ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Prepare for sampling

1.1 Sampling requirements are identified

1.2 Sampling method is determined to suit sampling requirement

1.3 Confirm that sampling tools and containers are available and fit for use

2 Collect and prepare samples

2.1 Collect samples in accordance with sampling schedule

2.2 Identify and report atypical observations made during sampling

2.3 Store and handle samples to preserve characteristics of sample

2.4 Prepare samples as required by sampling procedure

3 Record sampling information

3.1 Record sampling information according to workplace requirements

3.2 Sample labelling procedures are followed according to workplace requirements

Required skills include:

Ability to:

access workplace information such as the sampling plan to identify sampling requirements

select, fit and use personal protective clothing and/or equipment

confirm that necessary tools, containers and chemicals are available and fit for purpose

handle chemicals safely including handling preservatives

demonstrate handling and preparation procedures and use of appropriate protective clothing and equipment

demonstrate correct manual handling and safe work practices

demonstrate sampling collection and preparation procedures

return plant to operating conditions as required

identify and report any obvious non-conformance

maintain and store chemicals, containers and sampling tools as required

sort, collect, treat, recycle or dispose of sample material

label samples as required

record sampling information

maintain work area to meet housekeeping standards

Required knowledge includes:

Knowledge of:

purpose of a sampling plan including an understanding of the nature of representative samples and importance of maintaining the integrity of samples

awareness of cane analysis program requirements relating to sampling for cane payment tests

terminology relating to the types of samples and related methods used

safe work procedures including appropriate and safe manual handling, safe practices in accessing the sampling point, hazards associated with specific sampling requirements such as working with equipment under pressure, at high temperatures and storage of chemicals used

specific sample collection and preparation methods/procedures

sampling regimes implemented in response to special causes or non-conformance

inspection points for sampling

typical characteristics of materials sampled to and common contaminants

sample disposal procedures

labelling requirements

reporting and recording systems

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of ability to:

demonstrate sampling collection and preparation procedures

identify and report any obvious non-conformance

label and record samples.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:

Sampling schedule

Sampling tools, chemicals, containers and related equipment

Materials to be sampled

Sampling methods and procedures

Sample preparation equipment

Personal protective clothing and equipment

Communication systems and equipment

Housekeeping standards and procedures

Sample labelling and recording systems, requirements and procedures.

Method of assessment

Other units of competency relevant to the work role should be assessed in conjunction with this unit.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Policies and procedures

Work is carried out in accordance with company policies and procedures, licensing requirements, legislative requirements, codes of practice and industrial awards and agreements.

Codes of Practice

Codes of practice include the Sugar Milling Operations Industry Code of Practice.

Workplace information

Workplace information can include:

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

specifications

sampling schemes

schedules.

Cane sampling equipment

Equipment may include:

forks

shovels

scrapers

sample containers

purpose-related tools.

Cane sample preparation

Sample preparation may include:

addition of preservatives

fibre preparation such as disintegrator and cutter-grinders

sub-sampling to give a representative sample from given set of samples.

Teamwork

Work may require the ability to work within a team environment.

Information systems

Information systems may be print or screen based.