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.
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 | Determine sample characteristics and testing requirements | 1.1 | Confirm drivers for evaluation and selection of test methods and/or procedures |
| 1.2 | Examine sample documentation and/or consult with sample supplier to determine nature of samples |
| 1.3 | Identify sample characteristics which may affect testing requirements |
| 1.4 | Determine testing requirements and their compatibility with existing standard operating procedures (SOPs) |
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2 | Evaluate possible test methods and/or procedures | 2.1 | Identify appropriate standards, reference materials, test methods and/or procedures which may be applicable |
| 2.2 | Assess suitability of available standards, reference materials, test methods and/or procedures against testing requirements |
| 2.3 | Identify environmental and work health and safety (WHS) risks |
| 2.4 | Identify the need for specific equipment, instrumentation and/or specialised facilities |
| 2.5 | Estimate materials, personnel and possible training requirements |
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3 | Recommend appropriate test methods and/or procedures | 3.1 | Select appropriate test methodology consistent with testing requirements and resource availability |
| 3.2 | Identify any changes to SOPs required prior to implementation of selected method and/or procedure |
| 3.3 | Recommend selected method and/or procedure to appropriate personnel and seek authorisation to proceed |
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4 | Confirm and document selected methods and/or procedures | 4.1 | Obtain standards and/or reference materials for the method and/or procedure |
| 4.2 | Conduct tests to verify the performance of the method and/or procedure, standards and reference materials |
| 4.3 | Analyse the measurements and estimate uncertainties |
| 4.4 | Determine if legal traceability is required and develop appropriate chain of custody procedures |
| 4.5 | Document all safety, sample preparation, testing, data handling and reporting procedures |
| 4.6 | Submit all documentation to appropriate personnel for review and approval |
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
evaluating and selecting test methods and procedures on at least two (2) different occasions
appraising new and emerging technologies relevant to scope of laboratory operations and/or job role
identifying reference standards or standard operating procedures (SOPs) appropriate to testing requirements of the laboratory
identifying standards that support compliance with regulatory and licensing requirements
applying workplace procedures to select appropriate standards
estimating materials, personnel and possible training requirements
conducting tests to verify the performance of the method and procedure, standards and reference materials
using method performance measures, such as accuracy, precision, uncertainty, linearity, selectivity, range, limit of detection and matrix characteristics in method selection
clearly documenting method selection procedures
maintaining records of published methods
following workplace safety procedures and principles of good laboratory practice (GLP).
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
principles, concepts and workplace and regulatory requirements related to method selection
regulatory and licensing requirements related to selected test methods
relative advantages and disadvantages of test methods for a range of testing situations
cost advantages and disadvantages of workplace test methods
scientific and technical principles underpinning test method and their application to selection of testing methods for different materials
calculation steps for data analysis and estimation of uncertainties for selected test methods
significance of normal, physiological or reference ranges
workplace and legal requirements for traceability
workplace and regulatory requirements regarding recording and reporting of testing
relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.
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:
MSL925002 Analyse measurements and estimate uncertainties
MSL916003 Supervise laboratory operations in work or functional area
Holistic assessment methods include:
review of selection briefs and/or selection proficiency tests completed by candidate
review of records completed by the candidate over a period of time to confirm consistency in method selection
feedback from peers and supervisors about the candidate’s ability to evaluate and select appropriate test methods and/or procedures in accordance with relevant standards and/or workplace requirements
oral or written questioning to establish basis of selection of test methods and/or 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 equipment, analytical instruments and reagents, SOPs and test methods
Australian and international regulatory standards relevant to scope of laboratory operations.
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.