Assessor Resource

MSMTMINS403
Inspect a range of trading practices

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competency covers the inspection of trading practices and application of National Instrument Test Procedures to determine whether the method of advertising, selling and measuring an article complies with national measurement legislation.

This unit of competency is applicable to trade measurement inspectors appointed under national measurement legislation who may inspect a wide range of trading practices as part of their duties. Transactions of all products sold by reference to measurement in all industry sectors must comply with national legislation governing trading practices. Inspectors must work safely which may include applying basic first aid.

While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, all inspection activity is legislated under the National Measurement Act 1960.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element

1

Prepare for inspection

1.1

Identify and evaluate the type of trading practices likely to be inspected

1.2

Access and review any history of previous inspections at trader's premises

1.3

Access and correctly interpret appropriate documentation required for the inspection

1.4

Identify and access test equipment, investigation equipment and consumables required for the inspection

1.5

Ensure specified test equipment is fit for purpose in accordance with applicable legislation and organisational procedures

1.6

Store and transport test equipment in accordance with organisational procedures and industry best practice

1.7

Identify workplace health and safety issues relevant to the inspection

2

Conduct a trial purchase

2.1

Observe and assess visible trading practices prior to entry into the premises

2.2

Identify scope and expected outcomes of the trial purchase

2.3

On entry to the premises, evaluate trading practices and where applicable modify trial purchase strategy to maximise inspection outcomes

2.4

Conduct trial purchase while observing the measurement process and staff actions

2.5

Assess trader's performance against expected outcomes

2.6

Analyse any variances from the expected outcomes and identify isolated or systemic issues related to the trial purchase

3

Initiate inspection

3.1

Identify the site controller, explain the purpose of the inspection and produce formal identification, if required

3.2

Identify site workplace health and safety issues and implement appropriate control strategies

3.3

Conduct a preliminary evaluation of the site's trade measurement activities and prioritise inspection to maximise outcomes

3.4

Identify measuring instruments being used for trade

3.5

Identify site's trading practice activities and plan inspection to minimise disruption to the public and trader

4

Examine measurement related advertising for compliance

4.1

Identify the articles which are required to be sold by specific measurement or in terms of a measurement at base conditions

4.2

Inspect and evaluate measurement related advertising used by the trader

4.3

Identify any non-compliances with legislative requirements

5

Examine trade measuring instrument operation

5.1

Inspect measuring instrument operating environment and determine instrument suitability for purpose

5.2

Evaluate measuring instrument operation against legislative requirements, organisational policy and procedures

5.3

Modify the operating environment or implement alternative arrangements to ensure reliable test conditions, as necessary

5.4

Identify the maximum permissible errors for the instrument from the legislative requirements

5.5

Use test equipment safely in accordance with applicable legislation and organisational procedures

5.6

Check instrument for compliance with the appropriate Certificates of Approval

5.7

Inspect the instrument in accordance with relevant National Instrument Test Procedures and appropriate National Measurement Institute (NMI) policy

5.8

Evaluate results against prescribed performance criteria and determine if the instrument is suitable for trade use in accordance with legislative requirements

6

Validate the measurement of articles

6.1

Identify articles sold by reference to measurement

6.2

Examine the process used by the trader for measuring an article

6.3

Evaluate the trader's measurement procedure

6.4

Measure an article in accordance with the appropriate National Instrument Test Procedure and organisational policy and procedures

7

Analyse and report inspection results

7.1

Analyse inspection data for unacceptable trends

7.2

Use test reports to present inspection results in the required format

7.3

Complete inspection documentation in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational procedures

7.4

Communicate inspection results within the specified time and in accordance with organisational guidelines

7.5

Recommend follow-up actions as appropriate

8

Act on non-compliance

8.1

Record and collect evidence of any identified non-compliance in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational policy and procedures

8.2

Select applicable enforcement action for the non-compliance in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational policy and procedures

8.3

Inform trader of non-compliances and the consequences of failing to have them corrected

8.4

Implement enforcement action in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational policy and procedures

8.5

Respect the rights of the trader at all times

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

identifying at least four (4) of the following examples of non-compliance while inspecting trading practices:

how a measuring instrument is used

position of measuring instruments

measurement advertising

how the measurement of an article is determined

the type of measurement used to sell an article

accessing and correctly interpreting documents for the inspection of trading practices, including national measurement legislation, National Instrument Test Procedures and National Measurement Institute (NMI) inspection policy

ensuring test equipment and reference standards are fit for purpose in accordance with applicable legislation and organisational procedures

planning, preparing for and safely conducting inspections to maximise outcomes and minimise disruption to the public and trader

observing visible trading practices, conducting trial purchases, evaluating trader’s measurement related advertising, and validating measurement of articles to assess a trader’s performance and identify isolated or systemic issues

identifying potential non-compliance of trading practices with national measurement legislation and initiating an efficient inspection strategy that has a limited impact on others

checking compliance and evaluating the performance of measuring instruments using appropriate Certificate of Approval, NMI policy and National Instrument Test Procedures and adjusting for any impact of the operating environment

reliably determining if measuring instruments are suitable for trade use in accordance with legislative requirements

recognising and acting on non-compliance of trading practices or measuring instruments with national measurement legislation and initiating appropriate enforcement action

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

using advanced communication and negotiation skills to:

explain the purpose of inspection

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

access external equipment and resources to complete the inspection

explain inspection procedures and outcomes to traders and managers

performing specified calculations involving:

fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions and percentages

scientific notation, correct units and the correct number of significant figures

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

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

reporting results in the required formats and expected timeframe

working safely.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

general physical principles and concepts, including weight, mass, gravity, volume, length and area

metrological terms and terminology, including maximum permissible errors, traceability and uncertainty

national measurement legislation requirements applicable to trading practices and measuring instruments

safe work method statements (SWMS) for a range of trading environments

NMI policy requirements, including test procedure variations between a verification, in-service or audit inspection, bulletins, instructions and determinations

National Instrument Test Procedures and operating procedures for the equipment, and reference standards used in job role, including:

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 measuring instruments under inspection

safety principles and procedures relevant to measuring instruments and inspections

organisational policy and procedures for inspection of trading practices, including completing inspection documentation

organisational safety procedures and requirements of applicable Commonwealth, state and territory work/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) legislation

basic first aid and site safety induction if required.

Judgement 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 should 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:

MSMTMINS301 Inspect a range of simple measures

MSMTMINS302 Inspect a range of simple measuring instruments

MSMTMINS401 Inspect a range of weighing instruments

MSMTMINS402 Inspect a range of liquid measuring instruments using volume measures

MSMTMINS404 Inspect a range of pre-packaged products

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of inspection reports prepared by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and peers regarding the candidate's ability to inspect trading practices and evaluate the performance of measuring instruments and trader’s performance in accordance with legislative and organisational procedures

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

review of candidate’s responses to inspection scenarios, such as potential/actual non-compliances and appropriate actions, common issues and problems

observation of the candidate conducting an inspection of trading practices.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:

latest versions of appropriate documentation, such as Certificates of Approval, NMI policy, National Instrument Test Procedures for inspection of trading practices and relevant legislation

equipment manuals, material safety data sheets (MSDS), safety procedures and safety equipment

records, such as test reports, audit reports, instrument history and test results

measuring instruments, test equipment and reference standards

computer and relevant software and/or organisation information management system,

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 competency and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience in trade measurement at least to the level being assessed and broad industry knowledge (such as a relevant industry qualification).

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment in trade measurement OR

having consulted with trade measurement inspectors and/or verifiers performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.


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.

