- MSL974005A - Perform physical tests
Assessor Resource
MSL974005A
Perform physical tests
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024
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.
Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These are found at the end of this unit of competency under the section ‘This competency in practice’.
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/procedures for specific samples or troubleshoot equipment problems where the solution is not apparent.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
Not applicable
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Evidence Required
List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
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. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Assessors should ensure that candidates can: interpret test methods/procedures accurately prepare and test samples in accordance with specified methods ensure equipment/instrumentation is within calibration before use safely operate test equipment/instruments to enterprise standards and/or manufacturer’s specifications apply basic knowledge of physical properties of materials to interpret gross features of data and make relevant conclusions identify atypical results, such as out of normal range or an artefact trace and source obvious causes of an artefact communicate problems to a supervisor or outside service technician calculate, record and communicate results in accordance with enterprise procedures maintain security, integrity and traceability of samples, sub-samples, test data/results and documentation. |
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: MSL924001A Process and interpret data. Resources may include: standard laboratory equipped with appropriate test equipment/instruments, standards and materials enterprise procedures and standard methods. |
Method of assessment | The following assessment methods are suggested: review of test data/results obtained by the candidate over a period of time to check accuracy, consistency and timeliness of results review of test records and workplace documentation completed by the candidate observation of candidate conducting a range of physical tests and procedures and sample preparation feedback from peers and supervisors oral or written questioning of physical principles and concepts, test methods and enterprise procedures. 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. Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work like environment. |
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. Manufacturing A technical assistant was measuring the specific density of a shipment of glycerol using a standard laboratory procedure. The result did not agree with the manufacturer’s certificate of analysis. The assistant notified the manufacturer who came to the plant and checked the delivered material. It had been raining while the glycerol was in transit and rain water had entered the drum, diluting the glycerol. The drum was returned to the manufacturer and a new drum was supplied to the manufacturing plant. The manufacturer investigated the seals on the glycerol drums and took action to ensure that new seals would protect the product in transit. Food processing A technician was testing the melt flow index of a new type of polymer that was to be used as a sealant for packages of freeze dried coffee. The technician measured the melt flow rate and found it was much too high. The technician then checked the melt flow equipment as per the manufacturer’s directions and found the machine was out of calibration. After recalibration using recommended standards, another sample was obtained and retested. This time, the polymer was within specification and was released for use in production. |
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Required skills |
Required skills include: using equipment/instruments for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis interpreting test methods and procedures sample preparation procedures performing calibration checks metrology techniques underpinning test/procedure including estimating uncertainty troubleshooting basic equipment/method preparing calibration graphs, if required, and calculating results using appropriate units and precision applying theoretical knowledge to interpret gross features of data and make relevant conclusions such as identifying atypical results as out of normal range or an artefact tracing and sourcing obvious causes of an artefact recording and communicating results in accordance with enterprise procedures maintaining security, integrity, traceability of samples, sub-samples, test data, results and documentation |
Required knowledge |
Required knowledge includes: physical principles and concepts underpinning the test/procedure purpose of tests function of key components of the equipment/instrument effects on test of modifying equipment/instrument variables sample preparation procedures concepts of metrology basic equipment/method troubleshooting procedures enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements relevant health, safety and environment requirements |
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. | |
Codes of practice | Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used |
Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements | Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include: Australian and international standards, such as: AS ISO 1000-1998 The international system of units (SI) and its application AS ISO 17025-2005 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories AS/NZS 2243 Set:2006 Safety in laboratories set AS/NZS ISO 9000 Set:2008 Quality management systems set Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP) calibration and maintenance schedules data quality procedures enterprise recording and reporting procedures equipment startup, operation and shutdown procedures material safety data sheets (MSDS) material, production and product specifications national measurement regulations and guidelines principles of good laboratory practice (GLP) production and laboratory schedules quality manuals, equipment and procedures manuals SOPs |
Physical principles and concepts underpinning the test/procedure | Physical principles and concepts underpinning the test/procedure may include: matter, interatomic and intermolecular forces and states of matter mass, weight, forces, pressure, energy, friction and slip resistance properties of gases, pressure/volume/temperature, density, diffusion and compressibility cohesive/adhesive forces, hydrostatic pressure, fluid flow, viscosity and friction thermal expansion, thermal conductivity and 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, including electric field, voltage, current, resistance and AC/DC electromagnetic concepts, including magnetic field and flux, and electromagnetic induction sound concepts, including wave properties, amplitude, frequency and loudness (dB) elasticity, hardness, strength of materials, plasticity, permeability and dispersion electrical safety concepts including voltage, current, resistance, conductors/insulators and AC/DC |
Preparation of samples | Preparation of samples may include processes, such as: drying, washing, grinding, sieving, melting and moisture conditioning cutting, trimming or machining of test specimens, etching |
Physical tests and procedures | Physical tests and procedures may include: precise measurement of position, orientation and dimensions: three-dimensional setup 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: moisture/density relationship compaction loose and compacted density thermal tests: thermal conductivity coefficients of expansion (e.g. linear and volume) melt flow index calorimetry, (e.g. specific heat and latent heat) combustion properties (e.g. enthalpy and energy content) drying times thermal stability of products optical tests: flatness and surface finish refractive index optical rotation transmission/absorption of filters colour matching of products acoustic tests: absorption, reflection and transmission intensity, attenuation and loudness (dB) amplitude and frequency electrical tests: conductance, resistance and insulation temperature dependence of dielectrics magnetic tests: permeability retentivity, hysteresis loss and coercivity intrinsic induction |
Test and sample preparation equipment/materials | Test and sample preparation equipment/materials may include: crushers, mulchers, grinders, mills, riffles and sieves moulds, bags and containers ovens, microwaves and water baths mass balances microscopes dimension apparatus (e.g. calipers and micrometer) rammers, compression rigs and load cells chemical reagents and volumetric glassware temperature measuring devices, such as thermometers and thermocouples pH and conductivity meters analogue and digital meters, charts/recorders, data loggers and computers |
Tests | Tests may include methods for: control of starting materials, in-process materials and finished products investigation of sources of construction materials basic troubleshooting of enterprise processes |
Hazards | Hazards may include: microbiological organisms and agents, associated with soil, air and water chemicals, such as acids and solvents radiation, such as alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray and neutron sharps, broken glassware and hand tools flammable liquids and gases cryogenics, such as dry ice and liquid nitrogen fluids under pressure, such as steam and industrial gases sources of ignition burners and ovens disturbance or interruption of services crushing, entanglement and cuts associated with moving machinery (grinders) |
Hazard control measures | Hazard control measures may include: ensuring access to service shut-off points recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs labelling of samples and hazardous materials handling and storage of hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, MSDS and manufacturer’s instructions identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions cleaning equipment and work areas regularly using enterprise procedures using personal protective clothing and equipment, such as 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 |
Records | Records may include: test and calibration results equipment use, maintenance and servicing history faulty or unsafe equipment |
Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements | OHS and environmental management requirements: 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 (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health |
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice | Yes | No | Comments/feedback |
---|---|---|---|
Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment/instruments involved | |||
Identify hazards and enterprise control measures associated with the sample, preparation/test methods and/or equipment | |||
Plan work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple samples, if appropriate | |||
Log samples using standard operating procedures (SOPs) | |||
Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies | |||
Prepare samples and standards in accordance with physical testing requirements | |||
Ensure traceability of samples from receipt to reporting of results | |||
Set up equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements | |||
Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant enterprise and operating procedures | |||
Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel | |||
Check equipment calibration using specified procedures, if applicable | |||
Quarantine out of calibration equipment/instruments | |||
Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements | |||
Perform tests/procedures on all samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods | |||
Shut down equipment/instruments in accordance with operating procedures | |||
Record test data noting atypical observations | |||
Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations | |||
Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required | |||
Record and report results in accordance with enterprise procedures | |||
Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out of specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel | |||
Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results | |||
Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel | |||
Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts | |||
Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal | |||
Care for and store equipment and materials as required | |||
Enter approved data into laboratory information management system | |||
Maintain confidentiality and security of enterprise information and laboratory data | |||
Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with enterprise procedures |
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
MSL974005A - Perform physical tests
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Assessment Record Sheet
MSL974005A - Perform physical tests
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