MSS025035 — Perform sampling and testing of soils

1 Confirm soil sampling and testing requirements with supervisor

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

2 Prepare for soil sampling

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

3 Conduct sampling and log soil samples

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

4 Prepare soil samples for testing

• 4.1Prepare sub-samples and back-up sub-samples that are representative of the source
• 4.2Label sub-samples to ensure traceability and store in accordance with workplace procedures
• 4.3Follow defined preparation and safety procedures to limit hazards and contamination to samples, self, work area and environment
• 4.4Distribute 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

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

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

7 Review results and assess soil suitability for specific purposes

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

8 Maintain a safe work environment

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

What does an assessment tool for MSS025035 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for MSS025035 needs to address all 62 unit components: 8 elements with 42 performance criteria, 3 performance evidence requirements, 13 knowledge evidence requirements, and the foundation skills. A coverage matrix mapping each question and task to these components is what an auditor looks for.

How does Auditori generate an assessment tool for MSS025035?

Auditori pulls the current release of MSS025035 from training.gov.au and generates a complete package: candidate assessment, assessor guide with model answers and observation criteria, and a coverage matrix mapping every component. A suitably qualified person then reviews and approves the draft in a built-in workflow — consistent with ASQA's guidance on AI use in VET — before export as branded PDF and editable Word.

Is the first assessment tool really free?

Yes. Every new account includes one free credit — enough to generate the complete assessment tool for MSS025035 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing MSS025035 assessment instead of generating a new one?

Yes — upload your existing assessment or learner guide and Auditori maps it against every element, performance criterion, PE and KE of MSS025035, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.