Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare for sampling 

1.1

Confirm the purpose, priority and scope of the sampling request

1.2

Liaise with relevant personnel to arrange site access and all necessary clearances/permits

1.3

Identify site hazards and review workplace safety procedures

1.4

Confirm what samples are to be collected, from where, how and when

1.5

Assemble all specified sampling equipment, safety equipment, materials and containers

1.6

Conduct pre-use and cleanliness checks of all items to ensure they are fit for purpose

1.7

Check all items against given inventory and stow them to ensure safe transport

2

Conduct sampling 

2.1

Locate sampling points and services at the site

2.2

Remove security devices, such as locks and covers as required

2.3

Seek advice if the required samples cannot be collected or if procedures require modification

2.4

Select and use required sampling equipment in accordance with given procedures

2.5

Closely follow sampling procedures to obtain required samples and maintain their integrity

2.6

Record all labelling information in accordance with workplace/legal traceability requirements

2.7

Record sample appearance, environmental conditions and any other factors that may impact on sample integrity

2.8

Replace security devices, such as locks and covers as required

3

Finalise sampling 

3.1

Follow workplace procedures for the cleaning/decontamination of equipment and vehicle as necessary

3.2

Check all equipment, materials and samples against inventory and stow for safe transport

3.3

Liaise with relevant personnel to restore normal production and/or services as necessary

3.4

Maintain integrity of samples during transportation

3.5

Deliver samples to the required collection point and complete all documentation to ensure traceability

3.6

On return, check and document serviceability of equipment before storage

4

Maintain a safe work environment 

4.1

Use established work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others

4.2

Minimise environmental impacts of sampling and generation of waste

4.3

Dispose of all waste in accordance with workplace procedures

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements  

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

• Australian and international standards covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory safety, quality and environmental management, and sampling of materials
• national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, national environmental protection measures, and national measurement regulations and guidelines
• specific codes, guidelines and procedures, such as National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements, and principles of good laboratory practice (GLP)
• workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS); safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures; and maps and site plans
• sampling procedures for specific samples, sites and clients (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal)

Materials sampled 

Materials sampled as part of job role include one or more of:

• gas or air samples
• water, wastewater, stormwater, sewage and sludge
• solid samples, such as soil, sediments, rocks, concrete, quarry and mining material, and solid wastes
• raw materials, start, middle, end of production run samples, and final products and materials used in production processes, including food and beverages
• hazardous materials and/or dangerous goods

Maintenance of integrity of samples  

Maintenance of integrity of samples includes one or more of:

• use of appropriate containers and lids, sealing of sample containers
• purging of sample lines and bores
• decontamination of sampling tools between collection of consecutive samples
• use of appropriate preservatives
• temperature control, which may involve prevention of direct contact between the sample and coolant, and wrapping container in foil or wet newspaper
• transfer of sterile sample into sterile container
• monitoring of storage conditions
• workplace/legal traceability through appropriate sample labelling and records

Services  

Services include one or more of:

• water supply, gas and electricity
• telecommunications
• irrigation, stormwater and drainage systems
• production plant

Safety procedures 

Safety procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

• use of PPE
• handling, labelling and storing hazardous material and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer instructions and workplace procedures and regulations
• regular cleaning and/or decontamination of equipment
• use of machinery guards
• signage, barriers, service isolation tags, traffic control and flashing lights, lock out and tag-out procedures

Minimising environmental impacts  

Minimising environmental impacts includes, but is not limited to, one or more of:

• replacement of soils and vegetation
• driving vehicles to minimise soil erosion and damage to fauna and vegetation
• appropriate disposal of surplus, spent or purged materials and hazardous waste
• recycling of non-hazardous wastes
• cleaning of vehicles and equipment to prevent transfer of pests and contaminants

WHS and environmental management requirements  

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

·  complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

·  applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

• accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant