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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Interpret and schedule test requirements
   • Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment/instruments involved
   • Identify hazards and workplace control measures associated with the sample, preparation/test methods and/or equipment
   • Plan work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple samples
2. Receive samples and prepare test pieces
   • Log samples using standard operating procedures (SOPs)
   • Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies
   • Prepare test pieces and standards in accordance with mechanical testing requirements
   • Ensure traceability of samples from receipt to reporting of results
3. Check equipment before use
   • Set up equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
   • Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant workplace and operating procedures
   • Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel
   • Check equipment calibration using specified procedures
   • Quarantine out-of-calibration equipment/instruments
4. Test samples to determine mechanical properties
   • Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
   • Perform tests/procedures on all test pieces and standards in accordance with specified methods
   • Shut down equipment/instruments in accordance with operating procedures
5. Process and interpret data
   • Record test data noting atypical observations
   • Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations
   • Record and report results in accordance with workplace procedures
   • Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures
   • Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel
   • Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results
6. Maintain a safe work environment
   • Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel
   • Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts
   • Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal
   • Care for and store equipment, used test pieces and back-up samples as required
7. Maintain laboratory records
   • Enter approved data into laboratory information management system (LIMS)
   • Maintain confidentiality and security of workplace information and laboratory data
   • Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with workplace procedures

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 workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of: Australian and international standards covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory safety and quality management national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, and national measurement regulations and guidelines standard methods for mechanical tests for specific materials, and data quality procedures specific codes, guidelines, procedures and methods, such as the Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP), and principles of good laboratory practice (GLP) workplace documents, such as SOPs; quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; and waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures
Mechanical tests and procedures	Mechanical tests and procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of: adhesive strength elastic properties and strength of materials slip resistance and friction viscosity and torque creep and endurance abrasion, hardness, impact, indent and penetration resistance pressure and/or vacuum testing using manometers and load cells
Test methods	Test methods include, but are not limited to, one or more of: control of starting materials, in-process materials and finished products investigation of sources of construction materials basic troubleshooting of workplace processes
Safe work practices	Safe work practices include, but are not limited to, one or more of: ensuring access to service shut-off points recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs labelling of samples and hazardous materials handling and storage for hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, MSDS and manufacturer instructions identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions cleaning equipment and work areas regularly using workplace procedures using PPE, such as hard hats, hearing protection, 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
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:

safely performing at least five (5) routine mechanical tests involving several measurement steps

accurately interpreting mechanical test methods and procedures

safely preparing samples by cutting, trimming, machining and/or etching

maintaining and evaluating reagents

conducting pre-use and calibration checks on equipment and quarantining out-of-calibration equipment and instruments

safely operating test equipment and instruments to workplace standards and manufacturer specifications

using instruments for qualitative and quantitative analysis

processing data, interpreting gross features of data/results and making relevant conclusions

preparing calibration graphs and calculating results using appropriate equations, units, uncertainties and precision

identifying atypical results as out of normal range or an artefact

tracing and sourcing obvious causes of artefacts, tracking obvious test malfunctions for standardised procedures, and troubleshooting basic equipment and methods

communicating problems to a supervisor or outside service technician

recording and communicating results in accordance with workplace procedures

maintaining security, integrity and traceability of samples, sub-samples, test data, results and documentation

following workplace safety procedures.

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Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

mechanical principles and concepts underpinning the test or procedure, such as:

matter, interatomic and intermolecular forces and states of matter

mass, weight, forces, pressure and energy

cohesive/adhesive forces, friction and slip resistance

elasticity, hardness, ductility, malleability, strength of materials, elastic limit, elastic moduli and ultimate stress

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

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

purpose of tests and/or procedures conducted

concepts of metrology, principles and concepts related to equipment and instrument operation, tests and/or procedures

function of key components of the equipment and instrument and reagents and effects of modifying equipment and instrument variables

calibration and basic equipment and method troubleshooting procedures

sample preparation procedures

workplace and legal traceability requirements

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

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