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

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard for any class of liquid measuring instrument listed in the Range Statement.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

identify, access and apply test procedures

identify and use suitable reference standards

evaluate and adjust the impact of the operating environment on the performance of the instrument

analyse test results to determine the instrument's suitability for verification (trade use)

identify the scope of a verifier performance audit and assess results with expected outcomes

audit the performance of verifiers of liquid measuring instruments

identify and implement additional inspection strategies for non-instrument related breaches of national measurement legislation

recognise and act on non-compliance

maintain the security and confidentiality of data in accordance with organisational and regulatory requirements

report results in the required formats and expected timeframe.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment.

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSATMREF301A Use and maintain reference standards.

Resources may include:

liquid measuring instruments using volume measures, test equipment and reference standards

safety equipment

computer and relevant software and/or organisation information management system

Certificates of Approval for instruments

relevant legislative and organisational procedures.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

questions to assess understanding of relevant procedures, licensing requirements, trader obligations and remedial actions

review of inspection reports and verifier performance audit reports prepared by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and peers regarding the candidate's ability to verify the performance of instruments in accordance with legislative and organisational procedures

observation of the candidate conducting an inspection.

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.

This competency in practice

Industry representatives have provided the case studies below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting.

An inspector arrives unannounced at a medium size service station to check the performance of a number of fuel dispensers. After introducing him/herself to the site manager, the inspector explains the purpose of the visit and asks for the location of the fuel return points. The inspector performs a safety check, completes an AIP form, places safety barriers around the work area and then prepares the test equipment and reference standards. There are seven fuel dispensers with a total of 38 hoses.

The inspector tests a selection of dispensers visually. The National Test Procedure requires the inspector to dispense fuel into 15L reference measures and then return the fuel to storage. Approximately 90 litres are dispensed per hose. The inspector finds a number of non-compliances on site. Two hoses are dispensing fuel outside the allowable maximum permissible error, one dispenser has a faulty segment in its display and the lights are not working, the diesel dispenser failed the air elimination test and three hoses are badly worn. The inspector removes the verification mark from all non-compliant dispensers.

While testing the fuel dispenser, the inspector notices a number of items displayed for sale outside the office. On closer inspection, some of the pre-packaged items are found not to be marked with a measurement statement.

The inspector meets with the site manager to inform him of the non-compliant dispensers. He/she advises the manager not to use any unmarked dispensers, explains how they can be rectified and issues non- compliance notices. They also discuss the non-compliant pre-packaged articles. The inspector takes details for further action, completes the AIP form and fuel usage report and then departs.

Required skills

accessing, interpreting and applying a range of documents for the inspection of liquid measuring instruments including:

national measurement legislation

intermediate National Test Procedures

Certificates of Approval

National Measurement Institute inspection policy

Australian Standards

industry codes of practice

correction tables for volume, density and pressure for a range of liquids

national and international design rules

pattern approval documents

accessing and interpreting Certificates of Verification for a range of reference standards

performing inspections over extended durations in non-routine and hazardous environments

using advanced communication and negotiation skills to:

explain purpose of the verification

inform traders of non-compliances and consequences of failing to rectify

access external equipment and resources to complete the verification

explain verification procedures and outcomes to traders, verifiers and managers

accessing, transporting, setting up, validating, using and maintaining a broad range of test equipment and reference standards

identifying and evaluating environmental factors that may impact on performance of liquid measuring instruments

organising large equipment to be dispatched ahead of verification visit

conducting tests and recording results with close attention to detail and accuracy

performing calculations involving:

fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions and percentages

evaluation of formulae containing powers, exponents and logarithms functions

use of scientific notation, correct units, correct number of significant figures

calculation of uncertainties

preparation and interpretation of linear, semi-log and log-log graphs

interpretation of statistical quantities, such as mean, median, mode, range, variance and standard deviation

determination of regression line equations, correlation coefficients

preparation and interpretation of more complex control charts and frequency distribution plots

analysing performance results over a broad range of operating conditions

identifying non-compliances with national measurement legislation relating to instrument or verifier performance and initiate appropriate enforcement action including warning, infringement notice, undertaking, injunction and prosecution

identifying potential trading practice non-compliance with national measurement legislation and initiating an appropriate inspection strategy

planning complex tasks

developing/implementing an efficient verification strategy that minimises disruption to traders, the public, technicians, employees, colleagues and suppliers

demonstrating professionalism and maintaining the rights of the trader at all times

solving unexpected problems and non-routine issues

working safely which may include applying basic first aid, confined space entry, working with hazardous materials, working safely in hazardous environments, working with heavy machinery, Australian Institute of Petroleum (AIP) cold work clearance permit, safety induction and working at heights

