Application
This unit of competency covers the ability to obtain, preserve and transport representative samples of groundwater for laboratory analysis; measure bore conditions; test chemical, physical parameters in the field; and to process data and interpret results. Personnel usually work within an existing sampling or monitoring plan, continually monitor levels of risk and use specified safe working procedures and equipment. They are also required to work closely with drillers during the construction of wells and bores to prevent contamination of samples, obtain logs and manage waste.
Note: This unit does not cover laboratory-based analysis of groundwater which is addressed in MSL974003 Perform chemical tests and procedures and MSS02501 Perform environmental microbiological tests.
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 quality, water, soil and noise); environmental compliance, auditing and inspection; groundwater and clean water (e.g. catchments, supply and environmental flows); water treatment, storm and wastewater management; solid and hazardous waste management; management of contaminated sites; site remediation or rehabilitation; geotechnical services and civil engineering; and natural resource management.
While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, environmental monitoring and management activities are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Confirm groundwater data requirements with supervisor | 1.1 | Confirm the scope and purpose of sampling/monitoring data requirements. |
1.2 | Review available site information, such as site plan, bore locations, construction and history of sampling/monitoring. | ||
1.3 | Confirm the sampling methods, locations, numbers and types of samples, and duration/frequency of sampling from workplace or client’s sampling plan. | ||
1.4 | Check that all sampling/testing procedures are in accordance with client or workplace requirements, relevant standards and guidelines. | ||
2 | Prepare for groundwater sampling and monitoring | 2.1 | Identify site and sampling hazards and review workplace safety procedures. |
2.2 | Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and obtain all clearances and/or permits, as necessary. | ||
2.3 | Review field sampling procedures and sample preparation methods required for specific laboratory analyses. | ||
2.4 | Select purging/sampling equipment and sampling conditions to achieve representative samples and preserve sample integrity during collection, storage and transit. | ||
2.5 | Ensure all reagents, solutions, standards and blanks (as appropriate) are obtained and/or prepared ready for field use. | ||
2.6 | Select field test equipment/instruments and check operation and calibration, as required, in accordance with methods/procedures and manufacturer instructions. | ||
2.7 | Assemble and stow all sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment. | ||
2.8 | Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site as required. | ||
3 | Liaise with drillers during establishment of wells and bores | 3.1 | Confirm location of well or bore and groundwater monitoring requirements using site sampling and monitoring plan. |
3.2 | Examine the drilling/construction area to identify possible hazards. | ||
3.3 | Ensure proposed drilling/construction method will not cause contamination and that casing, drilling fluids and any other materials used in the bore are free of contaminants. | ||
3.4 | Ensure drilling and sampling equipment is cleaned thoroughly before drilling commences. | ||
3.5 | Ensure protective casings and screens are kept in their protective coverings prior to installation. | ||
3.6 | Monitor drilling to accurately log samples as required and prevent their contamination. | ||
4 | Conduct representative sampling of groundwater | 4.1 | Locate sampling locations and services at the site and identify possible hazards. |
4.2 | Conduct sufficient measurements to accurately determine water level and bore depth, as required. | ||
4.3 | Record bore/environmental conditions and any atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on sample representativeness or integrity. | ||
4.4 | Conduct purging in accordance with defined procedure or method, collect the waste and decontaminate the equipment used. | ||
4.5 | Collect required representative samples and ensure all controls, blanks and replicate samples are properly integrated into the sampling process. | ||
4.6 | Record all information and label samples in accordance with chain of custody/traceability requirements. | ||
4.7 | Filter and prepare samples to preserve their integrity for subsequent analysis. | ||
4.8 | Secure and transport all samples back to base in accordance with workplace procedures and relevant guidelines. | ||
5 | Conduct field testing of groundwater | 5.1 | Assemble required monitoring instruments, equipment, and reagents and conduct pre-use checks in accordance with manufacturer instructions. |
5.2 | Retrieve samples for designated field tests or locate established locations for in-situ testing. | ||
5.3 | Set up, calibrate and operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test methods/procedures and manufacturer instructions. | ||
5.4 | Take sufficient measurements of groundwater field parameters to obtain reliable data and in accordance with specified methods/procedures. | ||
5.5 | Record all field observations/data and ensure that they are accurately transferred to workplace information database. | ||
6 | Process and interpret groundwater data | 6.1 | Review test data noting atypical observations. |
6.2 | Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations. | ||
6.3 | Estimate and document uncertainty of measurements in accordance with workplace procedures, if required. | ||
6.4 | Record and report processed results in accordance with workplace procedures. | ||
6.5 | Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel. | ||
6.6 | Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results. | ||
6.7 | Compare results with established groundwater quality standards, statutory environmental quality concentration limits or similar, if relevant. | ||
6.8 | Finalise reporting of results in accordance with workplace requirements. | ||
7 | Maintain a safe work environment | 7.1 | Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others. |
7.2 | Rehabilitate sampling site to render it safe and to minimise environmental impact. | ||
7.3 | Clean/decontaminate all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures. | ||
7.4 | Check serviceability of all equipment before storage. | ||
7.5 | Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts. | ||
7.6 | Liaise with relevant personnel for the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal. | ||
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
collecting representative samples of groundwater in accordance with a site sampling plan for at least two (2) sites
measuring bore conditions and conducting reliable field tests of groundwater parameters on at least two (2) sites
planning and preparing for field activities
interpreting and applying groundwater sampling/monitoring plans and procedures for sites, including requirements covering pre-treatment, containers, preservation, storage, labelling and traceability
recognising site hazards and applying safe work procedures during sampling, testing and transport to and from site
communicating effectively with site personnel, drillers and supervisors about issues such as site access and permits, site operations, scheduling of sampling/testing and environmental requirements
demonstrating correct and safe use and calibration of field instruments and/or equipment
identifying atypical sampling conditions and samples and taking appropriate action
identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults
calculating results using appropriate units/precision
identifying atypical results as out-of-normal range or an artefact
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
cleaning, decontaminating and maintaining purging/sampling equipment
following relevant legislative requirements for the disposal of waste and the preservation of the environment
preparing accurate records of groundwater sampling, site observations and measurements
producing concise and accurate reports within the agreed timeframe.
Evidence of Knowledge
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
terminology used to describe aquifers, drilling/construction of wells and bores, and groundwater sampling/testing procedures
principles of representative sampling and field testing of common groundwater parameters
preservation of the integrity of samples
maintaining identification of samples relative to their source, workplace and/or legal traceability requirements
typical values of groundwater parameters, common pollutants/contaminants
links between quality control, quality assurance, quality management systems and sampling procedures
workplace procedures dealing with legislative requirements for the handling, labelling and transport of hazardous goods
common site hazards, links between safe work procedures and personal and environmental safety, particularly at high risk sites.
Assessment Conditions
Judgement 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.
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).
Holistic assessment methods include:
inspection of groundwater samples collected by the candidate from at least (2) two sites
review of groundwater measurements, test results, calculations and site observations produced by the candidate for at least two (2) sites
review of sampling/testing records completed by the candidate
feedback from supervisors about the candidate’s ability to apply workplace procedures consistently, work safely and produce results within the agreed timeframe
oral and/or written questions to check the candidate’s understanding of groundwater parameters, sampling/test procedures and calculations.
Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures, and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:
vehicles, sampling equipment, field test equipment, digital camera, containers and reagents/consumables
safe work procedures and safety equipment
workplace procedures, work program, maps, site plans, site sampling plans and test methods, and equipment manuals.
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 competency 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 an organisation providing environmental monitoring, management or technology related services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those required skills (language, literacy and numeracy) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
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. | |
Legislation, regulations, standards, codes, workplace procedures and requirements include the latest version of one or more of: | federal legislation, such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, and National Environmental Protection Measures state/territory government legislation and local government by-laws, policies, regulations and plans dealing with land use, acquisition, planning and protection; water and water management; pollution and contaminated sites; mining operations legislation, standards and codes of practice for work health and safety (WHS) and handling of dangerous goods government policies dealing with sustainable development and environmental impact assessment Australian and international standards covering environmental management, such as AS/NZS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental Management Basic Set; and sampling of groundwater, such as AS/NZS 5667 Water quality series industry guidelines, such as Australian Drinking Water Guidelines; Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh And Marine Water Quality; and Geoscience Australia’s field guide for groundwater sampling and analysis registration/licensing and/or accreditation requirements information for specific sites, such as applicable legislative requirements and approval requirements, site access and work schedules, groundwater monitoring, sampling and in-situ test procedures workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); equipment manuals and warranties; job hazard analyses; work method statements; safety data sheets (SDS) and safe work procedures; waste minimisation, containment, processing and safe disposal procedures. |
