This unit applies to research, development, approval and evaluation of applicable non-destructive tests on fabrications, structures and components across a wide range of industries to Level 3 (AS 3669 and AS 3998) or equivalent.

The work can relate to scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities using general tools and specific testing equipment, test development procedures or guidelines. Activities should replicate 'in-service' tasks due to the high level of self-supervision and the critical nature of the work.

Actual and potential defects are considered, together with ongoing abnormalities in fabrications, components, structures from a wide range of applications by the selection of relevant testing method. Tests are validated/evaluated on critical component or structural zones. All testing must be developed and completed with particular attention to personal safety and OH&S regulations. Certification against Australian standards may be achieved where assessment in this unit of competency is carried out in conjunction with an examining authority as described in ISO 9712.

Materials and chemicals which are subject to codes and regulations - for example, chemicals, explosives, solvents, dangerous materials, acids, or noxious waste products - are subject to safe work habits and must be stored and used in accordance with safe work practices.

This unit should not be selected when Unit MEM05025C (Perform welding fabrication inspection) has already been selected.

Band: B

Unit Weight: 12

Path 1

MEM13013B

Work safely with ionizing radiation

MEM16010A

Write reports

MEM18001C

Use hand tools

MEM24002B

Perform penetrant testing

MEM24004B

Perform magnetic particle testing

MEM24006B

Perform eddy current testing

MEM24008B

Perform ultrasonic testing

MEM24010B

Perform radiographic testing

MEM24012C

Apply metallurgy principles

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess requirements for non-destructive test

1.1. Inspection area is assessed for testing and all possible failure sites are identified utilising metallurgical analysis.

1.2. Relevant information for test development is collected from available sources using accepted techniques.

1.3. Information is analysed and interpreted.

1.4. Test requirements are determined.

2. Establish non-destructive test techniques and procedures

2.1. Test methods, techniques and procedures to be used for specific NDT work are designated.

2.2. Codes, standards, specifications and procedures are interpreted.

2.3. Test procedures are developed in accordance with established techniques and metallurgical principles.

3. Validate/confirm non-destructive tests

3.1. General and specific test procedures are validated in accordance with established techniques.

3.2. Inspection results are interpreted and evaluated in terms of existing codes, standards and specifications.

4. Approve non-destructive test procedures

4.1. Procedures are approved in accordance with workplace procedures and relevant codes and standards.

4.2. Procedures are documented and distributed in accordance with workplace requirements and relevant codes and standards.

5. Evaluate non-destructive test procedures

5.1. Procedures are evaluated for effectiveness.

5.2. Evaluation results are documented and reported according to workplace requirements.

5.3. Changes/amendments to non-destructive test procedures are made and distributed as necessary.

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

conducting metallurgical assessment of inspection areas

designating most appropriate method, technique or procedure

referencing information

developing and validating test procedures

applying safety procedures, standard operating procedures and legislative requirements to all work

reading/interpreting/applying relative testing standards

reading/interpreting/applying relative conformance standards

documenting procedure and results

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

application of metallurgical analysis to assess inspection areas

NDT methods, techniques and procedures

meaning and validity of relevant codes, standards, specifications and procedures

test procedure for testing techniques and specimen

validation processes

process for approval of procedures

process for documentation/distribution of procedures

evaluation procedures

process for documentation of evaluation results

process for amending tests and distributing amendments

any applicable industry standards, national/Australian standards, NOHSC guides, State/Territory regulatory codes of practice/standards

use and application of personal protective equipment

safe work practices and procedures

relevant hazards and control measures related to the competency

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 establish non-destructive tests. 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 the research, analysis, development, approval and evaluation of non-destructive tests, 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.

Unit sector

Non-destructive testing

This unit contains employability skills.