Required skills

Required skills include

using instruments for qualitative andor quantitative analysis

interpreting test methods and procedures

sample preparation procedures

performing calibration checks

metrology techniques underpinning testprocedure including estimating uncertainty

using instruments for qualitative andor quantitative analysis

maintaining and evaluating reagents

troubleshooting basic equipmentmethod

preparing calibration graphs 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

mechanical principles and concepts underpinning the testprocedure

purpose of tests

metrology techniques underpinning testprocedure

principles and concepts related to equipmentinstrument operation and testing

function of key components of the equipmentinstrument

effects on test of modifying equipmentinstrument variables

sample preparation procedures

basic equipmentmethod troubleshooting procedures

calibration procedures

calculation steps to give results in appropriate units and precision

enterprise andor legal traceability requirements

relevant health safety and environment requirements

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

interpret test methodsprocedures accurately

prepare and test samples in accordance with specified methods

perform calibration checks if required

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

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 mechanical tests and sample preparation procedures

feedback from peers and supervisors

oral or written questioning of mechanical 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

Construction materials

A technical assistant is responsible for compressive strength testing of concrete cylinders Typically there are to to be tested each day On arrival in the morning the assistant records the maximum and minimum temperatures of the curing tanks locates the particular cylinders to be tested and removes them from the tanks Shehe dries each cylinder weighs it and measures its diameter and length using a comparator gauge The ends are checked for excessive roughness and nonparallelism Shehe then starts the compression test machine and checks that the load pacer is set to the correct loading rate Shehe places a rubber cap on the finished end of each cylinder in turn and places it centrally on the platen of the load frame The assistant closes the protective screen applies load at the specified rate until failure occurs and records the maximum load After the cylinder has failed the assistant removes it from the platen and checks for invalid failure modes When this occurs eg a shear failure shehe puts the cylinder aside for further investigation Any debris is removed from the platen and the next cylinder is tested When all cylinders have been tested the assistant cleans away any material left on the compression machine and switches it off Shehe enters all the data in into the laboratory information management system LIMS which calculates the unit mass and ultimate compressive strength of each cylinder Finally the assistant reviews the data for unusual or unexpected results that may indicate an error

Manufacturing

A technician is asked to test a new polymeric material that is to be used to manufacture childrens toys The technician makes several representative test pieces and measures the elastic properties of the polymer as well as the durability of the polymer to flex many times without cracking Because the polymer is to be used in a toy the technician also dispatches samples of the polymer for chemical testing by a consulting laboratory to determine whether any toxic monomer could leach out if a child sucked the toy

Codes of practice

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Mechanical principles and concepts underpinning the test/procedure

Preparation of samples and test pieces

Mechanical tests and procedures

Tests

Hazards

Hazard control measures

Records

Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements