This unit describes the skills required to conduct explosive material tests and/or experiments in an explosive research environment. It includes planning the tests or analyses, carrying out tests and measurements, performing quantitative and qualitative analysis, documenting and evaluating new procedures, and recording and validating the test results.

This unit applies to those required to conduct explosive material tests and/or experiments in an explosive research environment.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work as part of a team under indirect supervision, using discretion and judgement and taking responsibility for the quality of their outputs. They would perform complex tasks in a range of contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Plan tests or analyses

1.1

Identify explosive sample and determine test or analysis requirements

1.2

Select appropriate methods and assemble, set up and calibrate the required testing apparatus

1.3

Perform routine standardisation procedures prior to the test or analysis and record results

2

Develop specialised tests or analyses

2.1

Locate, discuss and confirm relevant technical information with other staff

2.2

Develop experimental design in liaison with other staff

2.3

Arrange the building or purchase of necessary equipment given project constraints and available skills and materials

2.4

Trial, document and evaluate new procedures

3

Perform qualitative analysis

3.1

Perform qualitative tests to observe explosive properties

3.2

Compare data with standards, charts, tables, and spectra in order to identify known or unknown materials and their properties

3.3

Perform tests or analyses efficiently and within the timeframe

4

Perform quantitative analysis

4.1

Perform quantitative tests to measure explosive properties

4.2

Use available computer technology to control instruments or acquire/translate/convert data to optimise test accuracy

4.3

Check samples and analyses when non-standard results are obtained

4.4

Complete tests or analyses within the timeframe

5

Record and validate results

5.1

Record data using appropriate worksheets and/or information management systems

5.2

Analyse data for anomalies and ‘out of control’ conditions and accept or reject

5.3

Assess data for validity against quantity and compatibility information, known standards and reference materials

5.4

Modify test procedures, if necessary, under supervision

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and includes:

accessing, interpreting and applying technical information

conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis

developing new explosive testing processes and techniques

maintaining documentation and records

recording and validating results

trialling, documenting and evaluating new procedures

using explosive testing processes and techniques

using laboratory and testing equipment

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and includes:

operational knowledge of:

calibration procedures and their basis

characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations of laboratory and testing equipment

chemical processes involved in testing

documentation and records requirements

properties and characteristics of relevant explosives

quantitative and qualitative analysis processes and techniques

validation processes

Assessors must hold credentials specified within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence and all regulatory requirements included within the Standards for Registered Training Organisations current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations. Where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that reflect workplace conditions.

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.

Resources for assessment must include access to:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or simulations

acceptable means of simulation assessment

applicable documentation, including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals

relevant materials, tools, equipment and PPE currently used in industry.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions may be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.

Not applicable.

Explosive Ordnance