Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 6:13 AM AWST

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Perform sampling and testing for site contamination

Perform sampling and testing for site contamination

Unit of competency
National Code
MSS025029
State Code
OEQ93
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
050999 - Environmental Studies, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
03/05/2023
Nominal Hours
80
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist in site inspections, collect samples and conduct field tests and/or measurements to identify contamination in air, soil and water.This unit applies to environmental technicians,environmental officersor other roles who are required to inspect site for potential contamination, sample and test air, water and soil,monitor risksandapply safetyprocedures,selectequipment andmaterials andrecord and interpret data.This unit applies in a range of industry sectors, including but not limited to environmental services (e.g. sampling and monitoring of air quality, water and soil); environmental compliance, auditing and inspection; management of pollution and contaminated sites; and site remediation or rehabilitation.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. Assist with preliminary site study
  • 1.1 Locate and review relevant legislative, regulatory and/or planning requirements and register for contaminated sites
  • 1.2 Confirm the site location, scope and purpose of the investigation and assigned tasks with supervisor
  • 1.3 Source and review available site data, including site history, geology, hydrogeology and meteorology data
  • 1.4 Summarise information to assist with preparation of a site chronology and identification of gaps or inadequacies in data, potential contaminants and areas of possible contamination
2. Prepare for site activities
  • 2.1 Confirm the scope and purpose of sampling, testing and/or monitoring activities and data requirements with supervisor
  • 2.2 Liaise with site controller to access site, identify locations of services and arrange for induction, clearances and/or permits
  • 2.3 Review risks posed by site contaminants and review the health and safety plan or safe work procedures specified for planned activities
  • 2.4 Review sampling plan and confirm sampling and test methods, sampling and test points, numbers and types of samples and/or measurements with supervisor
  • 2.5 Review specified sampling and test methods to confirm process details and sequence of steps
  • 2.6 Check the operation and, if required, calibration of sampling equipment, test and/or monitoring instruments in accordance with relevant methods, standards and manufacturer instructions
  • 2.7 Ensure required reagents, solutions and/or calibration standards are obtained and ready for field use
  • 2.8 Assemble and safely stow all sampling equipment, test instruments, materials, containers, safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • 2.9 Arrange suitable transport to, from and around site
3. Assist with site inspection
  • 3.1 Sketch, map and/or photograph the site features relevant to site inspection
  • 3.2 Conduct a visual inspection to inform the selection and design of subsequent investigations
  • 3.3 Collect preliminary samples, as directed, to help characterise possible contamination hazards prior to detailed investigations
4. Conduct sampling as directed
  • 4.1 Locate sampling and test points and any services at the site
  • 4.2 Work effectively with other site personnel during drilling excavation and/or survey operations to collect reliable samples, logs and measurements, as necessary
  • 4.3 Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self/others, equipment and environment
  • 4.4 Collect and preserve required samples in accordance with sampling plan, relevant methods and/or standards
  • 4.5 Record information and label samples in accordance with traceability requirements
  • 4.6 Record environmental conditions and/or atypical observations made during sampling that may impact on validity or integrity of samples
  • 4.7 Store and transport all samples back to base in accordance with specified method, chain of custody requirements and relevant codes
5. Conduct field tests and/or monitoring as directed
  • 5.1 Obtain sample or sub-sample for designated field test
  • 5.2 Check that all equipment, instruments, reagents and calibration standards are fit for purpose
  • 5.3 Set up and calibrate (if required) instruments to ensure safe operation and valid results
  • 5.4 Operate equipment and/or instruments in accordance with test method requirements
  • 5.5 Follow specified procedures to minimise hazards and/or contamination of samples, self and others, equipment and environment
  • 5.6 Perform measurements and tests on samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods
  • 5.7 Keep accurate, complete and traceable records of field observations and test results
6. Clean, decontaminate and/or dispose of contaminated equipment and materials
  • 6.1 Inspect equipment to assess the degree of contamination
  • 6.2 Use specified procedures to remove material from the exposed outer surfaces of sampling and test equipment and PPE
  • 6.3 Use specified procedures and reagents to neutralise, wash and/or rinse exposed surfaces
  • 6.4 Collect rinsate blanks for analysis and preserve and store in accordance with specified procedure or standard
  • 6.5 Prepare and stow items for safe transport
  • 6.6 Safely collect all debris and sullage from decontamination in accordance with relevant regulations and codes
7. Finalise site activities
  • 7.1 Arrange for the safe disposal of hazardous wastes in accordance with relevant regulations and codes
  • 7.2 Ensure site observations, sampling and test data and results are accurately transferred to the workplace information management system
  • 7.3 Store samples in accordance with test method, chain of custody requirements and any relevant codes
  • 7.4 Ensure samples are dispatched for analytical testing within recommended holding times
8. Process and interpret data
  • 8.1 Review test and monitoring data noting atypical observations
  • 8.2 Calculate required quantities using relevant test method and ensure values are consistent with expectations
  • 8.3 Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement, if relevant, in accordance with workplace procedures
  • 8.4 Record processed results in accordance with workplace procedures
  • 8.5 Interpret trends in data and/or results and report atypical results promptly to relevant personnel
  • 8.6 Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results
  • 8.7 Compare results with established threshold levels or environmental quality concentration limits, as relevant
  • 8.8 Finalise reporting of results in accordance with workplace requirement
9. Maintain a safe work environment
  • 9.1 Clean equipment, instruments, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures
  • 9.2 Check serviceability of all equipment and instruments before storage
  • 9.3 Use defined safe work practices and PPE to ensure personal safety and that of others
  • 9.4 Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impact according to procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAK70 MSS025014 Perform sampling and testing of contaminated sites Unit of competency