DEFEO716C
Test for explosive substances

This unit covers the competency required to conduct material testing to determine the presence of an explosive substance.

Application

This competency normally applies to the individual who is required to conduct material testing to determine the presence of an explosive substance.

It encompasses the requirements for planning tests, carrying out tests, performing analysis, and recording and reporting test results.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan and prepare for testing

1.1 Requirement for substances testing is identified from work requests/instructions and is confirmed

1.2 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including those contained in organisational procedures, are applied throughout the operation

1.3 Appropriate testing methods are selected in accordance with organisational procedures

1.4 Technical references, testing tools and equipment required for gauging are identified, acquired and prepared in accordance with organisational procedures

1.5 Test site is prepared and secured in accordance with organisational procedures

1.6 Substances to be tested are acquired, prepared, moved and positioned in preparation for the task

2. Conduct tests

2.1 Tests to observe properties of the substances are performed in accordance with established procedures

2.2 Test results are compared with standards, charts and tables in order to identify known or unknown materials

2.3 Emergency and contingency procedures are applied in accordance with organisational policy

3. Finalise the testing procedures

3.1 Sentencing action is determined and carried out in accordance with organisational procedures

3.2 Documentation, records and related reports are completed and maintained in accordance with statutory, and organisational policy and procedures

Required Skills

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

Required Skills

apply analysis techniques

apply safety policies and structures

apply testing techniques and processes

maintain documentation

read, access, interpret and apply technical instructions and drawings related to explosive substance testing

use testing tools and equipment

Required Knowledge

characteristics and limitations of testing equipment

explosive chemical processes

organisational documentation requirements

organisational safety information sources

organisational safety policies and structures

properties and characteristics of explosives

properties and characteristics of testing chemicals

validation processes

Evidence Required

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to comply with:

organisational safety requirements

appropriate legislative and regulatory requirements

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

confirm the presence or absence of explosive substances upon completion of testing

work safely within an explosive ordnance environment

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of actual or simulated explosive substance testing contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace environment, in accordance with all relevant legislation and organisational requirements.

Specific resources for assessment

Access is required to:

facilities and resources used in testing explosive substances

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


Range Statement

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.

Organisation may include:

Defence organisation

Enterprises that work with explosive ordnance

Other government departments or instrumentalities that work with explosive ordnance

Appropriate testing methods may include:

Chemical testing

Spectra analysis

Technical references may include:

Orders and instructions

Technical drawings

Technical reference pamphlets

Other publications

Testing tools and equipment may include:

Apparatus which may include:

eye droppers

litmus paper

petri dishes

spatulas

swabs

test tubes

Chemicals which may include:

hydrochloric acid

sulphuric acid

Photographic equipment

Substances may include:

Product of extrusion

Product of exudation

Any suspect substance requiring testing

Sentencing action may include:

Determining the condition status of the store from which the substance was collected


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.