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

MSS025022 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform sampling and testing of soils

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSS025022 - Perform sampling and testing of soils
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit describes the skills and knowledge to collect soil samples in accordance with a defined sampling plan, prepare the samples for testing, conduct in-field and laboratory testing of the samples and report the results. Personnel are required to check the validity and reliability of data, recognise atypical test data, and troubleshoot common test procedures and equipment problems.This unit applies to environmental technicians in a range of industry sectors, including geotechnical services and civil engineering; site remediation or rehabilitation; solid and hazardous waste management; natural resource management; management of contaminated sites; environmental services (sampling and monitoring of air quality, water and soil); environmental compliance, auditing and inspection; groundwater and clean water (catchments, supply and environmental flows).No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Sampling and 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: 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
       
Element: Confirm the sampling locations, numbers and types of samples, timing and frequency of sampling from workplace or client’s sampling plan
       
Element: Check that all sampling and testing procedures are in accordance with client or workplace requirements, standards and guidelines
       
Element: Prepare for soil sampling
  • Identify site and sampling hazards and review workplace safety procedures
       
Element: Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and obtain all clearances and permits
       
Element: Select sampling equipment and conditions to achieve representative samples and to preserve sample integrity during collection, storage and transit
       
Element: Select field test equipment and instruments and check operation and calibration in accordance with procedures and manufacturer instructions
       
Element: Assemble and check all sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment
       
Element: Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site
       
Element: Conduct sampling and log soil samples
  • Locate sampling points and any services at the site
       
Element: Work effectively with other site personnel during drilling and excavation operations to collect and log reliable samples
       
Element: Conduct representative sampling in accordance with sampling plan and defined procedures for field and laboratory testing
       
Element: Record all information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements
       
Element: Record environment and any conditions or atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on sample representativeness or integrity
       
Element: Transport all samples back to base according to workplace procedures and codes
       
Element: Prepare soil samples for testing
  • Prepare sub-samples and back-up sub-samples that are representative of the source
       
Element: Label all sub-samples to ensure traceability and store in accordance with workplace procedures
       
Element: Follow defined preparation and safety procedures to limit hazards or contamination to samples, self, work area and environment
       
Element: Distribute sub-samples to required destinations for testing, maintaining sample integrity, traceability and chain of custody requirements
       
Element: Conduct physical and chemical soil tests in the field
  • Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated field test
       
Element: Check that all equipment, instruments and reagents are fit for purpose
       
Element: Set up and calibrate instruments to ensure safe operation and valid results
       
Element: Operate equipment and instruments in accordance with test method requirements
       
Element: Perform tests, procedures and observations on all samples and standards in accordance with specified methods
       
Element: Record all field observations and results and ensure that they are accurately transferred to workplace information management system
       
Element: Conduct physical and chemical soil tests in the laboratory
  • Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated laboratory test
       
Element: Perform tests and procedures on all samples, blanks and standards in accordance with specified methods
       
Element: Record test data noting atypical observations
       
Element: Process the data for samples, standards and blanks in accordance with workplace procedures
       
Element: Enter approved information into workplace information management system
       
Element: Review results and assess soil suitability for specific purposes
  • Read and interpret results in relation to legislative and client requirements
       
Element: Compare data with required, established and desired parameters to establish suitability for purpose
       
Element: Determine need for remedial action and report to client
       
Element: Maintain a safe work environment
  • Rehabilitate sampling site to render it safe and to minimise environmental impact
       
Element: Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures
       
Element: Check serviceability of all equipment before storage
       
Element: Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others
       
Element: Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts
       
Element: Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for disposal
       

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
Read and interpret available site information, site plan, sampling and testing locations and history of sampling and testing 
 
 
Identify site and sampling hazards and review workplace safety procedures 
 
 
 
 
 
Locate sampling points and any services at the site 
 
 
 
 
 
Prepare sub-samples and back-up sub-samples that are representative of the source 
 
 
 
Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated field test 
 
 
 
 
 
Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated laboratory test 
 
 
 
 
Read and interpret results in relation to legislative and client requirements 
 
 
Rehabilitate sampling site to render it safe and to minimise environmental impact 
 
 
 
 
 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSS025022 - Perform sampling and testing of 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

MSS025022 - Perform sampling and testing of 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: