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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Retrieve and check data
   • Store and retrieve data using appropriate files and/or application software
   • Verify the quality of data using workplace procedures
   • Rectify errors in data using workplace procedures
2. Calculate scientific quantities
   • Calculate statistical values for given data
   • Calculate scientific quantities using given formulae and data and estimate uncertainties
   • Ensure calculated quantities are consistent with estimations and expectations
   • Report all calculated quantities using the appropriate units and correct number of significant figures
3. Present data
   • Present data in clearly labelled tables, charts and graphs
   • Graph data using appropriate scales to span the range of data or display trends
   • Report all data using the appropriate units and number of significant figures
4. Interpret data
   • Interpret significant features of tables, charts and graphs, including gradients, intercepts, maximum and minimum values, and limit lines
   • Recognise and report trends in data
5. Keep accurate records and maintain confidentiality
   • Transcribe information accurately
   • Verify the accuracy of records following workplace procedures
   • File and store workplace records in accordance with workplace procedures
   • File all reference documents logically and keep them up-to-date and secured
   • Observe workplace confidentiality standards

Range Statement

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.
Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements	Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements include the latest version of one or more of: Australian and international standards, guides and the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) Technical Notes that cover the application of international system of units (SI), accuracy of measurement methods and results, and quantifying uncertainty in measurement national measurement regulations and guidelines validated sampling and test procedures and spreadsheets developed in-house for assay and process calculations where applicable workplace procedures, manuals and/or plans covering quality assurance, customer service, material safety data sheets (MSDS), equipment, supplier catalogues and handbooks
Data	Data includes: worksheets, spreadsheets and/or databases linked to information management systems results of observations, tests and measurements, analyses, surveys and/or quality assurance and control assessments
Calculations	Calculations are performed with or without a calculator and using computer software, spreadsheets, databases and statistical packages
Records	Records include information associated with one or more of: purchase of equipment and materials, service records safety procedures history of calibration and test results
Work health and safety (WHS) and environmental management requirements	WHS and environmental management requirements include: · complying with WHS 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

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Performance Evidence

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

retrieving coding, recording and checking data

calculating scientific and statistical quantities with or without a calculator or computer software, including the following items:

converting units involving multiples and submultiples

scientific notation, significant figures, round off, estimate and approximate

transposing and evaluating formulae

fractions, decimals, proportions and percentages

mean

median

mode

standard deviation

performing at least five (5) of the following calculations:

perimeters and angles

percentage and absolute uncertainties in measurements and test results

areas (m2) and volumes (mL, L, m3) of regular shapes, such as packaging

dose (mg), average mass, mass percentage, density, specific gravity, moisture, relative and absolute humidity, viscosity and permeability

ratios, such as mass to mass, mass to volume and volume to volume percentages

concentration, such as molarity, g/100mL, mg/L, mg/L, ppm, ppb, dilution mL/L

average count, colonies per swab surface and cell counts, such as live and dead/total

process variables, such as pressure, gauge pressure, velocity and flow rates

biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbons (TOC)

food properties, such as % concentration (dry), friability, bitterness, brix, free amino nitrogen, diastatic power, calorific content and yeast viability, % content of moisture, ash, fat, protein, alcohol, sulphur dioxide and trace metals, such as calcium or zinc

mechanical properties, such as stress, strain, moduli and force

presenting accurate results in the required format (significant figures, uncertainty units)

preparing and presenting data in the following formats:

tables

graphs

line graphs

histograms

pie charts, bar charts and control charts

semi-quantitative observations expressed on a scale (e.g. 1 to 4 or + to ++++)

recognising and interpreting significant points, anomalies and trends in data

maintaining the confidentiality of data in accordance with workplace and regulatory requirements

keeping accurate records that are up-to-date and secure.

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Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

concepts of metrology, including:

that all measurements are estimates

measurements belong to a population of measurements of the measured parameters

repeatability, precision, accuracy and significant figures

sources of error, and uncertainty associated with measurement steps

traceability

the international system of units (SI)

scientific and technical terminology relevant to job role

procedures for coding, entering, storing, retrieving and communicating data

procedures for verifying data and rectifying mistakes

procedures for maintaining and filing records, and maintaining security of data

work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

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