Perform sampling and testing of soils

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 3:14 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
MSS025035

State Code
OEQ31

TGA Status
Current

DTWD Status
Approved

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
16/12/2022

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

03/05/2023

Field of Education

010709 - Soil Science

Original Release Date

03/05/2023

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to collect and perform field and laboratory tests on soil samples. This unit applies to environmental technicians and similar roles who are required to interpret a defined sampling plan, obtain samples, conduct physical and chemical tests, check the validity of data, recognise atypical test data and interpret results to determine whether remedial action is needed. This unit applies in a range of industry sectors, including but not limited to 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.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Confirm soil sampling and testing requirements with supervisor

1.1 Review site plan, sampling and testing locations and history of sampling and testing
1.2 Confirm sampling locations, numbers and types of samples, and timing and frequency of sampling from workplace or client sampling plan
1.3 Check that sampling and testing procedures are in accordance with client or workplace requirements and relevant standards and guidelines

2. Prepare for soil sampling

2.1 Identify site and sampling and testing hazards and review workplace safety procedures
2.2 Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and obtain clearances and permits
2.3 Select sampling equipment and conditions to achieve representative samples and to preserve sample integrity during collection, storage and transit
2.4 Select field test equipment and instruments and check operation and calibration in accordance with procedures and manufacturer instructions
2.5 Assemble and check all sampling equipment, field test equipment, materials, containers and safety equipment and stow for safe transport
2.6 Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site

3. Conduct sampling and log soil samples

3.1 Locate sampling points and any services at the site
3.2 Work effectively with other site personnel during drilling and excavation operations to collect and log reliable samples
3.3 Conduct representative sampling in accordance with sampling plan and defined procedures for field and laboratory testing
3.4 Record information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements
3.5 Record environment and any conditions or atypical observations made during sampling that may impact sample representativeness or integrity
3.6 Transport samples back to base according to workplace procedures and codes

4. Prepare soil samples for testing

4.1 Prepare sub-samples and back-up sub-samples that are representative of the source
4.2 Label sub-samples to ensure traceability and store in accordance with workplace procedures
4.3 Follow defined preparation and safety procedures to limit hazards and contamination to samples, self, work area and environment
4.4 Distribute sub-samples to required destinations for testing, maintaining sample integrity, traceability and chain of custody requirements

5. Conduct physical and chemical soil tests in the field

5.1 Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated field test
5.2 Check that equipment, instruments and reagents are fit for purpose
5.3 Set up and calibrate instruments to ensure safe operation and valid results
5.4 Operate equipment and instruments in accordance with test method requirements
5.5 Perform tests, procedures and observations in accordance with specified methods
5.6 Record field observations and results and ensure that they are accurately transferred to workplace information management system

6. Conduct physical and chemical soil tests in the laboratory

6.1 Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated laboratory test
6.2 Check that equipment, instruments and reagents are fit for purpose
6.3 Set up and calibrate instruments to ensure safe operation and valid results
6.4 Operate equipment and instruments in accordance with test method requirements
6.5 Perform tests and procedures on samples, blanks and standards in accordance with specified methods
6.6 Record test data noting atypical observations
6.7 Process the data for samples, standards and blanks in accordance with workplace procedures
6.8 Enter approved information into workplace information management system

7. Review results and assess soil suitability for specific purposes

7.1 Interpret results in relation to legislative and client requirements
7.2 Compare data with required, established and desired parameters to establish suitability for purpose
7.3 Determine and document any need for remedial action and report to client

8. Maintain a safe work environment

8.1 Rehabilitate sampling site to render it safe and to minimise environmental impact
8.2 Clean all equipment, instruments, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures
8.3 Check serviceability of all equipment and instruments before storage
8.4 Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others
8.5 Minimise the generation of wastes and environment impacts according to procedures
8.6 Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for disposal

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
OAF90	MSS025022	Perform sampling and testing of soils	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BIR2	MSS40222	Certificate IV in Environmental Monitoring and Technology	Qualification
BIR0	MSS50222	Diploma of Environmental Monitoring and Technology	Qualification