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

MSL905001 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform non-standard calibrations

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSL905001 - Perform non-standard calibrations
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the ability to recognise non-conforming calibration work, research and select the most appropriate test method or calibration procedure for a given measurement request, and then conduct the calibration. It also covers the ability to modify and revise existing procedures or substitute alternative instruments and measurement standards, when necessary.This unit of competency is applicable to calibration technicians/specialists who carry out calibrations in first, second and third party laboratories, and laboratories where testing and/or calibration forms part of inspection or product certification. They work with limited guidance and results of their work are checked by the laboratory manager, quality inspector or designated signatory. The unit requires personnel to use a wide variety of precision measuring equipment and standards and cope with deviations from the explicit procedural instructions detailed in standard procedures and work instructions. When deviations do occur, each case must be documented, technically justified, authorised and accepted by the client.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 or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL925001 Analyse data and report results

MSL925002 Analyse measurements and estimate uncertainties

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of non-standard calibration results, uncertainty calculations and documentation completed by the candidate

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

observation of the candidate conducting non-standard calibrations

oral or written questioning to check required knowledge of non-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 materials 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: Select the appropriate calibration procedure
  • Identify non-conforming calibration tasks and requests and analyse their significance
  • Review the authorised procedure and establish whether it is appropriate for the test, as required
  • Research an alternative or adapt an existing procedure to satisfy the test specification requirements, if required
  • Confirm that available resources meet all the requirements of the calibration procedure
  • Obtain authorisation prior to substituting equipment, changing or deviating from the specified procedure
  • Document and validate any authorised changes or deviations in accordance with workplace procedures
       
Element: Prepare items for calibration
  • Identify hazards and use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), safety equipment and procedures
  • Assemble and set up 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 and document each step in the calibration procedure to ensure repeatability of measurement
  • Critically analyse readings to confirm they 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 tolerance and record results (as-left or after adjustment) if 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 result interpretation is outside authorised scope of approval
       
Element: Document results
  • Document compliance/non-compliance with requirements of test and/or specifications
  • Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures
  • 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 for the job/item detailing testing carried out, statement of compliance and all other required information
  • 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
  • Report all changes and deviations that may have a significant influence on the test
  • 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

Select the appropriate calibration procedure

1.1

Identify non-conforming calibration tasks and requests and analyse their significance

1.2

Review the authorised procedure and establish whether it is appropriate for the test, as required

1.3

Research an alternative or adapt an existing procedure to satisfy the test specification requirements, if required

1.4

Confirm that available resources meet all the requirements of the calibration procedure

1.5

Obtain authorisation prior to substituting equipment, changing or deviating from the specified procedure

1.6

Document and validate any authorised changes or deviations in accordance with workplace procedures

2

Prepare items for calibration

2.1

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

2.2

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

2.3

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

2.4

Identify and minimise potential sources of measurement error

3

Perform calibration

3.1

Perform individual tests and document each step in the calibration procedure to ensure repeatability of measurement

3.2

Critically analyse readings to confirm they are the result of a valid measurement and record data as required (as-found or before adjustment)

3.3

Adjust device under test to bring readings within tolerance and record results (as-left or after adjustment) if required

3.4

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

3.5

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

4

Document results

4.1

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

4.2

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures

4.3

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

4.4

Ensure confidentiality of workplace information

5

Finalise calibration

5.1

Prepare and issue a final report for the job/item detailing testing carried out, statement of compliance and all other required information

5.2

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

5.3

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

5.4

Report all changes and deviations that may have a significant influence on the test

5.5

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:

recognising non-conforming calibration tasks and requests and assessing their significance

researching and selecting the most appropriate test method or calibration procedure for a given measurement request and conducting the calibration

modifying and revising existing procedures or substituting alternative instruments and measurement standards

safely performing non-standard calibrations of test and measurement equipment in accordance with workplace procedures on at least two (2) occasions

quantifying the potential or actual impact of a wide range of test/environmental/equipment influences on data quality

maintaining close attention to all relevant safety 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 calculation procedures to give results in appropriate accuracy, precision and units

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

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

explaining complex calibration procedures to clients and clarifying requirements and deviations

recognising and reporting opportunities for improvements.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

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

limits of authority and procedures for changing or deviating from standard calibration methods and procedures

structure and terminology used in standard calibration methods, procedures, requests and instructions

current calibration methods, procedures and technology applications used in the laboratory

implications of changing or deviating from standard calibration procedures

equipment specifications and limitations and the implications of equipment substitution

hierarchy of reference materials

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

equipment and testing method troubleshooting procedures

reporting procedures and legislative requirements

workplace and/or legal traceability requirements

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 testing.

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

Select the appropriate calibration procedure

1.1

Identify non-conforming calibration tasks and requests and analyse their significance

1.2

Review the authorised procedure and establish whether it is appropriate for the test, as required

1.3

Research an alternative or adapt an existing procedure to satisfy the test specification requirements, if required

1.4

Confirm that available resources meet all the requirements of the calibration procedure

1.5

Obtain authorisation prior to substituting equipment, changing or deviating from the specified procedure

1.6

Document and validate any authorised changes or deviations in accordance with workplace procedures

2

Prepare items for calibration

2.1

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

2.2

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

2.3

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

2.4

Identify and minimise potential sources of measurement error

3

Perform calibration

3.1

Perform individual tests and document each step in the calibration procedure to ensure repeatability of measurement

3.2

Critically analyse readings to confirm they are the result of a valid measurement and record data as required (as-found or before adjustment)

3.3

Adjust device under test to bring readings within tolerance and record results (as-left or after adjustment) if required

3.4

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

3.5

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

4

Document results

4.1

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

4.2

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures

4.3

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

4.4

Ensure confidentiality of workplace information

5

Finalise calibration

5.1

Prepare and issue a final report for the job/item detailing testing carried out, statement of compliance and all other required information

5.2

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

5.3

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

5.4

Report all changes and deviations that may have a significant influence on the test

5.5

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, 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

Non-standard calibrations

Non-standard calibrations involve detecting and dealing with non-conforming work associated with the testing and/or calibrating of equipment, including but not limited to:

common 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

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
Identify non-conforming calibration tasks and requests and analyse their significance 
Review the authorised procedure and establish whether it is appropriate for the test, as required 
Research an alternative or adapt an existing procedure to satisfy the test specification requirements, if required 
Confirm that available resources meet all the requirements of the calibration procedure 
Obtain authorisation prior to substituting equipment, changing or deviating from the specified procedure 
Document and validate any authorised changes or deviations in accordance with workplace procedures 
Identify hazards and use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), safety equipment and procedures 
Assemble and set up 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 and document each step in the calibration procedure to ensure repeatability of measurement 
Critically analyse readings to confirm they 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 tolerance and record results (as-left or after adjustment) if 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 result interpretation is outside authorised scope of approval 
Document compliance/non-compliance with requirements of test and/or specifications 
Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures 
Record the results of each test/calibration accurately, unambiguously and objectively 
Ensure confidentiality of workplace information 
Prepare and issue a final report for the job/item detailing testing carried out, statement of compliance and all other required information 
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 
Report all changes and deviations that may have a significant influence on the test 
Store test equipment/measurement standards and results in accordance with workplace procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL905001 - Perform non-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

MSL905001 - Perform non-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: