Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to conduct multi-stage tests to determine the properties of raw and/or manufactured construction materials. These test results are typically used by clients to prove raw material deposits, tender for supply of construction materials, classify soils, determine the suitability of construction materials for specialised uses and to inform the design of civil engineering works. The unit includes data processing and interpretation of results to identify obvious errors or unexpected results and take corrective action. However, personnel are not required to analyse data, optimise test methods or workplace procedures for specific samples or troubleshoot equipment problems where the solution is not apparent.
This unit of competency applies to laboratory personnel working in the geotechnical and construction material testing industry sectors who conduct tests in consulting laboratories or laboratories at extractive, manufacturing or construction sites using established test methods. These tests (such as load bearing ability, creep, shrinkage, durability, plasticity, permeability, chloride diffusion and reactivity) are used to determine the properties of aggregates, concrete, soils, road pavement or other specialised construction materials and products.
No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
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 | Access relevant job instructions from laboratory information management system (LIMS) |
1.2 | Interpret test request to confirm samples to be tested, the test method and equipment involved | ||
1.3 | Identify hazards and workplace controls associated with the sample, preparation methods, reagents and/or equipment | ||
1.4 | Assemble all required equipment and materials | ||
1.5 | Plan work sequences for optimum efficiency and/or throughput of multiple samples | ||
2 | Prepare samples or test pieces | 2.1 | Retrieve samples and/or test pieces from storage and record their general appearance |
2.2 | Check the accuracy and completeness of accompanying labels and documentation to ensure traceability | ||
2.3 | Check that the storage/curing conditions of samples and/or test pieces were appropriate | ||
2.4 | Compare samples and/or test pieces with test specifications, record observations and report discrepancies | ||
2.5 | Prepare samples and/or test pieces in accordance with appropriate test method | ||
2.6 | Conduct preliminary measurements to establish initial dimensions and test conditions as necessary | ||
3 | Check test equipment before use | 3.1 | Set up test equipment/instruments in accordance with test method |
3.2 | Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
3.3 | Identify faulty or unsafe equipment/instruments and report to appropriate personnel | ||
3.4 | Check calibration status of instruments and report any out-of-calibration items to appropriate personnel | ||
4 | Conduct test to determine sample properties | 4.1 | Perform each treatment/measurement stage of the test method precisely and in the correct sequence |
4.2 | Record all data, observations and any factors that may impact on the quality of results | ||
4.3 | Recognise obvious errors or atypical data and take appropriate corrective actions | ||
4.4 | Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond own technical competence | ||
4.5 | Shut down test equipment/instruments in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
5 | Process and interpret data | 5.1 | Check data for accuracy and completeness |
5.2 | Perform required calculations and ensure results are consistent with expected values for the sample type | ||
5.3 | Record and report results with the appropriate accuracy, precision and units | ||
5.4 | Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out of specification or unexpected results promptly to appropriate personnel | ||
5.5 | Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to unexpected data or results | ||
6 | Maintain laboratory records | 6.1 | Enter approved data and test results into LIMS |
6.2 | Maintain confidentiality and security of workplace information and test results | ||
6.3 | Maintain technical/administrative records and test reports in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
7 | Maintain a safe work environment | 7.1 | Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others |
7.2 | Minimise generation of wastes and environmental impacts of testing | ||
7.3 | Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental/quarantine requirements and workplace procedures | ||
7.4 | Care for and store equipment, used test pieces and back-up samples in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Numeracy skills to:
estimate and calculate scientific quantities, such as stress, strain and stiffness
interpret gross features of data and graphs (e.g. Mohr circles) to make logical conclusions
identify atypical data, errors and unexpected results, trace any obvious causes and take corrective action
Other foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit.
Competency Field
Testing