EUSTPC07 Take samples and measurements for quality assurance purposes

Overview

This standard is about taking samples and measurements for quality assurance purposes. It may require travel to different sampling and measurement locations.

It includes preparing sampling equipment reagents and containers prior to use, taking representative samples and measurements and correctly labelling them, disposing of any waste products safely, transporting samples and equipment and delivering samples as required.

The standard is suitable for operatives at water, waste water and sludge treatment processing plants and for water distribution samplers.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. record details of planned sampling and measurement work in line with the organisation’s procedures
  2. check that the condition of equipment and how it is stored conforms to manufacturers' specifications and organisational procedures
  3. check that sample containers and labels are suitable for the planned work
  4. use personal protective equipment (PPE) that it is suitable for the work, checking its condition before use
  5. check that there is provision to dispose of waste materials in line with safety requirements
  6. resolve any difficulties connected to travelling to different sampling and measurement locations
  7. use the equipment and containers to take and transport samples as specified in organisational procedures
  8. handle materials, equipment and samples in line with organisational procedures
  9. clean equipment after use and before returning it to storage as specified in organisational procedures
  10. store equipment and materials to be re-used in the designated place(s) as specified in organisational procedures
  11. enter and exit the sampling and measurement locations in line with organisational procedures
  12. prepare containers, reagents and any portable or other equipment, making sure that reagents are within date
  13. take samples and measurements at the position and time specified in organisational procedures
  14. take samples and measurements using methods specified in organisational procedures
  15. label samples according to organisational procedures
  16. take samples and measurements in line with hygiene and safety requirements
  17. dispose of any waste in the designated place and in line with organisational procedures
  18. deliver samples to the designated person or place
  19. access, exit and move around the sampling locations in line with the organisation’s procedures
  20. maintain records of successful and aborted activities in line with organisational procedures and in the format for audit and quality assurance purposes
  21. report any defective or unsafe sampling and measuring equipment to the designated person in line with organisational procedures
  22. follow security procedures in line with organisational protocols and policies
  23. record and report result of measurements which are outside the expected range to the designated people in line with organisational procedures

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. water industry legislation, standards, codes of practice, and industry regulations for health, safety, and hygiene in relation to your job role
  2. water industry legislation, standards, codes of practice, and industry regulations for environmental protection and measures to reduce harmful emissions and substances in relation to your job role
  3. the organisation’s quality assurance procedures, and the factors which can affect the quality of sampling and measurement work
  4. the organisation’s process for safe working practices when dealing with equipment, instrumentation and environment, including lone working and personal protective equipment (PPE)
  5. legal powers of access and the organisation’s procedures for gaining access to sampling and measurement locations
  6. the importance of using transport and storing equipment, materials and samples securely to prevent contamination of samples and the implications of contamination
  7. types and use of sampling and measurement equipment and other materials, and the implications of using inappropriate or defective equipment or failing to report a defect
  8. the importance of maintaining sampling and measurement equipment and calibrating it where required
  9. the importance of disposing of waste and reagents and the dangers of disposing of them incorrectly
  10. the importance of identifying abnormalities in measurement results and the impacts to the customer
  11. the organisation’s reporting procedures and the implications of not reporting sampling and measurement results outside the expected range
  12. the organisation’s customer service procedures
  13. the steps involved in recording sample and measurement results
  14. the steps involved in efficient work scheduling and planning of own daily work activities
  15. the steps involved in compiling, administering and filing of records and reports
  16. the importance of using data for quality assurance, monitoring, and audit
  17. the role and purpose of data audit trails and the importance of using and maintaining them
  18. the steps involved in recognising inaccurate information
  19. the importance of storing information and documentation in the correct location
  20. the way sample information is used by other people
  21. how the information relating to sampling and measurement activities is provided to and used by other people
  22. the importance of supplying accurate and legible information and in an appropriate format within identified time
  23. the importance of ensuring the sample is taken at the time and in circumstances to ensure the sample is representative
  24. protocols and policies for confidentiality, cyber security and site security and why they are important