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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Interpret and schedule test requirements
  2. Receive and prepare samples
  3. Check equipment before use
  4. Test samples to determine physical properties
  5. Process and interpret data
  6. Maintain a safe work environment
  7. Maintain laboratory records

Required Skills

Required skills

Required skills include

using equipmentinstruments for qualitative andor quantitative analysis

interpreting test methods and procedures

sample preparation procedures

performing calibration checks

metrology techniques underpinning testprocedure including estimating uncertainty

troubleshooting basic equipmentmethod

preparing calibration graphs if required and calculating results using appropriate units and precision

applying theoretical knowledge to interpret gross features of data and make relevant conclusions such as identifying atypical results as out of normal range or an artefact

tracing and sourcing obvious causes of an artefact

recording and communicating results in accordance with enterprise procedures

maintaining security integrity traceability of samples subsamples test data results and documentation

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes

physical principles and concepts underpinning the testprocedure

purpose of tests

function of key components of the equipmentinstrument

effects on test of modifying equipmentinstrument variables

sample preparation procedures

concepts of metrology

basic equipmentmethod troubleshooting procedures

enterprise andor legal traceability requirements

relevant health safety and environment requirements

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

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

Assessors should ensure that candidates can

interpret test methodsprocedures accurately

prepare and test samples in accordance with specified methods

ensure equipmentinstrumentation is within calibration before use

safely operate test equipmentinstruments to enterprise standards andor manufacturers specifications

apply basic knowledge of physical properties of materials to interpret gross features of data and make relevant conclusions

identify atypical results such as out of normal range or an artefact

trace and source obvious causes of an artefact

communicate problems to a supervisor or outside service technician

calculate record and communicate results in accordance with enterprise procedures

maintain security integrity and traceability of samples subsamples test dataresults and documentation

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 Process and interpret data

MSL924001A Process and interpret data.

Resources may include

standard laboratory equipped with appropriate test equipmentinstruments standards and materials

enterprise procedures and standard methods

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

review of test dataresults obtained by the candidate over a period of time to check accuracy consistency and timeliness of results

review of test records and workplace documentation completed by the candidate

observation of candidate conducting a range of physical tests and procedures and sample preparation

feedback from peers and supervisors

oral or written questioning of physical principles and concepts test methods and enterprise 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

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 technical assistant was measuring the specific density of a shipment of glycerol using a standard laboratory procedure The result did not agree with the manufacturers certificate of analysis The assistant notified the manufacturer who came to the plant and checked the delivered material It had been raining while the glycerol was in transit and rain water had entered the drum diluting the glycerol The drum was returned to the manufacturer and a new drum was supplied to the manufacturing plant The manufacturer investigated the seals on the glycerol drums and took action to ensure that new seals would protect the product in transit

Food processing

A technician was testing the melt flow index of a new type of polymer that was to be used as a sealant for packages of freeze dried coffee The technician measured the melt flow rate and found it was much too high The technician then checked the melt flow equipment as per the manufacturers directions and found the machine was out of calibration After recalibration using recommended standards another sample was obtained and retested This time the polymer was within specification and was released for use in production


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/or 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 2243 Set:2006 Safety in laboratories set

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

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

calibration and maintenance schedules

data quality procedures

enterprise recording and reporting procedures

equipment startup, operation and shutdown procedures

material safety data sheets (MSDS)

material, production and product specifications

national measurement regulations and guidelines

principles of good laboratory practice (GLP)

production and laboratory schedules

quality manuals, equipment and procedures manuals

SOPs

Physical principles and concepts underpinning the test/procedure

Physical principles and concepts underpinning the test/procedure may include:

matter, interatomic and intermolecular forces and states of matter

mass, weight, forces, pressure, energy, friction and slip resistance

properties of gases, pressure/volume/temperature, density, diffusion and compressibility

cohesive/adhesive forces, hydrostatic pressure, fluid flow, viscosity and friction

thermal expansion, thermal conductivity and coefficients of expansion

changes of state, energy content, enthalpy change and endothermic and exothermic processes

electromagnetic spectrum, primary/secondary colours, reflection, refraction diffraction and interference of light

electrical concepts, including electric field, voltage, current, resistance and AC/DC

electromagnetic concepts, including magnetic field and flux, and electromagnetic induction

sound concepts, including wave properties, amplitude, frequency and loudness (dB)

elasticity, hardness, strength of materials, plasticity, permeability and dispersion

electrical safety concepts including voltage, current, resistance, conductors/insulators and AC/DC

Preparation of samples

Preparation of samples may include processes, such as:

drying, washing, grinding, sieving, melting and moisture conditioning

cutting, trimming or machining of test specimens, etching

Physical tests and procedures

Physical tests and procedures may include:

precise measurement of position, orientation and dimensions:

three-dimensional setup of manufacturing tools using inclinometers, verniers and laser

thickness using vernier, X-ray and gamma ray

particle size using sieving and laser

dimensional stability involving expansion, contraction and weathering

movement using strain gauge and accelerometer

mass, density and specific gravity:

moisture/density relationship

compaction

loose and compacted density

thermal tests:

thermal conductivity

coefficients of expansion (e.g. linear and volume)

melt flow index

calorimetry, (e.g. specific heat and latent heat)

combustion properties (e.g. enthalpy and energy content)

drying times

thermal stability of products

optical tests:

flatness and surface finish

refractive index

optical rotation

transmission/absorption of filters

colour matching of products

acoustic tests:

absorption, reflection and transmission

intensity, attenuation and loudness (dB)

amplitude and frequency

electrical tests:

conductance, resistance and insulation

temperature dependence of dielectrics

magnetic tests:

permeability

retentivity, hysteresis loss and coercivity

intrinsic induction

Test and sample preparation equipment/materials

Test and sample preparation equipment/materials may include:

crushers, mulchers, grinders, mills, riffles and sieves

moulds, bags and containers

ovens, microwaves and water baths

mass balances

microscopes

dimension apparatus (e.g. calipers and micrometer)

rammers, compression rigs and load cells

chemical reagents and volumetric glassware

temperature measuring devices, such as thermometers and thermocouples

pH and conductivity meters

analogue and digital meters, charts/recorders, data loggers and computers

Tests

Tests may include methods for:

control of starting materials, in-process materials and finished products

investigation of sources of construction materials

basic troubleshooting of enterprise processes

Hazards

Hazards may include:

microbiological organisms and agents, associated with soil, air and water

chemicals, such as acids and solvents

radiation, such as alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray and neutron

sharps, broken glassware and hand tools

flammable liquids and gases

cryogenics, such as dry ice and liquid nitrogen

fluids under pressure, such as steam and industrial gases

sources of ignition

burners and ovens

disturbance or interruption of services

crushing, entanglement and cuts associated with moving machinery (grinders)

Hazard control measures

Hazard control measures may include:

ensuring access to service shut-off points

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs

labelling of samples and hazardous materials

handling and storage of hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, MSDS and manufacturer’s instructions

identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions

cleaning equipment and work areas regularly using enterprise procedures

using personal protective clothing and equipment, such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls and safety boots

following established manual handling procedures

reporting abnormal emissions, discharges and airborne contaminants, such as noise, light, solids, liquids, water/waste water, gases, smoke, vapour, fumes, odour and particulates to appropriate personnel

Records

Records may include:

test and calibration results

equipment use, maintenance and servicing history

faulty or unsafe equipment

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