Application
This unit describes the skills required to collect and prepare trade wastewater samples, perform basic field based tests and conduct and record analysis.
This unit applies to those working 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 indirect supervision, while performing complex tasks in 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 trade wastewater sampling and testing | 1 1 Identify the need to sample based on trade waste customer risk, sewer catchment and infrastructure issues. 1.2 Schedule sampling and testing in accordance with a monitoring program. 1.3 Identify wastewater quality parameters to be tested for. 1.4 Identify appropriate sampling location and type of sample to be taken in accordance with the monitoring program. 1.5 Communicate with an external laboratory regarding sampling, preservation, parameters to be analysed and transportation requirements. 1.6 Select and apply sample preservation methods. 1.7 Select, check, calibrate and prepare equipment and resources. 1.8 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment. |
2. Conduct trade wastewater sampling and testing | 2.1 Adopt hygienic work practices. 2.2 Carry out job safety analysis or risk assessment. 2.3 Determine 2.4 Sample and determine the trade wastewater related to the typical operation of the business. 2.5 Collect samples ensuring that types, locations and times comply with requirements. 2.6 Maintain integrity of samples during sampling and field testing. 2.7 Conduct basic field trade wastewater tests. 2.8 Assess and report abnormal characteristics and undertake corrective action. 2.9 Limit hazards and contamination to self, work area and environment. |
3. Finalise work | 3.1 Apply chain of custody procedures. 3.2 Organise transportation of samples to the laboratory. 3.3 Report observations or measurements requiring further action. 3.4 Clean testing equipment and sampling site. 3.5 Record analysis results from field testing and laboratory testing. 3.6 Interpret test results, assess compliance and reschedule sampling to confirm findings. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. The candidate must be assessed in both types of sampling processes and at least two types of field tests 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.
conducting hazard and risks assessments
planning working activities
applying procedures and standards
performing task-related calculations
maintaining a safe work environment
using automatic samplers and flow measurement equipment
using recording equipment (i.e. pH or temperature recorder) and field test kits
conducting trade waste tests on-site according to specifications
disposing of waste and spent samples
identifying which parameters can be analysed in-field and which need laboratory testing
identifying necessary equipment and resources for sampling and testing (i.e. field test kits, preservation reagents)
selecting appropriate sample jars and preparing documentation (labels, chain of custody and other required forms, i.e. inspection sheets)
installing sampling, flow measuring (if applicable) and recording equipment in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications and site specific conditions
applying labels to samples and prepare appropriate documentation for external analyses
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.
relevant policies and procedures including chain of custody
relevant standard methods for testing of water
range and purpose of basic water quality testing and sampling
abnormal characteristics of water samples
relevant calculations
storage of reagents
relevant legislative and organisational requirements
trade waste sample preparation:
prevention of contamination
volume of sample
appropriate containers
preservation
location selection
equipment
documentation and transportation procedures for trade waste samples
disposal procedures for excess trade waste samples
sampling and testing requirements
water quality parameters of significance to a range of trade waste discharges
hazards associated with collection of trade waste samples
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
Field testing includes: | pH temperature conductivity metals colour visual assessment odour sulphides |
Sampling processes include: | automatic flow proportional composites time proportional composites discreet manual |
Competency Field
General