Required skills

accessing interpreting and applying a range of documents for the verification of reference standards including

national measurement legislation

National Measurement Institute laboratory operating procedures

National Measurement Institute monographs

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

maintaining very close attention to procedures accuracy and precision of measurement to ensure integrity of testcalibration results especially during lengthy tests

examining each calibration step critically to ensure repeatability and validity of data

selecting setting up validating using and maintaining a range of balances and reference standards

operatingtest equipment correctly and safely

applying all relevant procedures and regulatory requirements to ensure the quality and integrity of the services or data provided

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

performing 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

recognising problems or departures in systems and documentation and initiating actions to prevent or minimise them

preparing testcalibration documentation that is accurate and complies with requirements

recognising and reporting opportunities for improvements to procedures

planning routine tasks

solving routineexpected problems

working safely which may include applying basic first aid

Required knowledge

understanding of the purpose of metrology and calibration including common terminology concepts principles procedures and applications

detailed knowledge of specific metrology terms and principles such as uncertainty maximum permissible variations traceability and legal requirements for traceability

NATAs and the National Measurement Institutes role in the measurement and testing system in Australia measurement standards laboratories

requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories for example AS ISOIEC as they affect job role and responsibilities

national measurement legislation applicable to verification of inspectors class reference standards

selection and application of appropriate test methods and calibration procedures

hierarchy and appropriate selection of reference instruments

detailed knowledge of calibration procedures equipment measurement steps test conditions environmental impacts calculations uncertainty treatment to give results in appropriate accuracy precision and units

use of calibration and correction charts

methods for statistical analysis means ranges standard deviations and estimation of uncertainty of measurement may include the use of software

nonconformancenoncompliance procedures and protocols associated with equipment reference material and calibration procedures

troubleshooting procedures for equipment and test methods

handling transport storage and operation of reference and working standards

laboratory environmental control requirements

organisations policy and procedures for verifying inspectors class reference standards

lines of communication reporting procedures and legislative requirements

relevant health safety and environmental requirements safety principles and procedures relevant test environment basic first aid and site safety induction if required

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 inspectors class reference standards 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 calibration procedures

identify and use high order reference standards of measurement

evaluate and adjust the impact of the operating environment on the results of the calibration

identify the scope of a calibration and compare results with expected outcomes

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

MSATMREFA Use and maintain reference standards

MSATMREF301A Use and maintain reference standards.

Resources may include

reference standards balances weighing instruments and test equipment

computer and relevant software andor organisation information management system

National Measurement Institute laboratory operating procedures

relevant legislative and organisational procedures

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

questions to assess understanding of relevant metrologycalibration terms principles and procedures

review of calibration reports prepared by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and peers regarding the candidates ability to verify inspectors class reference standards in accordance with legislative and organisational procedures

observation of the candidate calibrating inspectors class reference standards

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

A customer delivers a L Inspectors Class Volume measure for calibration Personnel in the laboratorys item reception area log the job and the laboratory supervisor assigns it to a calibration technician Heshe reads the work order and retrieves the approved calibration procedure The procedure requires the measure to be tested gravimetrically The technician accesses and validates the test equipment and high order reference standards The density of the town water supply is determined using a verified hydrometer The measure is visually inspected for defects and contamination The volume of the measure is determined three times by filling the measure with town water to the capacity mark recording the temperature of the water and recording the mass of water This data is used in conjunction with the town water density determined previously and thermal appropriate expansionbuoyancy corrections to calculate the actual volume of the measure The technician notes that some values are outside the allowable tolerance and adjustments will have to be made Heshe takes another set of readings after making the necessary adjustments and records them on the report The technician applies the required calibration marks to the measure updates the database produces a test report and places the item in the despatch area for inspection by the supervisor The supervisor visually inspects the item and checks the calibration data on the report The job has taken four hours to complete

Appropriate documentation

Hazards

Safety procedures

Inspectors Class Reference standards

Operating procedures

Legislation

OHS and environmental management requirements

Operating environmental impacts

Records

Standard calibrations