Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

MSL904001 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform standard calibrations

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSL904001 - Perform standard calibrations
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the ability to calibrate test and measurement equipment in accordance with standard calibration procedures and documented test methods. These procedures/methods specify all associated reference standards, materials, equipment and methods to be used and the required parameters or quantities and ranges to be tested, including the criteria for rejection or approval.This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory and calibration technicians who carry out tests and/or calibrations using standard calibration methods in first, second and third party laboratories, and laboratories where testing and/or calibration forms part of inspection or product certification. Personnel are not permitted to deviate from explicit instructions in any manner, modify the procedure, nor substitute alternative equipment. They work under limited supervision and results of their work are interpreted and checked by the laboratory supervisor, quality inspector or designated signatory.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence (provided a record is kept) or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL924001 Process and interpret data

relevant MSL974000 series unit/s of competency

relevant MSL975000 series unit/s of competency

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of calibration results, uncertainty calculations and workplace documentation completed by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and/or customers regarding quality of calibration services provided by the candidate

observation of the candidate performing standard calibrations

oral or written questioning to check required knowledge of standard calibration procedures.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

specialised calibration/test equipment, reference standards and laboratory facilities

calibration methods, procedures and equipment specifications

workplace quality manual and procedures.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Calibration
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare items for calibration
  • Select the authorised calibration procedure in accordance with workplace procedures
  • Identify hazards and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), safety equipment and procedures
  • Confirm all measuring equipment meets the laboratory's specification requirements and complies fully with the calibration procedure
  • Assemble and set up specified reference standards and associated equipment prior to testing
  • Verify performance of reference standards and measuring equipment prior to use and adjust or calibrate as necessary
  • Identify and minimise potential sources of measurement error
       
Element: Perform calibration
  • Perform individual tests without variance according to the documented procedure to ensure repeatability of measurement
  • Confirm readings are the result of a valid measurement and record data as required (as-found or before adjustment)
  • Adjust device under test to bring readings within specification and record data (as-left or after adjustment) where required
  • Analyse resulting test data to detect trends or inconsistencies that would significantly affect the accuracy or validity of test results
  • Seek appropriate advice when interpretation of results is outside authorised scope of approval
       
Element: Document results
  • Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, where required
  • Document compliance/non-compliance with test requirements and/or specifications
  • Record the results of each test/calibration accurately, unambiguously and objectively
  • Ensure confidentiality of workplace information
       
Element: Finalise calibration
  • Prepare and issue a final report on the job/item detailing testing carried out, traceability, statement of compliance and relevant information as required
  • Report any non-compliance and verify next course of action with supervisor
  • Attach calibration labels, equipment stickers, quality control tags and tamper resistant seals as required in workplace procedures
  • Store test equipment/measurement standards and results in accordance with workplace procedures
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare items for calibration

1.1

Select the authorised calibration procedure in accordance with workplace procedures

1.2

Identify hazards and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), safety equipment and procedures

1.3

Confirm all measuring equipment meets the laboratory's specification requirements and complies fully with the calibration procedure

1.4

Assemble and set up specified reference standards and associated equipment prior to testing

1.5

Verify performance of reference standards and measuring equipment prior to use and adjust or calibrate as necessary

1.6

Identify and minimise potential sources of measurement error

2

Perform calibration

2.1

Perform individual tests without variance according to the documented procedure to ensure repeatability of measurement

2.2

Confirm readings are the result of a valid measurement and record data as required (as-found or before adjustment)

2.3

Adjust device under test to bring readings within specification and record data (as-left or after adjustment) where required

2.4

Analyse resulting test data to detect trends or inconsistencies that would significantly affect the accuracy or validity of test results

2.5

Seek appropriate advice when interpretation of results is outside authorised scope of approval

3

Document results

3.1

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, where required

3.2

Document compliance/non-compliance with test requirements and/or specifications

3.3

Record the results of each test/calibration accurately, unambiguously and objectively

3.4

Ensure confidentiality of workplace information

4

Finalise calibration

4.1

Prepare and issue a final report on the job/item detailing testing carried out, traceability, statement of compliance and relevant information as required

4.2

Report any non-compliance and verify next course of action with supervisor

4.3

Attach calibration labels, equipment stickers, quality control tags and tamper resistant seals as required in workplace procedures

4.4

Store test equipment/measurement standards and results in accordance with workplace procedures

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

selecting and applying appropriate test methods and calibration procedures

safely calibrating test and measurement equipment in accordance with standard calibration procedures and documented test methods on at least two (2) occasions

maintaining close attention to all relevant procedures, regulatory requirements and the accuracy and precision of measurement to ensure the quality and integrity of test/calibration results

critically examining each calibration step to ensure repeatability and validity of data

using calibration and correction charts

performing calculations to give results in appropriate accuracy, precision and units

using statistical analysis (means, ranges and standard deviations) and estimation of uncertainty of measurement, where required (can use software)

preparing test/calibration documentation that is accurate and complies with requirements

recognising problems or departures in systems and documentation and initiating actions to prevent or minimise them

recognising and reporting opportunities for improvements.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

purpose of metrology and calibration, including common terminology, concepts, principles, procedures and applications

National Association of Testing Authority's (NATA) and National Measurement Institute's (NMI) role in the measurement and testing system in Australia

traceability, including legal requirements for traceability

requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories (e.g. AS ISO/IEC 17025) as they affect job role and responsibilities

hierarchy and appropriate selection of reference materials and instruments

non-conformance/non-compliance procedures and protocols associated with equipment, reference material and calibration procedures

troubleshooting procedures for equipment and test methods

reporting procedures and legislative requirements

handling, transport, storage and operation of reference and working standards

work health and safety (WHS) and laboratory environmental control requirements.

Additional knowledge requirements relevant to the workplace context that apply for different calibration fields must be assessed, including testing and calibration conducted in the following fields:

acoustic and vibration measurement

chemical testing

construction materials testing

electrical testing

heat and temperature measurement

mechanical testing

metrology

non-destructive testing

optics and radiometry

pressure measurement.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare items for calibration

1.1

Select the authorised calibration procedure in accordance with workplace procedures

1.2

Identify hazards and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), safety equipment and procedures

1.3

Confirm all measuring equipment meets the laboratory's specification requirements and complies fully with the calibration procedure

1.4

Assemble and set up specified reference standards and associated equipment prior to testing

1.5

Verify performance of reference standards and measuring equipment prior to use and adjust or calibrate as necessary

1.6

Identify and minimise potential sources of measurement error

2

Perform calibration

2.1

Perform individual tests without variance according to the documented procedure to ensure repeatability of measurement

2.2

Confirm readings are the result of a valid measurement and record data as required (as-found or before adjustment)

2.3

Adjust device under test to bring readings within specification and record data (as-left or after adjustment) where required

2.4

Analyse resulting test data to detect trends or inconsistencies that would significantly affect the accuracy or validity of test results

2.5

Seek appropriate advice when interpretation of results is outside authorised scope of approval

3

Document results

3.1

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, where required

3.2

Document compliance/non-compliance with test requirements and/or specifications

3.3

Record the results of each test/calibration accurately, unambiguously and objectively

3.4

Ensure confidentiality of workplace information

4

Finalise calibration

4.1

Prepare and issue a final report on the job/item detailing testing carried out, traceability, statement of compliance and relevant information as required

4.2

Report any non-compliance and verify next course of action with supervisor

4.3

Attach calibration labels, equipment stickers, quality control tags and tamper resistant seals as required in workplace procedures

4.4

Store test equipment/measurement standards and results in accordance with workplace procedures

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 procedures include the current version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards and codes covering:

general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory safety, quality and environmental management

accuracy of measurement methods and results, expression of uncertainty (GUM), quantifying uncertainty in analytical measurement, quality assurance of measurement equipment

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice

registration/licensing and/or National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements

safety requirements for equipment, materials or products; material safety data sheets (MSDS); and incident and accident/injury reports

standard operating procedures (SOPs), recording and reporting procedures

quality manuals, equipment and operating/technical manuals

test methods and calibration procedures (validated and authorised)

test methods and calibration procedures published by international, national or regional standards, reputable technical organisations, scientific texts or journals and equipment manufacturers

laboratory layout, work flows and schedules

Standard calibrations

Standard calibrations include, but are not limited to, testing and/or calibrating the following equipment and reference materials using standard methods and procedures:

test equipment, such as anemometers, balances, barometers, callipers, environmental chambers, hygrometers, manometers, masses, micrometers, pressure equipment, spectrophotometers, tape measures, rules, temperature (digital) indicating systems, thermometers, thermocouples, timing devices, vibration analysis equipment and weighing instruments

electrical reference standards, such as air-lines, analogue meters, attenuators, bridges-manual balance, capacitors, DC voltage references, digital instruments (calibrators, DMMs, electronic transfer standards), inductors, instrument and ratio transformers, instrument transformer test sets, potentiometers, resistors, radio frequency (RF) power meters, RF thermistor mounts and thermal converters, shunts, time interval and frequency standards, transfer standards AC-DC, voltage dividers, volt ratio boxes and watt-hour references

working standards, instruments and testing equipment, such as electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) test equipment, field strength meters, flammability test equipment, gauges/test fingers/test pins, hipot testers, impact hammers, impulse testers, instrument calibrators, network analysers, signal generators and spectrum and harmonic analysers

Hazards

Hazards include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

electric shock

disturbance or interruption of services

manual handling of heavy equipment boxes

sources of electromagnetic radiation (lasers and RF generators/transmitters)

fluids under pressure

heat sources, such as ovens

Safety procedures

Safety procedures include, but are not limited, to one or more of:

ensuring access to service shut-off points

use of PPE, such as hearing protection, gloves, safety glasses and coveralls

handling and storing hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer's instructions, and workplace procedures and regulations

regular cleaning of equipment and work areas

Reference materials

Reference materials include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

colour standards

graded granular materials

hardness blocks

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

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Select the authorised calibration procedure in accordance with workplace procedures 
Identify hazards and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), safety equipment and procedures 
Confirm all measuring equipment meets the laboratory's specification requirements and complies fully with the calibration procedure 
Assemble and set up specified reference standards and associated equipment prior to testing 
Verify performance of reference standards and measuring equipment prior to use and adjust or calibrate as necessary 
Identify and minimise potential sources of measurement error 
Perform individual tests without variance according to the documented procedure to ensure repeatability of measurement 
Confirm readings are the result of a valid measurement and record data as required (as-found or before adjustment) 
Adjust device under test to bring readings within specification and record data (as-left or after adjustment) where required 
Analyse resulting test data to detect trends or inconsistencies that would significantly affect the accuracy or validity of test results 
Seek appropriate advice when interpretation of results is outside authorised scope of approval 
Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, where required 
Document compliance/non-compliance with test requirements and/or specifications 
Record the results of each test/calibration accurately, unambiguously and objectively 
Ensure confidentiality of workplace information 
Prepare and issue a final report on the job/item detailing testing carried out, traceability, statement of compliance and relevant information as required 
Report any non-compliance and verify next course of action with supervisor 
Attach calibration labels, equipment stickers, quality control tags and tamper resistant seals as required in workplace procedures 
Store test equipment/measurement standards and results in accordance with workplace procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL904001 - Perform standard calibrations
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MSL904001 - Perform standard calibrations

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: