This unit is applicable for any work within a quality improvement system in a manufacturing, engineering or related environment. The definition of customer is wide and applies to the next person or organisation receiving the product or service. Application may include quality inspection of own or other employee's work up to the level of the employee's technical competence.

Band: A

Unit Weight: 2

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Work within a quality system

1.1. Instructions and procedures are followed and duties are performed in accordance with requirements of quality improvement system.

1.2. Conformance to specifications is ensured.

1.3. Defects are detected and reported according to standard operating procedures.

1.4. Performance of operation or quality of product or service is monitored to ensure customer satisfaction.

2. Engage in quality improvement

2.1. Current performance is assessed.

2.2. Established performance measures are identified.

2.3. Specifications and standard operating procedures are identified.

2.4. Defects are detected and reported according to standard operating procedures.

2.5. Process improvement procedures are participated in.

2.6. The improvement of internal/external customer/supplier relationships is participated in.

2.7. Performance of operation or quality of product or service is monitored to ensure customer satisfaction.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

reading, interpreting and following information on written job sheets, instructions, standard operating procedures and drawings

checking and clarifying task-related information

entering information onto workplace documents

checking for conformance to specifications

identifying duties of the individual within the quality improvement system

identifying customers' requirements with respect to the operation or quality of the product or service

reporting where appropriate, defects detected

carrying out work in accordance with the process improvement procedures

carrying out work in a manner consistent with the improvement of customer/supplier relationships

performing numerical operations, geometry and calculations/formulae within the scope of this unit

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

quality system terminology and concepts, e.g.

quality assurance - planning to meet customers' requirements

quality control - checks and procedures to ensure customer requirements are met

quality inspection - inspecting and testing products and services

total quality control - a company-wide approach that combines both quality assurance and quality control so that the customer is always satisfied

commonly accepted meaning/s of the terms quality and quality system

the reasons for following the requirements of the quality improvement system

strategies and approaches for working within a quality system

procedures to be followed in undertaking the work

specifications to which the individual's work is to comply

reasons for ensuring work conforms to specification

benefits of good quality:

quality products

reduced costs

customer confidence, satisfaction and loyalty

good reputation

job satisfaction

solving problems

increased competitiveness

keeping up with technology

costs and consequences of poor quality e.g.

lost customers

accidents

wastage

lost time

low morale

conflict

procedures for reporting defects

examples of common defects

quality improvement procedures

four steps of the quality cycle: plan, do, check, act

reasons for following process improvement procedures

examples of ways in which customer/supplier relationships can be improved

benefits of good customer/supplier relationship

hazards and control measures associated with applying quality procedures, including housekeeping

safe work practices and procedures

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 apply quality systems.

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 applying quality systems 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 should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit. 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.

Quality improvement system

A system comprising some or all of the following elements:

quality assurance

quality control

quality inspection

quality improvement

total quality control

Customer

The next person or organisation receiving the production or service

Unit sector

Quality

This unit contains employability skills.