Assessor Resource

PMLTEST307B
Prepare trial batches for evaluation

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit of competence covers the ability to prepare trial batches of materials for evaluation. Materials can include soil, minerals and manufactured products, such as concrete, asphalt, food, plastics, paint and other industrial chemicals.

This unit of competency has no prerequisites.

This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants working in all 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.

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.

The Evidence Guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence.

Critical aspects of competency

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard. In particular, assessors should look to see that the candidate:

calculates batch quantities, concentrations and other relevant parameters

follows standard operating procedures

measures quantities accurately

takes representative samples

identifies and describes materials accurately

handles and transports samples correctly

records sampling and testing information

uses tools and equipment effectively and efficiently

observes, interprets and reports atypical situations

communicates problems to appropriate personnel

records and communicates work results

works safely

interprets information from materials safety data sheets.

Underpinning knowledge

Competency includes the ability to apply and explain:

the properties of mixing materials and how they affect the properties of the final product

hazards involved with materials and equipment involved

measurement of mass and volume

basic calculations involving SI units, proportion, ratio, and percentage

representative sampling

uses of various materials/enterprise products

basic testing methods for relevant materials

enterprise traceability requirements

relevant health, safety and environment requirements.

Assessment context and methods

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

The following assessment methods are suggested:

analysis of trial batches prepared by the candidate over a period of time to ensure accurate and consistent work is obtained within required timelines

inspection of workplace documentation completed by the candidate

feedback from peers and supervisors

use of suitable simulation and/or a range of case studies/scenarios.

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.

Interdependent assessment of unit

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

PMLSAMP302A Handle and transport samples or equipment

PMLSAMP400B Prepare representative samples in accordance with a sampling plan

PMLTEST300B Perform basic tests.

Resource implications

Resources may include:

standard facility with appropriate tools, equipment and materials

enterprise procedures, MSDS, product formulation/specifications.

This competency in practice

Construction materials

A laboratory assistant works for a concrete manufacturer. A client requires concrete for a specific project that cannot be supplied using existing standard mixes. The manufacturer must use special aggregates and cement to meet the durability and strength specifications for the project. The laboratory manager obtains quantities of the materials for evaluation purposes. The assistant tests the aggregates to determine their grading properties. From these results, he/she designs a mix to satisfy the project specifications using a standard design method. The mix requires the use of pozzolanic materials and admixtures that were obtained from the suppliers.

The manager provides the assistant with the batch quantities required to produce one cubic metre of concrete. To test the mix design, the assistant will produce a 20-litre batch in the laboratory. She/he calculates that this quantity will provide sufficient material for the required tests, without undue waste. She/he calculates the quantity of each material required for the trial batch. The assistant selects and prepares the tools and equipment she/he needs to mix, sample and test the concrete. She/he wears overalls, safety boots and glasses, and uses a barrier cream. She/he measures out the quantities required for the trial batch, charges the mixer and allows it to mix for the specified time. She/he then discharges the concrete onto a suitable surface. She/he checks its slump, cohesiveness and air content, recording the data on standard enterprise forms. The manager inspects the concrete, and decides that it is over-sanded and has excessive slump. She/he adjusts the batch quantities and draws up amended values. She/he disposes of the excess concrete and cleans the equipment and tools.

She/he then mixes a new batch using the amended figures. This process continues until the manager is satisfied with the concrete quality. She/he then mixes a larger batch so that she/he can prepare specimens for testing its hardened-state properties.

Key Competencies

The seven key competencies represent generic skills considered for effective work participation. The bracketed numbering against each of the key competencies indicates the performance level required in this unit. These are stand-alone levels and do not correspond to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Level (1) represents the competence to undertake tasks effectively

Level (2) represents the competence to manage tasks

Level (3) represents the competence to use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks.

Collecting, analysing and organising information

Communicating ideas and information

Planning and organising activities

Working with others and in teams

Using mathematical ideas and techniques

Solving problems

Using technology

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

Level 1

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.

The range of variables relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

Where reference is made to industry Codes of Practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used.

This unit of competence describes work conducted by laboratory assistants, generally working under the guidance of a senior technician, scientific officer, laboratory supervisor/manager. Operations are performed in accordance with laboratory and/or enterprise procedures, and appropriate legislative requirements. These procedures and requirements can include or be prepared from:

industry Codes of Practice

environmental legislation and regulations

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

equipment manuals

equipment start-up, operation and shutdown procedures

calibration and maintenance schedules

quality manuals

enterprise recording and reporting procedures

production and laboratory schedules

material, production and product specifications.

Materials, tools and equipment used may include:

soils, concrete, asphalt, aggregates, polymers, ceramics, metals, foodstuffs, solvents

ovens, sieves, balances, volumetric measures, mixers

hand tools, including shovels, scoops, spatulas

consumables, including sample bags, labels

documentation, including specifications, manufacturers' handbooks, worksheets

test equipment appropriate to the various materials.

Typical skills may include:

working safely with equipment and hazardous materials

working safely in laboratory conditions

setting up and maintaining tools and equipment

using tools and equipment to perform basic sampling techniques

using tools and equipment to perform basic testing techniques

basic calculations

observing and recording information on testing and sampling

making basic measurements of volume and mass

handling and storing materials appropriately.

Typical problems may include:

not following standard operating procedures

measurement errors

calculation errors

materials of unreliable quality

insufficient mixing

poor sampling procedures

equipment breakdown and breakage.

Hazards may include:

electric shock

biohazards, such as microbiological organisms and agents associated with soil, air, water

solar radiation, dust, noise

chemicals

sharps, broken glassware and hand tools

flammable liquids and gases

fluids under pressure

manual handling heavy objects

crushing, entanglement, cuts associated with moving machinery or falling objects.

Safety procedures may include:

recognising hazard warnings and safety signs

use of personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, hearing protection, sunscreen lotion, gloves, safety glasses, goggles, face guards, coveralls, safety boots

use of material safety data sheets (MSDS)

following established manual handling procedures

regular cleaning and/or decontaminating of equipment and work areas

ensuring access to service shut off points

identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions.

Health, safety and environment

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environmental (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through State or Federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.

All operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied. 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. All operations are performed in accordance with standard operating procedures.
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 the job, materials, appropriate procedures and safety requirements 
Record description of the job to be undertaken, compare with specification and report any variations 
Select and prepare tools, equipment and materials in accordance with job requirements 
Confirm the properties and quantities of materials to be used 
Confirm that the required materials are available and ready for use 
Measure out quantities of materials ready for mixing 
Mix the materials according to established procedures 
Discharge the mixture ready for inspection and testing according to established procedures 
Record details of the mix and any observations according to established procedures 
Obtain representative samples of the mix for testing 
Perform specified tests according to established procedures 
Handle and transport samples in accordance with established procedures 
Label samples and record details in accordance with established procedures 
Clean mixing, measuring, sampling and testing equipment after use 
Return unused materials to storage 
Dispose of excess materials safely and ethically 
Record data in accordance with established procedures 
Maintain equipment records in accordance with established procedures 
Maintain confidentiality of enterprise information 
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 safe disposal of laboratory and hazardous wastes 
Clean, care for and store equipment and reagents as required. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMLTEST307B - Prepare trial batches for evaluation
Assessment task 1: [title]

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

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

PMLTEST307B - Prepare trial batches for evaluation

Student name:

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

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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