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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Verify the accuracy of data and technical records
  2. Determine if results are acceptable and within expectation
  3. Investigate unexpected or unacceptable results
  4. Liaise with clients about results

Required Skills

Required skills

Required skills include

verifying the accuracy and completeness of data results and technical records

recognising unexpected or unacceptable data and results

using statistical tests to estimate uncertainties and determine data acceptability

reviewing records of sampling sample preparation testing andor calibration activities to identify potential causes of unacceptable dataresults

using effective problem solving strategies

recommending appropriate preventativecorrective actions to control potentialactual nonconforming work

applying enterprise procedures for authorising test results

explaining technical details of sampling test methods and results to clients

demonstrating a professional approach and positive companyorganisation image including maintaining independence and an ability to resist improper influences

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes

scientific and technical knowledge of the samples procedures equipment materials and instrumentation used to generate the test results and data

expected values for data and results and the uncertainty components for specified test methods

problem solving techniques and cause analysis appropriate to the test methods

enterprise procedures for authorising the issue of test results

relevant reporting requirements such as the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement GUM National Association of Testing Authorities NATAandor test methods

working knowledge of health site safety and environmental management requirements relevant to job role

working knowledge of confidentiality requirements relevant to job role

Evidence 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

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

Assessors should ensure that candidates can

verify the accuracy and completeness of data results and technical records for specified tests

issue specified test results in accordance with authorisation and enterprise procedures

investigate unexpected or unacceptable results in a logical and efficient manner

explain test results to clients

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

relevantMSL units of competency that cover the ability to perform the tests involved relevant data analysis and quality assurance procedures

Resources may include

data sets and records

test methods and description of test setup

computer and relevant software or laboratory information system

relevant workplace procedures

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

review of records and test results verified and issued by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and clients regarding the candidates ability to issue authorised test results

review of recommendations and reports prepared by the candidate

questions to assess understanding of procedures governing the authorised issue of test results acceptability of dataresults sources of uncertainty and preventativecorrective actions

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

Calibration

A calibration technicianspecialist has completed testing an instrument and places it with the test report for the relevant signatory to authorise The laboratory manager physically examines the item to ensure all accessories have been applied The manager checks the test report for validity and correctness and ensures any abnormalities or departures from normal or specified conditions are reported appropriately Heshe confirms that all data transfers and calculations are accurate and in accordance with SOPs industry guidelines and the laboratorys accreditation requirements The manager also ensures that all relevant databases are updated and client confidentiality is maintained Heshe signs the relevant certificates and reports and authorises the release of the results and return of the item to the client

Construction materials testing

A laboratory supervisor who is authorised to issue Atterberg Limit test results receives a set of QC data for gravel that is to be supplied to a local council The technician has provided Liquid Limit Plastic Index Linear Shrinkage data for three samples

Using a well known rule of thumb that the PILS ratio for gravel samples is usually between and the supervisor notes that the ratio for the second sample is This indicates a possible error Although the most likely source of error is in the determination of the Plastic Limit heshe systematically reviews all of the technicians work Firstly heshe checks that all three samples are from the same source and whether their appearance was recorded on receipt Heshe reviews the relevant data records by checking for simple transcription errors moisture calculation errors variation in the weights of containers and straightforward weighing errors Heshe also checks if the samples were properly dried to constant mass Then heshe accesses the clients previous test records to see if any similar sample variability has occurred in the past After completing all the checks heshe can do from hisher desk heshe talks to the tester and asks to see the rolled specimens before they disposed of A visual inspection confirms hisher hunch that the technicians rolling technique is not good enough to obtain reliable results Heshe arranges for the test to be repeated under supervision using surplus sample material and also organises additional training

Construction materials testing

Asphalt is being laid at night on a busy motorway and the road must be available for traffic by am each day The construction companys own laboratory is responsible for conducting compaction tests for each lot The specifications require a field compaction density of of the laboratory compacted density and penalties apply for lots where results are amplt A technician who is authorised to issue compaction results uses a nuclear density gauge to determine field compaction values in accordance with an established inspection test plan and test method The data for the latest lot is and The average result is and the shift foreman decides to roll and then retest the lot The repeat test indicates an average value of Before completing the test report the technician reviews all the data calculations and record of standard counts for the gauge Heshe also checks the laboratory compaction results gradings and bitumen content for consistency and compliance with mix design These results indicate a trend of the mix design moving out of specification The technician informs the plant manager that the test results indicate unacceptable compaction The manager maintains that the results are borderline and points out that the company has already paid K in penalties this month Heshe asks the technician to recheck the compaction results and repeat the tests at different inspection points Heshe also suggests that the technician should find a better sample for the maximum density test The technician reviews the results and retests further samples but there are no new results that would justify any change to the test report Therefore the technician issues the test report unaltered


