Required skills

diagnosing faults in complex measuring instruments

installing and repairing measuring instruments with a complex design

installingupgrading software

accessing interpreting and applying a range of documents for the verification of complex measuring instruments including

national measurement legislation

intermediate National Test Procedures

Certificates of Approval

National Measurement Institute inspection policy

Australian Standards

industry codes of practice

correction tables for volume density and pressure for a range of liquids

national and international design rules

pattern approval documents

performing verification tests over extended durations up to five days in nonroutine and hazardous environments

accessing and interpreting Certificates of Verification for a wide range of reference standards

using advanced communication and negotiation skills to

explain purpose of the verification

inform traders of noncompliances and consequences of failing to rectify

access external equipment and resources to complete the verification

explain verification procedures and outcomes to traders and managers

accessing transporting setting up validating using and maintaining a broad range of test equipment and reference standards

organising large equipment to be dispatched ahead of verification visit

identifying and evaluating environmental factors that may impact on performance of complex measuring instruments

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

performing calculations involving

fractions decimals ratios proportions and percentages

evaluation of formulae containing powers exponents and logarithms functions

use of scientific notation correct units and correct number of significant figures

calculation of uncertainties

preparation and interpretation of linear semilog and loglog graphs

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

determination of regression line equations and correlation coefficients

preparation and interpretation of more complex control charts and frequency distribution plots

analysing performance results over a broad range of operating conditions

planning complex tasks

developingimplementing an efficient verification strategy that minimises disruption to traders the public technicians employees colleagues and suppliers

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

solving unexpected problems and nonroutine issues

working safely which may include applying basic first aid confined space entry working with hazardous materials working safely in hazardous environments working with heavy machinery Australian Institute of Petroleum AIP cold work clearance permit safety induction working at heights and biosecurity issues

Required knowledge

the design major components and functions of relevant complex measuring instruments

licensing requirements for a verifier including

quality management system

licence conditions

maintenance of statutory records

general chemical and physical principles and concepts including

physical states solid liquid gas

weight mass gravity and density

pressure pressure differential backpressure and head pressure

fluid flow

flashpoint boiling point and ice point

viscosity

temperature effects and coefficients of expansion

knowledge of the operating procedures across a range of environments including laboratories retail commercial office manufacturing industrial mining construction medical chemical and petroleum

knowledge of metrological terms and terminology specific to complex measuring instruments such as

maximum permissible errors maximum permissible difference and maximum permissible variation

traceability

repeatability

uncertainty error of measurement and error of indication

meter creep

hose dilation

temperature correction

linearisation

gas elimination

national measurement legislation applicable to complex measuring instruments

detailed knowledge of National Test Procedures and operating procedures for equipment and reference standards used in job role including

purpose of test

test conditions and possible environmental impacts on performance of the instrument

key preparationmeasurement steps in test method

calculation steps to give results in appropriate units and precision

maximum permissible errors for complex measuring instruments under inspection

procedures for completing verification documentation

organisational policy and procedures for verifying instruments

safety principles and procedures relevant to instruments and 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 one class of complex instrument 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 test procedures

identify and use suitable reference standards

install and repair measuring instruments to meet statutory requirements

evaluate and adjust the impact of the operating environment on the performance of the instrument

analyse test results to determine the instruments suitability for verification trade use

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

access to a complexmeasuring instrument test equipment and reference standards

computer and relevant software andor organisation information management system

Certificates of Approval for the instrument

relevant legislative and organisational procedures

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

questions to assess understanding of relevant complex test procedures and remedial actions

review of verification reports prepared by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and peers regarding the candidates ability to verify the performance of instruments in accordance with legislative and organisational 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 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 licensed verifier has been engaged by a large coal mine to verify a new belt weigher installation for trade use In preparation the verifier visits the site and considers how to complete the verification Heshe visually inspects the belt weigher and is satisfied that it complies with the Certificate of Approval However heshe determines that the tonne hopper weigher which has been installed as a control instrument for the sole purpose of testing the belt weigher cannot be tested with tonne masses due to access restrictions The verifier discusses these issues with the local trade measurement inspector who offers two solutions The inspector suggests testing the restricted access hopper weigher with kg masses using the substitution method to reduce the number of test masses required or negotiating with the coal washing facility next door to use their tonne weighbridge as the control instrument The verifier considers the options and decides in the interests of workplace health and safety that the best option is to use the weighbridge next door After considerable negotiation with the weighbridge owner arrangements are made to test the weighbridge and make it available for the belt weigher test on Monday and Tuesday of the following week The trader organises to have tonnes of coal a front end loader and three transfer vehicles available for the test The verifier arranges with another organisation to have tonnes of certified test masses delivered to the coal wash facility on Monday so heshe can test the weighbridge On Monday the verifier tests the weighbridge in accordance with the national uniform test procedures and confirms that it is suitable for use as the control instrument Testing of the belt weigher commences in accordance with the national uniform test procedure and progresses well on the Monday On Tuesday the verifier arrives on site to find the tail drum on the conveyor belt has seized making it impossible to continue testing As these repairs will take two days to repair the test is terminated and rescheduled with all parties to be in two weeks Two weeks later the weighbridge is again retested and found to be suitable as a control instrument The belt weigher is tested fully in accordance with the National Test Procedures and found to be correct The verifier marks the belt weigher with a verification mark completes all the paper work including test reports and submits them to national Trade Measurement with days

Prescribed performance criteria for instruments

Appropriate documentation

Certificates of Approval

Test equipment

Legislation

National Measurement Institute policy

National Test Procedures for complex instruments

OHS and environmental management requirements

Operating environmental impacts

Specified calculations

Records

Complex instruments