Workplace procedures for field activities include one or more of: | use of field notebooks or log books standard operating procedures covering fieldwork, sampling and testing equipment operating manuals, calibration procedures, instrument fault-finding procedures and general maintenance and repair procedures emergency, first aid and survival procedures requirements related to protection of the environment use of incident/accident/injury report forms. |
Sampling/monitoring plans include one or more of: | purpose of sampling, such as: identification of aquifers, leakage and hydraulic connection of aquifers assessment of groundwater movement, flow, recharge and discharge and quality assessment of salt, nutrients, pesticides and other contaminants sampling criteria, such as: spatial and depth distribution within target depth to water level for shallow/deep aquifers contamination potential and land use nature of recharge/discharge mechanisms diversity of groundwater use bore accessibility and bore equipment availability sampling frequency/duration depending on purpose, such as level, quality indicators (e.g. temperature and electrical conductivity), long-term quality parameters and could be continuous, hourly, daily, monthly, quarterly, six monthly, annual and long term. |
Site and sampling hazards include one or more of: | risk of surface collapse around old wells unsafe stages and ladders working in confined spaces, such as wells, boreholes, wellheads and basements exposure to contaminated groundwater and confined space atmospheres solar radiation, dust and noise handling bulky or heavy equipment. |
Safe working procedures include one or more of: | use of safety harness, suitable clothing and boots, sunglasses, hat and gloves and sunscreen use of breathing apparatus ensuring two persons are present during sampling of wells (one at the surface) testing of atmosphere for oxygen deficiency and flammable/toxic vapours working upwind of known contaminants prohibition of eating, drinking and smoking separation of heavy equipment into smaller units/cases for transport location and avoidance of site utility services securing and counterbalancing of pumps and water filled hoses down the hole testing and earthing of electrical generators, trip out devices and connectors (especially at waterlogged sites) shielding of hot surfaces and exhausts careful handling of glass containers and preservatives regular medical checks access to drinking water, first aid equipment and mobile phone. |
Drilling and construction of wells and bores includes one or more of: | drilling techniques, such as auger, rotary air, rotary mud, cable tool, direct push technologies, sonic drilling and vibro coring bore construction techniques, such as: use of PVC, stainless steel and fibreglass casings mechanical casing joints screen and gravel packs cement or bentonite seals lockable caps, bore name and ID label piezometer construction techniques, such as: shallow piezometers bundled mini piezometers. |
Purging and field sampling equipment include one or more of: | Teflon, glass and stainless steel items bailers and cords, and syringe devices air-lift, suction-lift, gas operated, bladder, submersible, inertial (foot pump) and submersible piston pumps inlet screens flow meter water sampler groundsheets, scrubbing brushes, hoses, buckets, jerry cans and waste containers cables, batteries, generator and air compressor tripods, stands, swivelling blocks and tools eskies and ice and will vary according to the position of the sampler intake, purge criteria used and composition of the groundwater to be sampled. |
Sample preparation and transport include one or more of: | filtering groundwater samples using syringes, filter capsules and hand operated pumps sample preparation for major and minor chemistry, nutrients and isotope analysis sampling and filtration for incubated microbiology samples collecting samples of dissolved and entrained or evolving gases labelling and packing of samples to ensure integrity, traceability, preservation and prevention of cross-contamination during transit sample delivery within specified holding times. |
Field testing equipment and instruments include one or more of: | maps, global positioning system (GPS), two-way radio and mobile phone tape measures and weights, plopper/samplers and water level meters flow cells parameter specific meter or multi-probes, such as dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, pH, turbidity, nitrates, phosphates and temperature field test kits for parameters such as dissolved gases, chemical anions and cations, heavy metals, E. coli and biological oxygen demand (BOD) portable colorimeters and field microscopes portable gas analyser for CH4, O2, CO2, CO and H2S sterile sample bottles and other sample containers specific to analytical method reagents, calibration solutions and cleaning solutions media/substrates for presence or absence microbiology field tests filters and sieves data loggers and digital camera equipment manuals and sampling/testing procedures. |
Field measurements/tests include one or more of: | measuring depth of bores and water levels pH and temperature electrical conductivity dissolved oxygen redox potential alkalinity using burette titration and alkalinity titrator presence or absence microbiology field tests field gas analysis for CH4,O2, CO2, CO and H2S. |
Field observations and data include one or more of: | sampling point name, location, time, date and type nature of aquifer and water bearing strata well/bore dimensions and description of conditions pumping status, depth of pump suction and/or discharge water level within well or borehole method of sampling and depth of sampling sample appearance when collected (colour, clarity and odour) results of on-site analysis (e.g. pH, electrical conductivity and dissolved oxygen) details of sample preservation techniques used details of on-site filtration (e.g. filter pore size) details of sample storage method required/used name of sample collector. |
WHS requirements include: | compliance with relevant federal/state/territory WHS legislation at all times assuming that samples are potentially hazardous and applying standard precautions accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and state/territory Departments of Health, where relevant. |
Sectors
Environmental
Competency Field
Sampling and testing