Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:16 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.

Collect and evaluate groundwater data

Collect and evaluate groundwater data

Unit of competency
National Code
MSS025006
State Code
BAK78
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
22/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/08/2016
Field of Education
010711 - Hydrology
Original Release Date
08/08/2016
Nominal Hours
60
Description
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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
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.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D7701 MSS025006A Collect and evaluate groundwater data Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAF30 MSS025021 Collect and evaluate groundwater data Unit of competency