This unit applies to the setting up and operation of equipment used for sampling and laboratory testing. Work may be conducted in a variety of environments, such as:

operational workplace

testing laboratory

hazardous, controlled or exposed conditions

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities. Work is performed within defined procedures under direct supervision.

The application of this unit is according to OHS practices of the enterprise and workplace practices, which may include:

requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment

standard operating procedures

work instructions

oral, written and visual communication

quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output

housekeeping

tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control and recycling

This unit requires the application of skills associated with problem solving to perform tests to identify wool quality, as well as an application of knowledge of technology used in testing wool. This unit also requires an ability to document and report on test results.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Prepare laboratory equipment for test process

1.1 Appropriate equipment is selected and prepared

1.2 Settings are ascertained and equipment is checked and calibrated where necessary

1.3 Work area around machine or equipment is cleaned and maintained to meet workplace and OHS practices

2 Evaluate the physical and chemical properties of wool samples

2.1 Testing of physical and chemical properties of wool samples taken at appropriate stages of production is assessed in accordance with procedures specified by test equipment manufacturers and the workplace

2.2 All instruments and fibre samples are handled with care

2.3 All relevant safety procedures followed

3 Identify wool contamination

3.1 Contamination testing of wool samples taken at appropriate stages of production is assessed in accordance with procedures specified by test equipment manufacturers and the workplace

3.2 Types of contamination are correctly identified and quantified

3.3 All relevant safety procedures are followed

3.4 Environmental requirements and procedures concerned with waste, pollution and recycling of materials are correctly applied at all stages of the process

4 Document and communicate test information

4.1 Test records and other documents are clearly and accurately completed

4.2 Test results are clearly reported

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of:

principles of operating wool sampling and test equipment

general laboratory practices

laboratory instrument setting and calibration principles

product quality standards

safety and environmental aspects of sampling and testing processes

general housekeeping policies and procedures including relevant cleaning agents and equipment

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

quality practices

workplace practices

practices for recording and reporting

Demonstrates skills to:

interpret and apply work instructions, product requirements and test procedures

set and operate sampling and test equipment

perform operator maintenance of test equipment and work area

use relevant hand tools

use cleaning agents and dispose of waste products

document and transfer information

read, interpret, and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material

maintain accurate records

communicate within the workplace

sequence operations

meet specifications

clarify and check task-related information

carry out work according to OHS practices

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

comply with all relevant safety requirements

interpret work instructions, product requirements and test procedures

operate wool sampling and test equipment

monitor test processes, including application of quality standards criteria and recognition of non-conforming outcomes

perform operator maintenance of wool sampling and test equipment including calibration settings and adjustments

perform appropriate maintenance of work area

document and report test results and associated information

Consistency in performance

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

organising work

completing tasks

identifying improvements

using workplace practices

using OHS practices

recording and reporting accidents and incidents

assessing operational readiness of equipment used and work processes

recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace,including modes of behaviour and interactions

completing work systematically with attention to detail without damage to goods and equipment

Resource implications

Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Context for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment.

Interdependent assessment

This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

Testing may include

physical properties of wool

chemical properties of wool

identification of contamination and contaminants

OHS practices

OHS practices must include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit, and may include:

manual handling techniques

standard operating procedures

personal protective equipment

safe materials handling

taking of rest breaks

ergonomic arrangement of workplaces

following marked walkways

safe storage of equipment

housekeeping

reporting accidents and incidents

other OHS practices relevant to the job and enterprise

Sector

Textile Production

This unit contains employability skills.