National Occupational Standards in
Archaeological Practice

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AC5 Contribute to intrusive investigations

AC5.1 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 and clothing to site and making safe and secure

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. Safety arrangements:
   • personal safety and safety of others
   • equipment and clothing
   • safe use of access and lifting equipment
   • health and safety practice and regulations
   • codes of practice
   • risk assessment

Knowledge Requirements

You need to know and understand how to:

• Select and secure suitable equipment and clothing
• 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 recording materials 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

• methods and goals of the investigation
• equipment on site - its safety and security
• arrangements for safety checks
• recording materials

Evidence Rules

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

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Today's date: 31/7/2010
This page last updated: 6/8/2007 11:58