National Occupational Standards in
Archaeological Practice

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AC2 Conduct non-intrusive investigations

AC2.2 Observe and record measurements

Performance Required

This will involve:

1. conducting the investigation efficiently and systematically and in accordance with the method statement
2. adapting work procedures and practices appropriately to allow for different circumstances and conditions
3. maintaining the integrity of the site, observing safe working practices and ensuring disruption to other activities on the site is kept to a minimum
4. ensuring observations and measurements are accurate and fully meet specified data requirements
5. consulting expert advice in instances where additional, specialist information is required which is relevant to the investigation
6. advising interested parties promptly of potentially critical findings and constraints arising during the conduct of the investigation
7. identifying and recording features of the site which may require more detailed investigation
8. ensuring that investigation data are recorded clearly and accurately and are stored securely for later analysis
9. keeping a clear and accurate record of time spent on the investigation and of any problems arising during its course that may bear on either cost or accuracy
10. maintaining effective working relationships and ensuring that the project team is kept fully informed of progress and significant developments
11. maintaining equipment in operational order and storing it securely

Occupational Context

1. Type of investigation:
   • building survey
   • topographical survey
   • geophysical survey
   • geochemical survey
   • landscape survey
   • aerial survey
2. Mode of investigation:
   • visual
   • approximate measured
   • detailed measurement of all specified features
   • graphic / photographic
   • instrumental
3. Safe working practices (cover):
   • personal safety
   • safety of others (including the public)
   • equipment and clothing
   • safe use of access equipment
   • health and safety practice and regulations
   • codes of best practice
   • special constraints applying to survey site including protection of features
4. Circumstances and conditions:
   • structural stability
   • cultural and historical significance of site and site features
   • current use of site
   • geotechnical factors
   • weather conditions
   • fragility of features and materials
   • ecology
   • emergency circumstances
5. Interested parties:
   • site personnel (including subcontractors)
   • client
   • the professional and academic community
   • owners / occupiers
   • community and special interest groups
   • regulatory authorities

Knowledge Requirements

You need to know and understand how to:

• Conduct investigations
• Identify and follow safe working practices
• Obtain specialist information and advice
• Observe and measure accurately
• Adapt investigation procedures and practices to suit different conditions
• Record and store investigation data
• Maintain equipment

You need to know about:

• Types and modes of investigation
• Safe working practices which apply to the conduct of investigation
• Sources of expert advice and specialist information
• Circumstances and conditions which can affect investigation operations
• Data protocols used in different investigation methods
• Types of recording format and data storage systems used

Required Skills

You should demonstrate:

• How to conduct investigations using non-intrusive methods and techniques

Evidence Required

You should provide evidence that you can observe and record measurements

The candidate should be questioned, based upon the documentation provided, to explore the following:

• use of appropriate modes of investigation
• investigation data
• relevant features identified
• advice to interested parties regarding critical discoveries
• features of site which require more detailed investigation
• expert advice consulted
• time spent on the investigation and problems arising
• actions taken to deal with specific site circumstances and conditions

Evidence Rules

• The candidate should have been involved in at least 2 substantive projects.

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Today's date: 8/9/2008
This page last updated: 6/8/2007 11:58