ICPSUP417
Perform laboratory quality tests of materials and finished product


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to quality-test materials and printed products in a laboratory.

It applies to individuals who perform a broad range of skilled tasks relating to the printing and graphic arts industry, and may also provide some leadership and guidance to others in the application and planning of the skills.

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


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1. Prepare laboratory equipment

1.1 Appropriate equipment is selected and prepared

1.2 Equipment is checked for calibration where necessary

2. Test raw materials or finished goods

2.1 Raw material or finished goods specification is identified and test procedure established to determine test parameters

2.2 Raw material or finished goods are tested against specified quality standards using appropriate/prescribed testing procedures and adhering to Work Health and Safety (WHS) requirements

3. Record and report test result

3.1 Recording and reporting of test results are completed according to enterprise requirements

3.2 Problems and issues are documented and reported to appropriate personnel

4. Clean laboratory equipment

4.1 Equipment is cleaned and stored according to enterprise requirements

4.2 Chemicals and waste are disposed of according to enterprise procedures and WHS standards

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

correctly perform laboratory tests for quality of materials and products

correctly dispose of chemicals and waste according to enterprise procedures and work health and safety (WHS) standards

produce a portfolio of documents showing tests carried out over a period of at least ONE month, including documentation of test results and reported problems.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

WHS and other statutory requirements

identify WHS concerns relating to testing equipment

identify statutory requirements that must be met regarding use of this equipment

Testing equipment

explain the need to work in a controlled, clean environment

list relevant testing equipment and why they are used

describe how the equipment is calibrated

Printing processes

describe some common tests required for various printing operations and products in this company

list common causes of failure in products tested personally

describe the test performed on this product and why

Sampling and quality control techniques

list sampling techniques used to select products for testing

explain how to determine appropriate size of samples for testing

Record keeping

describe the type of records that need to be kept on a particular test product

explain the purpose of keeping test results

explain how test results can be used in the future

Equipment maintenance

explain the need to keep equipment clean

describe how test equipment should be stored

list chemicals used to clean the equipment

Information sources

list the machine manuals, safety and other documentation relevant to this task and outline the information included in these documents.


Assessment Conditions

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the Support field of work and include access laboratory testing equipment.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance Criteria

Description

Reading

1.2, 2.2, 3.1, 4.2

Recognises text within job specifications and follows written instructions

Writing

3.1, 3.2

Uses clear, specific and industry related terminology to complete and update workplace documentation

Numeracy

1.2

Uses mathematical calculations to calibrate equipment

Navigate the world of work

2.3, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2

Takes personal responsibility for following enterprise policies procedures, standards and legislative requirements

Interact with others

3.1, 3.2

Uses appropriate communication protocols and conventions to report issues

Get the work done

1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 3.2, 4.1

Takes responsibility for planning, organising and implementing tasks according to enterprise requirements

Understands purposes and features of common digital systems and tools, and operates them effectively to complete routine tasks

Initiates standard procedures when responding to familiar problems within immediate context


Sectors

Support