National Occupational Standards in
Archaeological Practice

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AC3 Contribute to non-intrusive investigations

AC3.1 Prepare for operations

Performance Required

This will involve:

1. understanding the investigation method statement and your role in the investigation prior to commencement
2. understanding the nature of the site, the investigation methods and safety arrangements
3. bringing suitable equipment, clothing and materials to site and making safe and secure

Occupational Context

1. Type of investigation:
   • building survey
   • topographical survey
   • geophysical survey
   • geochemical survey
   • landscape survey
   • aerial survey
2. Investigation methods:
   • visual
   • approximate measured
   • detailed measurement of all specified features
   • graphic / photographic
   • instrumental
3. Type of site:
   • landscape
   • earthworks
   • sub-surface deposits
   • structures
   • terrestrial
   • intertidal
   • underwater
4. Survey, measuring and recording equipment:
   • mechanical
   • optical
   • electronic
   • digital
5. Safety arrangements:
   • personal safety and safety of others
   • equipment and clothing
   • safe use of access equipment
   • health and safety practice and regulations
   • codes of practice
   • special constraints applying to site including protection of features

Knowledge Requirements

You need to know and understand how to:

• Select and secure suitable equipment and spares
• Check safety arrangements and working practices

You need to know about:

• Types and modes of investigation
• Types of equipment which may be required
• Types of and sources of information on safety arrangements and safe working practices, legislation and regulations which may be required

Required Skills

You should demonstrate:

• The safe use of equipment used for investigation

Evidence Required

You should provide evidence that you can prepare for operations

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

• goals of the project
• investigation methods
• candidate's own role in the project
• equipment safety and security
• arrangements for safety checks

Evidence Rules

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

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Today's date: 4/2/2012
This page last updated: 6/8/2007 10:58