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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to fault-find and maintain micro-mechanisms. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with fault-finding and maintaining micro-mechanisms or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

dismantling/removing components using appropriate hand tools and techniques

removing power from the spring

removing and dismantling movement

removing and dismantling balance assembly

removing/dismantling bridges, mainspring, barrel, winding mechanism

applying procedures to avoid damage to components during disassembly/assembly

noting position/assembly of components for re-assembly

checking timepiece for overall condition, damage to case etc.

cleaning and preparing components for inspection, including movement

checking components for evidence of toxic contamination, pollution, chemical waste and other contaminants

checking operation/function of components using appropriate tools and techniques

identifying defective, damaged or non-serviceable components

following standard/routine procedures to locate/identify common faults and maintenance requirement

applying lubricants using appropriate techniques

cleaning/replacing components in correct sequence, using appropriate tools and techniques

following OHS procedures

handling components

assembling components to specification, including, barrel and mainspring, mechanism (movement), canon pinion, drive train, balance assembly, shock resist system, calendar, winding system and other mechanisms

verifying operation of components and assemblies, including barrel, mainspring, cannon pinion, endshake, sideshake, power reserve, drive train, calendar, winding system, power source

adjusting components, assemblies/mechanisms to ensure operation/function to manufacturer specification using appropriate electronic timing and other diagnostic equipment and tools

operational adjustments and verification including regulation, beat error, balance amplitude, rate, power supply

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

component parts, including mainspring, barrel, winding mechanism, electronic circuit, bridges, bearing surfaces, balance assembly, calendar, power source

techniques and procedures for dismantling/removing components

common/typical faults and maintenance requirements for common timepieces

verification processes for condition/function of components of movement including balance assembly, escapement, endshakes, sideshakes, bridges, bearing surfaces, mainspring, barrel, winding mechanism, electronic circuit, freedom of wheel train

fault-finding procedures

typical faults caused by wear, blockages and other damage and their effects

typical contaminants and their effects on operation/functioning of components, including contaminants and foreign objects

lubricants and lubrication techniques

cleaning requirements for ensuring correct operation

OHS procedures for cleaning and maintenance

techniques/tools for handling and installing components

tools and techniques for assembling components

safe work practices and safety measures

required checks and procedures for verifying correct operation/function of components

procedures/techniques for adjusting components

operational specification for components and assemblies

tools and equipment (mechanical and electronic) and their use/application

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Micro-mechanism

Mechanical and electric watches and clocks of recent manufacture, or restoration pieces. May include day/date, automatic winding or generating systems. Clock mechanisms may include alarm, striking and chiming mechanisms.

Components

Power source, wheel trains, mechanical oscillating systems, motion work and calendar systems

Inspection

Observations of clearances, fits and adjustments, functioning

Operation of systems and performance analysis

Appropriate persons

Customers, supervisors/managers/suppliers, technical experts, colleagues

Tools and equipment

Includes standard range of mechanical hand tools and electronic equipment to measure amplitude, rate etc.

Specifications

Work performed to manufacturer specifications

Recognition of components of product and how quality of component will affect performance