Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to manage the maintenance and location of hardware.
It applies to frontline technical support individuals who work under a level of supervision but have some responsibility to maintain organisational hardware.
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. Establish safe work practices | 1.1 Determine, record and apply relevant legal requirements and work health and safety (WHS) standards to the installation and maintenance of computer hardware 1.2 Determine, record and apply requirements specified by hardware manufacturers 1.3 Determine, record and apply safe work practices, taking into account legal and manufacturer requirements |
2. Establish location requirements for hardware and peripherals | 2.1 Determine and apply suitable environmental conditions for hardware and peripherals 2.2 Determine and apply system protection devices where appropriate 2.3 Determine and apply requirements when moving hardware 2.4 Determine and apply suitable storage principles for hardware and associated peripherals and media |
3. Establish maintenance practices | 3.1 Determine maintenance requirements specified by the equipment manufacturer 3.2 Produce maintenance schedules 3.3 Perform diagnostic functions, including replacing suspect components with other serviceable components and reloading associated software 3.4 Determine whether unserviceable components are replaceable through warranty, replacement or upgrade 3.5 Perform diagnostic functions using the operating system and third party diagnostic tools |
4. Determine appropriate hardware quality standards | 4.1 Consider and apply business requirements in respect of hardware matters 4.2 Determine and apply quality standards to the selection of appropriate hardware and associated peripherals |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
perform diagnostic functions by replacing components, reloading software and using operating system and other diagnostic tools
establish location requirements for system hardware and associated peripheral devices
follow safe work practices
determine maintenance requirements and establish maintenance schedule
apply appropriate quality standards to computer hardware and peripherals.
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:
describe the range of quality levels in current common hardware
describe the importance of maintenance
describe workplace health and safety principles specific to working with mains-powered equipment
identify and describe the potential environmental effects of common types of hardware
identify common security issues that impact on computer hardware
identify the software related to hardware operations
identify common system hardware and associated peripherals functions.
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 systems administration and support field of work and include access to:
computer hardware, software and diagnostic tools
warranty records and reports
maintenance schedules
vendor documentation
safe work practices.
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 | 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.4, 3.1, 3.4, 4.1, 4.2 | Researches and interprets a range of texts to identify requirements and standards, compare technical specifications, and identify solutions to new and emerging issues to maintain the environment |
Writing | 1.1-1.3, 3.2 | Uses simple vocabulary to record key information in a sequential manner to maintain the appropriate standards and for internal reference |
Oral Communication | 3.5 | Presents factual information in a clear manner, using specific and appropriate language |
Numeracy | 3.2, 4.1 | Recognises and applies familiar measurements relating to time durations and uses mathematical calculations to measure and calculate amounts |
Navigate the world of work | 1.1-1.3, 4.1, 4.2 | Takes some personal responsibility for adherence to legal and regulatory requirements by establishing safe work practices |
Get the work done | All | Plans and implements routine tasks and workload, making limited decisions on sequencing, timing and collaboration, and seeks assistance in setting priorities Makes low-impact decisions within familiar situations, based on a range of predefined or routine solutions and evaluates the effectiveness of the outcome Responds to predictable routine problems and implements standard or logical solutions Identifies ideas for other applications and considers them in current contexts Uses digital technology for basic reading, recording and searching information, and communications, following routine procedures and security requirements |
Sectors
Systems administration and support