Required skills

Required skills include

verifying the accuracy and completeness of data results and technical records

recognising significant trends in data andor aberrant results

using statistical tests to estimate uncertainties and determine data acceptability

analysing sampling sample preparation testing andor calibration activities to identify potential causes of unacceptable dataresults

applying effective problem solving strategies

recommending appropriate preventativecorrective actions to control potentialactual nonconforming work

following enterprise procedures for documenting and reporting information about quality

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes

characteristic properties of the materials in question

specifications for samples tests andor calibration activities under investigation

scientific and technical knowledge of the procedures equipment materials and instrumentation used to generate the test results and data

methods for statistical analysis of data means ranges standard deviations confidence limits and data acceptability and sampling procedures

problem solving techniques androot cause analysis

enterprise andor legal traceability requirements

relevant health safety and environment requirements

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors should ensure that candidates can

verify the accuracy and completeness of data results and technical records

recognise significant trends in data andor aberrant results

use statistical tests to estimate uncertainties and determine data acceptability

analyse sampling sample preparation testing andor calibration activities to identify potential causes of unacceptable dataresults

apply effective problem solving strategies

recommend appropriate preventativecorrective actions to control potentialactual nonconforming work

follow enterprise procedures for documenting and reporting information about quality

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment

This unit of competency may be assessed with

MSLA Analyse data and report results

MSL925001A Analyse data and report results

relevant MSL series units of competency

relevant MSL series units of competency

Resources may include

data files and technical records and laboratory information management system LIMS

appropriate software

enterprise quality manual and procedures

access to samples sampling equipment and test equipmentinstrumentsmaterials

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

review of verified records and reports generated by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and peers about the candidates ability to monitor the quality of test results and data

questioning to assess understanding of trends in data sources of uncertainty and preventativecorrective actions

In all cases practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly

Where applicable reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity age gender demographics and disability

Access must be provided to appropriate learning andor assessment support when required

The language literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work like environment

This competency in practice

Industry representatives have provided the case studies below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show their relevance in a workplace setting

Manufacturing

The person conducting final quality assurance activities is responsible for ensuring that the results of each calibration or test carried out by the laboratory are reported accurately unambiguously clearly and objectively in accordance with specific instructions in the test or calibration method Test reports and calibration certificates are checked for mistakes including the correct transfer of data from original worksheets and to ensure all relevant information is documented and is the result of valid measurements Quality inspectors are also ultimately responsible to their clients for the quality of work produced by outsourced subcontractors

Environmental

A laboratory regularly collects carbon monoxide CO data as part of an air monitoring program The laboratory operates several remote air sampling sites that take CO samples every three seconds using standard methods The measurements are stored in data loggers and downloaded to the laboratorys computer every hours Using a standard software package the laboratory technician generates hour and hour averages for each site They then graph the results over a one year period and use the appropriate Australian Air Quality Standard to determine exceedances for the hour and hour averages To ensure that any exceedances are genuine the technician carefully checks factors such as equipment calibration procedures seasonal variations in data artefacts equipment downtime and maintenance of monitoring equipment over the past year The verified data and exceedances are reported and compared with previous years exceedances to determine long term trends in air quality at the sampling sites

Codes of practice

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Technical records

Charts, tables and statistical tests

Instrument calibration/ performance records

Sources of interferences

Human and environmental factors

Sample preparation problems

Preventative/corrective actions

Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements