Application
This unit of competency covers the ability to interpret physical test requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment and perform routine physical tests. These tests will involve several measurement steps. The unit includes data processing and interpretation of results and tracking of obvious test malfunctions where the procedure is standardised. However, personnel are not required to analyse data, optimise tests or procedures for specific samples or troubleshoot equipment problems where the solution is not apparent.
This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory or technical assistants and instrument operators working in the manufacturing, environment, food and construction materials testing industry sectors.
While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Interpret and schedule test requirements | 1.1 | Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment/instruments involved |
1.2 | Identify hazards and workplace control measures associated with the sample, preparation/test methods and equipment | ||
1.3 | Plan work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple samples | ||
2 | Receive and prepare samples | 2.1 | Log samples using standard operating procedures (SOPs) |
2.2 | Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies | ||
2.3 | Prepare samples and standards in accordance with physical testing requirements | ||
2.4 | Ensure traceability of samples from receipt to reporting of results | ||
3 | Check equipment before use | 3.1 | Set up equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements |
3.2 | Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant workplace and operating procedures | ||
3.3 | Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel | ||
3.4 | Check equipment calibration using specified procedures | ||
3.5 | Quarantine out-of-calibration equipment/instruments | ||
4 | Test samples to determine physical properties | 4.1 | Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements |
4.2 | Perform tests/procedures on all samples and standards in accordance with specified methods | ||
4.3 | Shut down equipment/instruments in accordance with operating procedures | ||
5 | Process and interpret data | 5.1 | Record test data noting atypical observations |
5.2 | Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations | ||
5.3 | Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
5.4 | Record and report results in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
5.5 | Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel | ||
5.6 | Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results | ||
6 | Maintain a safe work environment | 6.1 | Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel |
6.2 | Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts | ||
6.3 | Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal | ||
6.4 | Care for and store equipment and materials as required | ||
7 | Maintain laboratory records | 7.1 | Enter approved data into laboratory information management system (LIMS) |
7.2 | Maintain confidentiality and security of workplace information and laboratory data | ||
7.3 | Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
safely performing at least five (5) physical tests or procedures which involve several measurement steps
interpreting physical test methods and procedures accurately
preparing samples using at least three (3) different processes
conducting pre-use and calibration checks on equipment, and quarantining out-of-calibration equipment/instruments
safely operating test equipment and instruments to workplace standards and manufacturer specifications
processing data, interpreting gross features of data/results and making relevant conclusions
preparing calibration graphs and calculating results using appropriate equations, units, uncertainties and precision
identifying atypical results, such as out-of-normal range or an artefact
tracing and sourcing obvious causes of artefacts, tracking of obvious test malfunctions of standardised procedures, and troubleshooting basic equipment and methods
communicating problems to a supervisor or outside service technician
recording and communicating results in accordance with workplace procedures
maintaining security, integrity and traceability of samples, sub-samples, test data/results and documentation
following workplace safety procedures.
Evidence of Knowledge
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
relevant physical principles and concepts, such as:
matter, interatomic and intermolecular forces
mechanical concepts, such as mass and weight; forces, friction, slip resistance, cohesive/adhesive forces; pressure, hydrostatic pressure; fluid flow; viscosity and energy
properties of gases, pressure/volume/temperature, density, diffusion and compressibility
thermal concepts, such as expansion, thermal conductivity, coefficients of expansion; changes of state, energy content, enthalpy change and endothermic and exothermic processes
electromagnetic spectrum, primary/secondary colours, reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference of light
electrical concepts, such as electric field, voltage, current, resistance and AC/DC, and electrical safety
electromagnetic concepts, such as magnetic field and flux, and electromagnetic induction
acoustic concepts, such as wave properties, amplitude, frequency and loudness (dB)
mechanical concepts, such as elasticity, hardness, material strength, plasticity, permeability and dispersion
purpose of tests or procedures conducted
concepts of metrology, principles and concepts related to equipment and instrument operation, and test or procedure
function of key components of equipment/instrument and effects on the test of modifying equipment and instrument variables
sample preparation procedures
calibration and basic equipment and method troubleshooting procedures
workplace and legal traceability requirements
relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.
Assessment Conditions
Judgment of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).
This unit of competency may be assessed with:
MSL924001 Process and interpret data.
Holistic assessment methods include:
review of test data and results obtained by the candidate over a period of time to check accuracy, consistency and timeliness of results
review of workplace test records and documentation completed by the candidate
feedback from peers and supervisors
observation of the candidate conducting sample preparation and a range of physical tests and procedures
oral or written questioning of physical principles and concepts, test methods and workplace procedures.
Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:
a standard laboratory equipped with appropriate sample preparation and test equipment/instruments, standards and materials
workplace procedures and standard methods
records, including test and calibration results; equipment use, maintenance and servicing history, and faulty or unsafe equipment.
Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.
Technical competence can be demonstrated through:
relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR
relevant workplace experience.
Currency can be demonstrated through:
performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR
having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. | |
Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements | Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of: Australian and international standards covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory safety and quality management national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, and national measurement regulations and guidelines standard methods for physical tests specific codes, guidelines, procedures and methods, such as the Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP), and principles of good laboratory practice (GLP) workplace documents, such as SOPs; quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; and waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures |
Preparation of samples | Preparation of samples includes one or more of: drying, washing, grinding, sieving, melting and moisture conditioning cutting, trimming or machining of test specimens, and etching |
Physical tests and procedures | Physical tests and procedures include one or more of: precise measurement of position, orientation and dimensions, such as: 3-D set-up of manufacturing tools using inclinometers, verniers and laser thickness using vernier, X-ray and gamma ray particle size using sieving and laser dimensional stability involving expansion, contraction and weathering movement using strain gauge and accelerometer mass, density and specific gravity and related tests, such as: moisture/density relationship, loose and compacted density reactivity to moisture, Atterberg limits, and shrink/swell index thermal tests, such as: thermal conductivity and coefficients of expansion (e.g. linear and volume) calorimetry, (e.g. specific heat and latent heat), and combustion properties (e.g. enthalpy and energy content) viscosity and melt flow index drying times thermal stability of products optical tests, such as: flatness and surface finish refractive index and optical rotation transmission/absorption of filters and colour matching of products acoustic measurements, such as: amplitude and frequency, absorption, reflection and transmission, intensity, attenuation and loudness (dB) electrical tests, such as: conductance, resistance and insulation, and temperature dependence of dielectrics magnetic tests, such as: permeability, retentivity, hysteresis loss and coercivity, and intrinsic induction |
Tests | Tests include methods for one or more of: control of starting materials, in-process materials and finished products investigation of sources of construction materials basic troubleshooting of workplace processes |
Safe work practices | Safe work practices include, but are not limited to, one or more of: ensuring access to service shut-off points recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs labelling of samples and hazardous materials handling and storage for hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, MSDS and manufacturer instructions identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions cleaning equipment and work areas regularly using workplace procedures using PPE, such as hard hats, hearing protection, 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 |
WHS and environmental management requirements | WHS and environmental management requirements include: · complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time · applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples · accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant |
Sectors
Competency Field
Testing