Select sampling equipment and test instruments and check their operation/calibration in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions
Ensure all conditioning reagents, solutions and calibration gases, as appropriate, are obtained and ready for field use
Prepare and store filters appropriate for the likely physical and chemical nature of the gases and particulates and in accordance with sampling/test method
Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers and safety equipment
Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site as required
Locate the site controller and re-confirm access and suitability of stack conditions
Inspect work platform and check for safe access to existing sampling access holes and electrical services
Transport all required equipment and materials to work platform, check they are fit for purpose and rectify, as necessary
Record the dimensions of the stack and conduct preliminary determinations of temperature, velocity, pressure and moisture content values using relevant methods
Assess suitability/compliance of sampling plane
Assess whether the operating environment will impact on safety or reliability of sampling/testing and make modifications or alternative arrangements as directed
Confirm numbers of samples, sampling positions and times, sampling/test methods and equipment configurations for sampling and in-situ measurements
Set up sampling/analyser train with appropriate sensors, probes, nozzle, conditioning components and detectors in accordance with method
Allow sufficient time for the system to stabilise
Calibrate analyser in accordance with test method
Operate equipment with close attention to each method step and to maintaining the isokinetic or required sampling/test conditions for each sampling point
Conduct regular leak checks, purging and system performance tests in accordance with method to ensure reliable results
Carefully collect, label and store each sample to minimise loss or contamination and ensure traceability
Accurately record measurements, environmental conditions and any atypical observations that may impact on validity/integrity of samples or test results
Safely disassemble, clean/decontaminate and restow all equipment and materials for transport to base
Transport all samples back to base as soon as practicable and in accordance with enterprise procedures, test methods or relevant standards
Ensure all field observations, calibration data, measurements, calculations and results are accurately transferred to enterprise information database
Distribute samples for laboratory analysis within specified holding times, if required
Review test data noting atypical observations
Calculate required quantities using relevant test method and ensure values are consistent with expectations
Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required
Record processed results in accordance with enterprise procedures
Interpret trends in data and/or results and report 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 enterprise requirement
Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to enterprise procedures
Check serviceability of all equipment before storage
Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment 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
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
MSS025016A - Perform sampling and testing of stationary emissions
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
MSS025016A - Perform sampling and testing of stationary emissions
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