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element

1

Prepare for inspection

1.1

Identify and evaluate the type of trading practices likely to be inspected

1.2

Access and review any history of previous inspections at trader's premises

1.3

Access and correctly interpret appropriate documentation required for the inspection

1.4

Identify and access test equipment, investigation equipment and consumables required for the inspection

1.5

Ensure specified test equipment is fit for purpose in accordance with applicable legislation and organisational procedures

1.6

Store and transport test equipment in accordance with organisational procedures and industry best practice

1.7

Identify workplace health and safety issues relevant to the inspection

2

Conduct a trial purchase

2.1

Observe and assess visible trading practices prior to entry into the premises

2.2

Identify scope and expected outcomes of the trial purchase

2.3

On entry to the premises, evaluate trading practices and where applicable modify trial purchase strategy to maximise inspection outcomes

2.4

Conduct trial purchase while observing the measurement process and staff actions

2.5

Assess trader's performance against expected outcomes

2.6

Analyse any variances from the expected outcomes and identify isolated or systemic issues related to the trial purchase

3

Initiate inspection

3.1

Identify the site controller, explain the purpose of the inspection and produce formal identification, if required

3.2

Identify site workplace health and safety issues and implement appropriate control strategies

3.3

Conduct a preliminary evaluation of the site's trade measurement activities and prioritise inspection to maximise outcomes

3.4

Identify measuring instruments being used for trade

3.5

Identify site's trading practice activities and plan inspection to minimise disruption to the public and trader

4

Examine measurement related advertising for compliance

4.1

Identify the articles which are required to be sold by specific measurement or in terms of a measurement at base conditions

4.2

Inspect and evaluate measurement related advertising used by the trader

4.3

Identify any non-compliances with legislative requirements

5

Examine trade measuring instrument operation

5.1

Inspect measuring instrument operating environment and determine instrument suitability for purpose

5.2

Evaluate measuring instrument operation against legislative requirements, organisational policy and procedures

5.3

Modify the operating environment or implement alternative arrangements to ensure reliable test conditions, as necessary

5.4

Identify the maximum permissible errors for the instrument from the legislative requirements

5.5

Use test equipment safely in accordance with applicable legislation and organisational procedures

5.6

Check instrument for compliance with the appropriate Certificates of Approval

5.7

Inspect the instrument in accordance with relevant National Instrument Test Procedures and appropriate National Measurement Institute (NMI) policy

5.8

Evaluate results against prescribed performance criteria and determine if the instrument is suitable for trade use in accordance with legislative requirements

6

Validate the measurement of articles

6.1

Identify articles sold by reference to measurement

6.2

Examine the process used by the trader for measuring an article

6.3

Evaluate the trader's measurement procedure

6.4

Measure an article in accordance with the appropriate National Instrument Test Procedure and organisational policy and procedures

7

Analyse and report inspection results

7.1

Analyse inspection data for unacceptable trends

7.2

Use test reports to present inspection results in the required format

7.3

Complete inspection documentation in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational procedures

7.4

Communicate inspection results within the specified time and in accordance with organisational guidelines

7.5

Recommend follow-up actions as appropriate

8

Act on non-compliance

8.1

Record and collect evidence of any identified non-compliance in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational policy and procedures

8.2

Select applicable enforcement action for the non-compliance in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational policy and procedures

8.3

Inform trader of non-compliances and the consequences of failing to have them corrected

8.4

Implement enforcement action in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational policy and procedures

8.5

Respect the rights of the trader at all times

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.

National Instrument Test Procedures include one or more of:

measuring instrument test procedures

any other test procedure prescribed by the NMI

Classes of simple measures include one or more of:

length measures

alcoholic beverage measures

lubricating oil measures

graduated measures

pharmaceutical measures

trade masses

any other simple measure prescribed by the NMI

Test equipment includes one or more of:

measuring instruments

trolleys

cameras

video and audio recorders

Certificates of Approvalinclude:

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

Verification

Has the same meaning as Section 18GG of the National Measurement Act 1960

Verification marks

Verification marks for different measures are defined in Sections 2.28 and 2.29 of the National Trade Measurement Regulations

Trading practices include one or more of:

how a measuring instrument is used

position of measuring instruments

measurement advertising

how the measurement of an article is determined

the type of measurement used to sell an article

the base conditions at which the measurement of an article is determined

Enforcement actions include:

warning, infringement notice, undertaking, injunction and prosecution

Legislation includes:

national measurement legislation

applicable Commonwealth, state and territory work/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) legislation

NMI policy includes:

