Required skills

Required skills include

performing calculations of scientific quantities

using scientific notation

applying the concepts of metrology

applying calculations to the workplace

coding recording and checking of data accurately

presenting accurate results in the required format

preparing graphs tables and charts pie bar histogram and interpreting trends

preparing and interpreting process control charts

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

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes

concepts of metrology

the international system of units SI

relevant scientific and technical terminology

uncertainty associated with measurement steps

procedures for coding entering storing retrieving and communicating data

procedures for verifying data and rectifying mistakes

converting units involving multiples and submultiples

significant figures rounding off estimating approximating

transposing and evaluating formulae

calculations involving fractions decimals proportions and percent

determining statistical values of data such as mean median mode and standard deviation

procedures for maintaining and filing records and maintaining security of data

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

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors should ensure that candidates can

code record and check the documentation of data

calculatescientific and statistical quantities relevant to the workplace and present accurate results in the required format

recognise anomalies and trends in data

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

keep records uptodate and secure

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

MSLA Use laboratory application software

MSL924002A Use laboratory application software

technical units such as

relevant MSL series units of competency

relevant MSL series units of competency

Resources may include

data sets and records

computer and relevant software or laboratory information system

relevant workplace procedures

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

review of data worksheets calculations computer files such as spreadsheets databases statistical analysis graphs tables andor charts prepared by the candidate

review of records transcribed maintained or stored by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and peers

questions to assess understanding of relevant procedures and trends in data

observation of the candidate as they process data file and store records

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

Where applicable reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity age gender demographics and disability

Access must be provided to appropriate learning andor assessment support when required

The language literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work like environment

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

Manufacturing

A laboratory assistant in a materials testing laboratory was performing routine tensile tests on samples of vinyl sheet The assistant converted the readings from the machine to appropriate units using a simple calculation and recorded them in the logbook for that test method After comparing these test results with previous results for the same type of vinyl material the assistant found that the tensile strength was within the required range However it was at the lower rather than the upper end of the range as in previous testing The assistant discussed the results with the laboratory supervisor The calibration file for that machine showed that it had been calibrated four months previously and had not needed adjustment Test results for the same period showed that the machine was giving lower than normal tensile strength readings for the few higher strength materials tested over the last two months The assistant did some more checks and confirmed this trend The machine was recalibrated by the instrument company and the frequency of internal calibration checks by the laboratory assistant was increased This problem would not have been detected or corrected as quickly without the assistants initiative and competent recording and retrieval of test results and calibration information

Biomedical

A technical assistant works in a team with laboratory scientists and technical officers Analyses of electrolytes are routine and occur in large volume throughput even in this small diagnostic laboratory The assistant is assigned tasks that contribute to the overall production of results their reporting and the quality control evaluation of the results One task is the daily collection of the electrolyte analyses from the internal quality control area In this case the technical assistant plots the results on a LevyJennings graph and computes the mean value The assistant reports immediately to the supervisor if the plots show deviations which indicate outofcontrol results

Food processing

Cooking and holding temperatures greatly affect the nutrient composition of processed foods The CSIRO provides documentation of nutrient losses with temperature variations For cooked foods there is the added problem of microbial growth in the so called danger zone In one laboratory the technical assistant conducts simple testing of foods using a temperature probe and also measures the temperature of the storage areas holding trays or bainmaries and individual tray units Careful documentation of the temperatures of the foods and times of measurement must be kept The technical assistant supplies the data as tables and a plot of temperature versus time For quality control purposes the assistant is directed to use a cross reference of mercury thermometer readings versus probe measurements for ambient temperature The assistant plots the thermometer readings against the probe readings and reports to the supervisor if the plot shows a slope other than the defined value

Codes of practice

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Concepts of metrology

Data

Calculations

Calculations of scientific quantities

Records

Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements