Worksheet 3 – Collecting water samples
Complete the following details:
Name
Name of Instructor
Instructions
To record your answers for the activities and tasks, you will need to:
1) click in the text boxes
2) type your response
When you close the document you will be prompted to save your changes. Save the document to your computer hard drive
or a removable storage device such as a USB drive.
When finished, print it and keep it with the other forms and records. You may be required to submit this document as part
of your evidence of learning for this task. Please check with your instructor or team leader.
Attach your workplace procedures for taking samples off-site to this worksheet.
When testing for water quality issues, your organisation may have several different procedures,
depending on the type of sampling, for example, a general sample for nutrients in the water, or a
potential outbreak of cyanobacteria.
What are the different procedures required when taking a sample for a specific test? Complete
the following table of sample types and points to note regarding sample preparation. Include
three others that are relevant for your system.
Sample type
Points the note when preparing a sample
Biological samples
Cyanobacteria
Residual metals
Chlorine
Worksheet 3 – Collecting water samples
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When preparing samples, is there a different process for testing on site and sending the samples
off-site? For example, biological samples sent off site may require a chain of custody
arrangement. Make a comparison of the ways the samples are prepared.
Sample type
Preparation for on site testing
Preparation for off site testing
Biological samples
Cyanobacteria
Residual metals
Chlorine
There are a number of OHS hazards associated with sampling off-site. Complete the following
table with risk control measures for each of the hazards and include three specific to your
catchment area.
Hazard
Risk control measure
Exposure to preservatives and
chemicals used in water quality
sampling
Read the MSDS.
Do not inhale it, ingest it, or let it come into contact with eyes or
skin
Exposure to the sun
Steep or slippery river/dam/weir
banks
Working alone
Drowning hazard
Lifting eskies or other heavy
objects
Exposure to toxins in the water
Floods, swiftly flowing water
Worksheet 3 – Collecting water samples
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