FWPWPP4202
Perform laboratory testing


Application

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to test blends, glues, additives, materials, products and any other entities produced by the enterprise, to ascertain causes of a problem or to improve techniques.

The unit applies to those performing laboratory testing in a forest and wood products factory setting.

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


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions.

1. Prepare for testing.

1.1 Review work order and check with appropriate personnel.

1.2 Identify, clarify and follow safe work procedures for performing laboratory testing.

1.3 Identify hazards and control risk in the work environment relevant to own role and responsibility.

1.4 Obtain type and quantity of items for testing.

1.5 Select and calibrate equipment and check for operational effectiveness in line with manufacturer's recommendations.

1.6 Plan testing process in line with site procedures.

2. Test samples.

2.1 Interpret and analyse problem or improvement requirement.

2.2 Prepare samples and identify manufacturing dates, times and batches from production records.

2.3 Establish, review and interpret test data.

2.4 Conduct test in line with industry standards.

2.5 Check results by further sampling and testing.

3. Evaluate and report test outcomes.

3.1 Evaluate test results for implications and impacts on production process.

3.2 Take action to rectify or improve upon test results achieved.

3.3 Communicate test results to production personnel to facilitate process control or changes.

3.4 Provide results to external authorities in line with registration systems.

3.5 Record and report testing process and equipment faults to appropriate personnel.

Evidence of Performance

A person demonstrating competency in this unit must satisfy all of the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit. If a specific volume or frequency is not stated below, then evidence must be provided that the following requirements have been performed on at least one occasion:

safely and efficiently perform laboratory testing in line with work order and safe work procedure

follow relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, codes of practice and workplace policies and procedures relevant to performing laboratory testing

control risk to self, others and equipment

set up and calibrate testing equipment

evaluate impact of test outcomes on production outcomes

record and report test results following workplace specific record keeping procedure.


Evidence of Knowledge

A person competent in this unit must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice, site standards, policies and safe work procedures relevant to performing laboratory testing

hazards and risks involved with performing laboratory testing, and how to control them

environmental protection requirements, including the safe disposal of waste material

safety data sheets relevant to ingredients and additives used in the laboratory testing process

workplace specific sampling and testing techniques

laboratory testing conditions and facilities

storage systems and labelling conventions relevant to items used in the laboratory testing process

established communication channels and protocols for communicating with relevant personnel

procedures for use and maintenance of laboratory testing equipment

emergency procedures (fire, accident, serious equipment fault) relevant to own role and responsibility

recording and reporting requirements and procedures including protocols for reporting results to external agencies (environmental agencies, local authorities or government bodies).


Assessment Conditions

The following resources must be made available:

work order

personal protective equipment

safe work procedures

safety data sheets (if relevant)

first aid equipment

laboratory testing equipment

gauges

hand tools used for laboratory testing

relevant personnel for the purposes of communicating information

documents, spreadsheets and commonly used proforma documents

workplace specific samples to be used in the laboratory testing process.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must:

hold the appropriate assessor competency standards as outlined in regulations; and

be able to demonstrate vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed; and

be able to demonstrate how they are continuing to develop their VET knowledge and skills as well as maintaining their industry currency and assessor competence.


Foundation Skills

This section describes those core and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Numeracy skills to:

interpret numerical data

use measuring instruments

estimate quantities when choosing samples for testing.

Reading skills to:

follow written instructions.

Writing skills to:

write reports of test results.


Range Statement

Not Applicable


Sectors

Sawmilling and Processing

Timber Manufactured Products

Wood Panel Products

Timber Truss and Frame Design and Manufacture