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

MSL974005A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform physical tests

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSL974005A - Perform physical tests
Description This unit of competency covers the ability to interpret physical test requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment and perform routine physical tests. These tests will involve several measurement steps. The unit includes data processing and interpretation of results and tracking of obvious test malfunctions where the procedure is standardised. However, personnel are not required to analyse data, optimise tests/procedures for specific samples or troubleshoot equipment problems where the solution is not apparent.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory or technical assistants and instrument operators working in the manufacturing, environment, food and construction materials testing industry sectors.Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These are found at the end of this unit of competency under the section ‘This competency in practice’.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable
Competency Field
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: Interpret and schedule test requirements
  • Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment/instruments involved
  • Identify hazards and enterprise control measures associated with the sample, preparation/test methods and/or equipment
  • Plan work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple samples, if appropriate
       
Element: Receive and prepare samples
  • Log samples using standard operating procedures (SOPs)
  • Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies
  • Prepare samples and standards in accordance with physical testing requirements
  • Ensure traceability of samples from receipt to reporting of results
       
Element: Check equipment before use
  • Set up equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
  • Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant enterprise and operating procedures
  • Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel
  • Check equipment calibration using specified procedures, if applicable
  • Quarantine out of calibration equipment/instruments
       
Element: Test samples to determine physical properties
  • Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
  • Perform tests/procedures on all samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods
  • Shut down equipment/instruments in accordance with operating procedures
       
Element: Process and interpret data
  • Record test data noting atypical observations
  • Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations
  • Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required
  • Record and report results in accordance with enterprise 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
       
Element: Maintain a safe work environment
  • Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment 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 and materials as required
       
Element: Maintain laboratory records
  • Enter approved data into laboratory information management system
  • Maintain confidentiality and security of enterprise information and laboratory data
  • Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with enterprise 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.

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 methods/procedures accurately

prepare and test samples in accordance with specified methods

ensure equipment/instrumentation is within calibration before use

safely operate test equipment/instruments to enterprise standards and/or manufacturer’s 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, sub-samples, test data/results 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:

MSL924001A Process and interpret data.

Resources may include:

standard laboratory equipped with appropriate test equipment/instruments, standards and materials

enterprise procedures and standard methods.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

review of test data/results 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 and/or 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 manufacturer’s 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 manufacturer’s 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.


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.

Required skills

Required skills include:

using equipment/instruments for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis

interpreting test methods and procedures

sample preparation procedures

performing calibration checks

metrology techniques underpinning test/procedure including estimating uncertainty

troubleshooting basic equipment/method

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, sub-samples, test data, results and documentation

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

physical principles and concepts underpinning the test/procedure

purpose of tests

function of key components of the equipment/instrument

effects on test of modifying equipment/instrument variables

sample preparation procedures

concepts of metrology

basic equipment/method troubleshooting procedures

enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements

relevant health, safety and environment requirements

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

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
Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment/instruments involved 
Identify hazards and enterprise control measures associated with the sample, preparation/test methods and/or equipment 
Plan work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple samples, if appropriate 
Log samples using standard operating procedures (SOPs) 
Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies 
Prepare samples and standards in accordance with physical testing requirements 
Ensure traceability of samples from receipt to reporting of results 
Set up equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements 
Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant enterprise and operating procedures 
Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel 
Check equipment calibration using specified procedures, if applicable 
Quarantine out of calibration equipment/instruments 
Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements 
Perform tests/procedures on all samples and standards, if appropriate, in accordance with specified methods 
Shut down equipment/instruments in accordance with operating procedures 
Record test data noting atypical observations 
Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations 
Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required 
Record and report results in accordance with enterprise 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 
Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment 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 and materials as required 
Enter approved data into laboratory information management system 
Maintain confidentiality and security of enterprise information and laboratory data 
Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with enterprise procedures 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL974005A - Perform physical tests
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

MSL974005A - Perform physical tests

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: