This unit applies to the calibration skills used in the setting, adjustment, validation or verification of precision mechanical and/or electrical/electronic measuring instruments using reference standards in accordance with predetermined standard procedures. This may involve the use of electronic setting equipment and the selection or determination of an appropriate external standard in accordance with standard operating procedures.

This unit is not meant to apply to simple zeroing, external adjustment or manual adjustment for size range e.g. micrometers etc; these skills are covered by Unit MEM12023A (Perform engineering measurements), Unit MEM12003B (Perform precision mechanical measurement) or Unit MEM12004B (Perform precision electrical/electronic measurement) as appropriate.

There may be occasions when both pathways MEM12003B and MEM12002B will be required.

Where additional electrical/electronic measurement skills are required, then Unit MEM12004B (Perform precision electrical/electronic measurement) should be considered.

Competence in this unit does not require the level of skill that applies to calibration as defined in ISO 9000 and/or carried out by personnel accredited under ISO/IEC 17025/NATA certification or similar.

Unit MEM15010B (Perform laboratory procedures) should be considered for this level of calibration.

Where reference standards only are to be verified under laboratory conditions, then MEM15022B (Verify reference standards) should be considered.

Band: B

Unit Weight: 6

Path 1

MEM12003B

Perform precision mechanical measurement

MEM12023A

Perform engineering measurements

Path 2

MEM12002B

Perform electrical/electronic measurement

MEM12023A

Perform engineering measurements

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Check equipment for correct operation

1.1. Appropriate checks are made of components, leads, fasteners, etc. for wear, loose connections or other faults.

2. Validate/calibrate precision measuring equipment

2.1. Calibration of precision measuring equipment is assessed to manufacturers' specifications and/or standard operating procedures.

2.2. Equipment is calibrated against appropriate physical standards using correct calibration devices, equipment, techniques using predetermined procedures.

2.3. Equipment is recommissioned in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

interpreting work requirements

using appropriate tools and equipment to check measuring equipment for faults

using appropriate techniques to check the calibration of the measuring equipment for conformance to specifications

calibrating the measuring equipment against the appropriate physical standard

recommissioning the measuring equipment

using literacy and numeracy skills to enable correct completion of calibration records

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

measuring equipment specifications, operation, wearing parts, connections and components

checks that are to be made of the measuring equipment and the tools and equipment to be used when checking the measuring equipment

common fault(s) that may be found in the measuring equipment

effects of faults on the performance/accuracy of the measuring equipment

general knowledge of standards, legislative or regulatory requirements applicable to the measuring equipment and/or its calibration

standard operating procedures for calibrating the measuring equipment and the tools and equipment required to do so

standard operating procedures for commissioning the measuring equipment

calibration records to be kept/maintained in accordance with standard operating procedures

hazards and controls associated with calibrating measuring equipment

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 check equipment for correct operation and validate/calibrate precision measuring equipment. 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 calibrating measuring equipment 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

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.

Calibration

To standardise the quantities of a measuring instrument

Physical standards

Reference standards of mass length, time, temperature, pressure, volume, process characteristics etc.

Calibration devices, equipment

Micrometer, vernier caliper, voltmeter, oscilloscope, all types of comparators, jigs and fixtures, templates and patterns etc.

Techniques

In standard operating procedures, manufacturers' manuals

Recommissioned

Sealing, tagging, identification or storage in accordance with standard operating procedures

Unit sector

Measurement

This unit contains employability skills.