Application
This unit describes the skills required to collect and prepare drinking water samples and to perform basic water quality tests. This unit does not include off-site laboratory testing.
This unit applies to those working in field operations in the water industry, but might be relevant to others.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision, while performing routine tasks in a range of familiar contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Prepare for water quality sampling and testing | 1.1 Receive instructions for taking samples and conducting basic water quality tests. 1.2 Confirm and record samples and tests to comply with requirements. 1.3 Select, check and prepare equipment and resources. 1.4 Select and apply relevant sample preservation methods. 1.5 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment. |
2. Conduct water quality sampling and testing | 2.1 Adopt hygienic work practices. 2.2 Collect samples ensuring that types, locations and times comply with requirements. 2.3 Prepare samples for off-site laboratory testing according to requirements. 2.4 Maintain integrity of samples during sampling and 2.5 Conduct basic on-site water quality tests. 2.6 Assess and report abnormal characteristics and apply incident management principles. 2.7 Record samples and results of on-site analysis. 2.8 Limit hazards and contamination to self, work area and environment. |
3. Finalise work | 3.1 Apply chain of custody principles. 3.2 Report observations or measurements requiring further action. 3.3 Dispose of samples and clean and store test equipment. 3.4 Clear and restore work area. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. To be deemed competent the candidate must be assessed in a minimum of three of the types of tests, one of the types of conditions and one of the areas of sampling listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
calibrating testing equipment
interpreting sampling and testing requirements
preparing, checking and using equipment
assessing risks
preparing, collecting, labelling and preserving water samples
disposing of waste and spent samples
planning and preparing for water sampling tasks
recording all required information
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
chain of custody
range and purpose of basic water quality testing and sampling
relevant policies and procedures
blind sampling
abnormal characteristics of water samples
atypical test result data
relevant work-related calculations
maintenance and storage of reagents
requirements for maintaining sample integrity
relevant legislative and organisational requirements
water sample preparation
work planning processes
effects of weather and conditions on work
hazards associated with collection of water samples
incident management principles
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Range Statement
Types of sampling conditions includes: | physical microbial chemical radiological |
On-site tests include: | turbidity pH dissolved oxygen electrical conductivity chlorine temperature colour |
Types of sampling areas include: | surface ground drinking seawater |
Competency Field
General