Required knowledge

general chemical and physical principles and concepts including:

physical states (solid, liquid gas), weight, mass, gravity and density

pressure, pressure differential, backpressure and head pressure

fluid flow

flashpoint, boiling point and ice point

viscosity

temperature effects and coefficients of expansion

basic knowledge of the design, application and function of components used in liquid measuring instruments

knowledge of the operating procedures across a range of environments including laboratories, retail, commercial, office, manufacturing, industrial, mining, construction, medical, chemical and petroleum

knowledge of metrological terms and terminology specific to liquid measuring instruments such as:

maximum permissible errors, maximum permissible difference and maximum permissible variation

traceability

repeatability

uncertainty, error of measurement and error of indication

meter creep

hose dilation

temperature correction

linearisation

gas elimination

national measurement legislation applicable to liquid measuring instruments

detailed knowledge of National Test Procedures and operating procedures for equipment and reference standards used in job role including:

purpose of test

test conditions and possible environmental impacts on performance of the instrument

key preparation/measurement steps in test method

calculation steps to give results in appropriate units and precision

maximum permissible errors for liquid measuring instruments under inspection

procedures for completing inspection documentation

organisational policy and procedures for inspecting instruments

safety principles and procedures relevant to instruments

basic first aid and site safety induction if required

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.

Prescribed performance criteria for instruments

Prescribed performance criteria for instruments may include:

design is in accordance with the appropriate Certificates of Approval

performance meets the criteria described in the Certificates of Approval, National Test Procedure and legislation

Appropriate documentation

Where reference is made to documentation, it is expected the latest version will be used.

Appropriate documentation may include:

reference standards

Certificates of Verification

Certificates of Approval for liquid measuring instruments

test procedures for verifying liquid measuring instruments

organisational test reports

organisational procedures e.g. company quality assurance manual

National Measurement Act

occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations, guidelines and procedures and material safety data sheets (MSDS)

equipment manuals and warranty, supplier catalogues and handbooks

Certificates of Approval

Certificates of Approval may include:

any Certificate issued by the Chief Metrologist under Regulation 60 of the National Measurement Regulations approving the pattern of a liquid measuring instrument as being suitable for trade

Enforcement action

Enforcement action may include:

formal warnings

infringement notice

formal undertaking

injunction

prosecution

Test equipment

Test equipment may include:

reference standards of measurement

equipment other than reference standards of measurement such as pumps, funnels and hoses

Legislation

Legislation may include

national measurement legislation

applicable Commonwealth, state and territory OHS legislation

National Measurement Institute policy

National Measurement Institute policy may include:

test procedure variations between a verification, in-service or audit inspection

bulletin

instruction

determination

National Test Procedures for liquid measuring instruments

National Test Procedures for liquid measuring instruments may include:

fuel dispensers other than LPG dispensers

bulk flowmetering systems for liquid hydrocarbons other than LPG tested using a volume measure

milk flowmeters tested using a volume measure

any other test procedure prescribed by the National Measurement Institute

OHS and environmental management requirements

OHS and environmental management requirements refer to:

all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or Federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied

where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council and State and Territory Departments of Health

Operating environmental impacts

Operating environmental impacts may include:

vibration

wind

heat

dust

electromagnetic interference

out of level

Records

Records may include:

test reports

AIP form

safety procedures

a history of equipment calibration and test results

Liquid measuring instruments

Inspectors may be required to test and mark any of the classes of instruments from the following list.

Liquid measuring instruments may include:

fuel dispensers other than LPG dispensers

bulk flowmetering systems for liquid hydrocarbons other than LPG tested using a volume measure

milk flowmeters tested using a volume measure

or any other liquid measuring instrument prescribed by the National Measurement Institute