The range of variables relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.
Where reference is made to industry Codes of Practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used.
All operations must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and/or enterprise requirements. These procedures include or have been prepared from:
Australian and international standards, such as:
AS ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
AS 2243.7 Safety in Laboratories - electrical aspects
ISO 9000 series Quality management and quality assurance standards
Codes of Practice (such as GLP and GMP)
National Measurement Act
material safety data sheets (MSDSs)
standard operating procedures (SOPs)
quality manuals, equipment and procedures manuals
equipment startup, operation and shutdown procedures
calibration and maintenance schedules
data quality procedures
enterprise recording and reporting procedures
production and laboratory schedules
material, production and product specifications.
Preparation of samples may include processes, such as:
drying, washing, grinding, sieving, melting, moisture conditioning
cutting, trimming or machining of test specimens, etching.
Physical tests and procedures may include:
precise measurement of position, orientation and dimensions, such as:
3D set up of manufacturing tools using inclinometers, verniers, laser
thickness using vernier, X-ray, gamma ray
particle size using sieving, laser
dimensional stability involving expansion, contraction, weathering
movement using strain gauge, accelerometer
mass, density and specific gravity, such as:
moisture/density relationship
compaction
loose and compacted density
thermal tests, such as:
thermal conductivity
coefficients of expansion (for example, linear, volume)
melt flow index
calorimetry, (for example, specific heat, latent heat)
combustion properties (for example, enthalpy, energy content)
drying times
thermal stability of products
optical tests, such as:
flatness, surface finish
refractive index
optical rotation
transmission/absorption of filters
colour matching of products
acoustic tests, such as:
absorption, reflection, transmission
intensity, attenuation, loudness (dB)
amplitude, frequency
electrical tests, such as:
conductance, resistance, insulation
temperature dependence of dielectrics
magnetic tests, such as:
permeability
retentivity, hysteresis loss, coercivity
intrinsic induction.
Tests may include methods for:
control of starting materials, in-process materials and finished products
investigation of sources of construction materials
basic troubleshooting of enterprise processes.
Hazards may include:
microbiological organisms and agents, associated with soil, air, water
chemicals, such as acids and solvents
radiation, such as alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray, neutron
sharps, broken glassware and hand tools
flammable liquids and gases
cryogenics, such as dry ice and liquid nitrogen
fluids under pressure, such as steam, industrial gases
sources of ignition
burners, ovens
disturbance or interruption of services
crushing, entanglement, cuts associated with moving machinery (grinders).
Hazard control measures may include:
ensuring access to service shut-off points
recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs
labelling of samples, and hazardous materials
handling and storage of hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, materials safety data sheets and manufacturer's instructions
identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions
cleaning equipment and work areas regularly using enterprise procedures
using personal protective clothing and equipment, such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls, and safety boots
following established manual handling procedures
reporting abnormal emissions, discharges and airborne contaminants, such as noise, light, solids, liquids, water/waste water, gases, smoke, vapour, fumes, odour and particulates to appropriate personnel.
Records may include:
test and calibration results
equipment use, maintenance and servicing history
faulty or unsafe equipment.
Health, safety and environment
All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environmental (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through State or Federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.
All operations assume the potential hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied. Users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council and State and Territory Departments of Health. All operations are performed in accordance with standard operating procedures.