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

bulletins

instructions

determinations

WHS/OHS and environmental management requirements include:

complying with WHS/OHS 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

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

identifying at least four (4) of the following examples of non-compliance while inspecting trading practices:

how a measuring instrument is used

position of measuring instruments

measurement advertising

how the measurement of an article is determined

the type of measurement used to sell an article

accessing and correctly interpreting documents for the inspection of trading practices, including national measurement legislation, National Instrument Test Procedures and National Measurement Institute (NMI) inspection policy

ensuring test equipment and reference standards are fit for purpose in accordance with applicable legislation and organisational procedures

planning, preparing for and safely conducting inspections to maximise outcomes and minimise disruption to the public and trader

observing visible trading practices, conducting trial purchases, evaluating trader’s measurement related advertising, and validating measurement of articles to assess a trader’s performance and identify isolated or systemic issues

identifying potential non-compliance of trading practices with national measurement legislation and initiating an efficient inspection strategy that has a limited impact on others

checking compliance and evaluating the performance of measuring instruments using appropriate Certificate of Approval, NMI policy and National Instrument Test Procedures and adjusting for any impact of the operating environment

reliably determining if measuring instruments are suitable for trade use in accordance with legislative requirements

recognising and acting on non-compliance of trading practices or measuring instruments with national measurement legislation and initiating appropriate enforcement action

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

using advanced communication and negotiation skills to:

explain the purpose of inspection

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

access external equipment and resources to complete the inspection

explain inspection procedures and outcomes to traders and managers

performing specified calculations involving:

fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions and percentages

scientific notation, correct units and the correct number of significant figures

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

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

reporting results in the required formats and expected timeframe

working safely.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

general physical principles and concepts, including weight, mass, gravity, volume, length and area

metrological terms and terminology, including maximum permissible errors, traceability and uncertainty

national measurement legislation requirements applicable to trading practices and measuring instruments

safe work method statements (SWMS) for a range of trading environments

NMI policy requirements, including test procedure variations between a verification, in-service or audit inspection, bulletins, instructions and determinations

National Instrument Test Procedures and operating procedures for the equipment, and reference standards used in job role, including:

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 measuring instruments under inspection

safety principles and procedures relevant to measuring instruments and inspections

organisational policy and procedures for inspection of trading practices, including completing inspection documentation

organisational safety procedures and requirements of applicable Commonwealth, state and territory work/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) legislation

basic first aid and site safety induction if required.

Judgement 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 should 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:

MSMTMINS301 Inspect a range of simple measures

MSMTMINS302 Inspect a range of simple measuring instruments

MSMTMINS401 Inspect a range of weighing instruments

MSMTMINS402 Inspect a range of liquid measuring instruments using volume measures

MSMTMINS404 Inspect a range of pre-packaged products

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of inspection reports prepared by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and peers regarding the candidate's ability to inspect trading practices and evaluate the performance of measuring instruments and trader’s performance in accordance with legislative and organisational procedures

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

review of candidate’s responses to inspection scenarios, such as potential/actual non-compliances and appropriate actions, common issues and problems

observation of the candidate conducting an inspection of trading practices.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:

latest versions of appropriate documentation, such as Certificates of Approval, NMI policy, National Instrument Test Procedures for inspection of trading practices and relevant legislation

equipment manuals, material safety data sheets (MSDS), safety procedures and safety equipment

records, such as test reports, audit reports, instrument history and test results

measuring instruments, test equipment and reference standards

computer and relevant software and/or organisation information management system,

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 competency and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience in trade measurement at least to the level being assessed and broad industry knowledge (such as a relevant industry qualification).

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment in trade measurement OR

having consulted with trade measurement inspectors and/or verifiers performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

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
Identify and evaluate the type of trading practices likely to be inspected 
Access and review any history of previous inspections at trader's premises 
Access and correctly interpret appropriate documentation required for the inspection 
Identify and access test equipment, investigation equipment and consumables required for the inspection 
Ensure specified test equipment is fit for purpose in accordance with applicable legislation and organisational procedures 
Store and transport test equipment in accordance with organisational procedures and industry best practice 
Identify workplace health and safety issues relevant to the inspection 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSMTMINS403 - Inspect a range of trading practices
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

MSMTMINS403 - Inspect a range of trading practices

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: