National Occupational Standards in
Archaeological Practice

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AC4 Conduct intrusive investigations

AC4.1 Prepare for operations

Performance Required

This will involve:

1. verifying the investigation method statement with interested parties prior to commencement
2. confirming relevant permissions as accurate before commencement
3. verifying relevant insurances as valid and sufficient for planned activities
4. ensuring that site facilities are appropriately located, sufficient for planned operations and fit for purpose
5. bringing suitable equipment to site and making safe and secure
6. checking measuring and recording equipment and, where required, calibrating accurately prior to use
7. briefing personnel assisting in the investigation clearly and accurately on their role, investigation methods, the site, the equipment and safety arrangements
8. providing third parties who will be affected by the conduct of the investigation with clear and accurate information and obtaining their co-operation
9. checking that safety arrangements comply with legislation and regulations

Occupational Context

1. Type of investigation:
   • surface artefact collection
   • auguring
   • hand excavation
   • machine excavation
   • watching brief (excavation by others)
2. Type of site:
   • sub-surface deposits
   • structures
   • terrestrial
   • intertidal
   • underwater
3. Permissions from:
   • client
   • site owner and occupiers
   • adjoining owners and occupiers
   • notifiable authorities
4. Insurances:
   • third party
   • personnel
   • equipment
   • professional indemnity
5. Site facilities
   • accommodation, storage & sanitary facilities
   • parking
   • transport
   • catering
   • communications equipment
   • power
   • water & waste disposal
   • health, safety and welfare provision
6. 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
   • risk assessment

Knowledge Requirements

You need to know and understand how to:

• Verify investigation method statements
• Select and secure suitable equipment
• Check and calibrate equipment
• Establish site facilities
• Brief personnel on investigation methods
• Check safety arrangements and working practices

You need to know about:

• Types and modes of investigation
• Sources of permission for access
• Types of insurance which may be needed
• Types of equipment which may be required
• Types of facilities requirements
• 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:

• How to check and calibrating equipment
• How to brief investigation personnel
• How to communicate with third parties

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:

• investigation method statements
• permissions
• insurances
• site facilities (on and off site)
• information provided to third parties
• safety checks

Evidence Rules

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

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Today's date: 21/11/2008
This page last updated: 6/8/2007 10:58