National Occupational Standards in
Archaeological Practice

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AC3 Contribute to non-intrusive investigations

AC3.2 Observe and record measurements

Performance Required

This will involve:

1. contributing to the investigation efficiently and systematically and in accordance with the method statement
2. adapting work procedures and practices if instructed 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. making observations and measurements that are accurate and fully meet specified data requirements
5. consulting with senior manager when uncertain about any aspect of the investigation or own responsibilities for action
6. recording investigation data clearly and accurately and storing them securely for later analysis
7. 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
   • 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

Knowledge Requirements

You need to know and understand how to:

• Conduct investigations
• Identify and follow safe working practices
• Observe and measure accurately
• Adapt investigation procedures and practices to suit different conditions
• Record and store investigation data
• Maintain equipment
• Use personal protection clothing & equipment

You need to know about:

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

Required Skills

You should demonstrate:

• The safe and appropriate use, care and calibration of equipment
• The safe use of access equipment
• Lifting and handling techniques
• Techniques applicable to non-intrusive archaeological investigations
• The application of data recording protocols

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:

• investigation data recorded and stored
• equipment in operational order and stored
• candidate's own role in the project

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