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Codes of practice

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice and Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS ISO 1000-1998 The international system of units (SI) and its application

AS ISO 17025-2005 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories

AS/NZS ISO 10005:2006 Quality management systems - Guidelines for quality plans

AS/NZS ISO 10012:2004 Measurement management systems - Requirements for measurement processes and measuring equipment

AS/NZS ISO 9000 Set:2008 Quality management systems set

ISO 5725 Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results

ISO/IEC Guide 98-3:2008 Uncertainty of measurement - Part 3 Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM)

Eurachem/CITAC Guide CG4 Quantifying uncertainty in analytical measurement

Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP)

enterprise quality manual and customer quality plan

equipment manuals and warranty, supplier catalogues and handbooks

Eurolab technical report

inspection test plans, sampling plans for sites

NATA supplementary requirements for the relevant field of testing (e.g. field application document)

NATA Accreditation programs requirements

NATA Technical notes, policy circulars and guides

national measurement regulations and guidelines

Nordtest guide

principles of good laboratory practice (GLP)

sampling and test procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Data and results

Data and results may include:

entries in worksheets, spreadsheets or databases that may be linked to information management systems

observations, measurements, derived data and calculations

results of tests and analyses

Technical records

Technical records may include:

request forms, service agreements and contracts

worksheets, work books, check sheets and work notes

data and information generated during sampling, testing and/or calibrations that indicate whether quality or process parameters have been achieved

control graphs

external, internal test reports and calibration certificates

clients notes, papers and feedback

listing of data, personnel responsible for sampling, performance of each test/calibration and checking of results

Calculations

Calculations may be performed:

with or without a calculator or computer software, such as spreadsheets, databases and statistical packages

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis may include the use of:

standard deviation, standard deviation of the mean, histograms and frequency plots

probability and normal probability plots

run charts and control charts, such as Shewhart and CuSum

regression methods for calibration, linearity checks and comparing analytical methods

analysis of variance (ANOVA)

data acceptability tests, such as T and F

Estimates of uncertainty

Estimates of uncertainty may include components such as:

calibration uncertainty

instability or drift in the calibrated instrument

repeatability of the results

resolution or readability of the instrument

environmental influences such as temperature, air pressure, humidity, vibration, electrical noise and gravity

reference material uncertainty

factors arising from using an instrument under a different operating environment or procedures (e.g. orientation of a transducer, immersion depth of a temperature probe)

reproducibility of quality control data

Human and environmental factors

Human and environmental factors may include:

technician preparing the sample and/or performing the test did not apply the test method correctly

inadequate attention to detail, fatigue, stress

inadequate hygiene or sterility

unacceptable dust, radiation, humidity, temperature and illumination levels

electromagnetic disturbances

unacceptable variations to gas, electricity and water supply

unacceptable sound and vibration levels

Sample preparation problems

Sample preparation problems could result from:

use of incorrect sample containers

incorrect particle size

contamination

incorrect sample handling, storage or conditioning (filtered/non-filtered, temperature control, moisture content and preservation)

incorrect matrix

incomplete digest

Sources of interference

Sources of interference may include:

presence of contaminants

spectral interference (e.g. in Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy)

physical interference (e.g. in Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy)

matrix effects

masking of analytes

Preventative/corrective actions

Preventative/corrective actions may include:

more regular use of certified reference materials

internal quality controls using secondary reference materials

participation in inter-laboratory comparison or proficiency testing programs

replicate tests or calibrations using the same or different methods

retesting or recalibration of retained items

correlation of results for different characteristics of an item

additional audits and management reviews

more regular quality checks on consumables

increased staff observation, supervision and/or training

more detailed sample specifications, test methods and procedures

Confidence level

The most common confidence level is 95% in accordance with the National Measurement Act, 1960. However, some applications require a higher level of confidence

Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements

OHS and environmental management requirements:

all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time

all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied

where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health