ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan tests or analyses

1.1 Explosive sample and required test or analysis are identified and recorded

1.2 Appropriate methods are selected and the required testing apparatus is assembled, set up and calibrated

1.3 Routine standardisation procedures are performed prior to the analysis and results are recorded in accordance with laboratory procedures

1.4 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements including those specific to the nature of the tests or analyses are identified and applied throughout the operation

2. Develop specialised tests or analyses

2.1 Relevant technical information is located, discussed and confirmed with other staff

2.2 Experimental design is developed in liaison with other staff and checked to ensure it meets WHS regulations and standards

2.3 Arrangements are made for necessary equipment to be either built or purchased given project constraints and available skills and materials

2.4 New procedures are trialled, documented and evaluated under supervision

3. Perform qualitative analysis

3.1 Qualitative tests to observe explosive properties are performed in accordance with established laboratory and/or range procedures

3.2 Data is compared with standards, charts, tables, and spectra in order to identify known or unknown materials and their properties

3.3 Tests or analyses are performed efficiently and completed within the required timeframe

4. Perform quantitative analysis

4.1 Quantitative tests to measure explosive properties are performed in accordance with established laboratory and/or range procedures

4.2 Available computer technology is used to control instruments or acquire/translate/convert data to optimise test accuracy

4.3 Samples and analyses are checked in accordance with laboratory procedures when non-standard results are obtained

4.4 Tests or analyses are completed within the required timeframe

5. Record and validate results

5.1 Data is recorded in accordance with procedures using appropriate worksheets and/or information management systems

5.2 Data is analysed for anomalies and 'out of control' conditions and either accepted or rejected

5.3 Data is assessed for validity against quantity and compatibility information, known standards and reference materials

5.4 Test procedures are modified, if necessary, under supervision and according to laboratory procedures

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

access, interpret and apply technical information

apply explosive testing processes and techniques

apply WHS requirements

apply quantitative and qualitative analysis

develop explosive testing processes and techniques

maintain documentation and records

use laboratory and testing equipment

Required Knowledge

calibration procedures and their basis

characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations of laboratory equipment

characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations of testing equipment

chemical processes

chemistry involved in testing

documentation and records requirements

planning

properties and characteristics of relevant explosives

quantitative and qualitative analysis processes and techniques

relevant WHS requirements

validation processes

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

adhere to relevant OH&S requirements

plan tests or analyses

carry out tests and measurements

perform quantitative and qualitative analysis

trial, document and evaluate new procedures

record and validate results

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of actual or simulated explosive analysis contexts over time

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or under conditions which accurately simulate a realistic workplace.

Evidence should be gathered through observation of a range of basic tests supported by targeted questioning to assess underpinning knowledge.

Evidence could also include examples of records and workplace documentation, and analysis of results.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

facilities and resources used in the research, development and proof of explosive ordnance; it may require access to a licensed explosive site and appropriate firing/test range

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed with the following unit:

DEFEO101D Work safely with explosive ordnance

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

direct observation

interviewing the candidate

journals and workplace documentation

third party reports from supervisors

written or oral questions

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Explosives may include:

Explosives of unknown origin

Propellants

Pyrotechnics

Testing or analysis requirements may include:

Determining explosive composition

Determining explosive properties

Sentencing

Explosives of unknown origin

Appropriate methods may include:

Wet chemistry techniques, including:

atomic absorption spectrophotometry

moisture analysis

gravimetry, volumetric analysis

Separation techniques, including:

gas chromatography (GLC, HPLC)

gel electrophoresis

solid phase extraction

super critical fluid extraction

Optical techniques, including:

spectrophotometry (UV, VIS)

infra red spectrophotometry

nuclear magnetic resonance spectrophotometry

metrology

Thermal techniques, including:

differential scanning calorimetry

thermal gravimetric analysis

differential thermal analysis

dynamic mechanical thermal analysis

Physical techniques, including:

particle sizing

absolute density

Mechanical techniques, including:

instron tensile/compression

fracture/impact

Test apparatus may include:

Cameras (both film and digital)

Chromatographs

Electromagnetic actuators

Electron scanning microscope

Function generators

Infrared sensing/imaging systems

Micro-calorimeters

Optical microscopes

Oscilloscopes

Particle counters

Piezo-electric actuators/sensors

Spectrometers

Standardisation may include:

Australian Standards

DEFAUST Standards and Instructions

DSTO Information

NATO Standards

Qualitative tests may include:

Requirements for high and low pressure strand burning and closed vessel bomb