Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to calibrate test and measurement equipment in accordance with standard calibration procedures and documented test methods. These procedures/methods specify all associated reference standards, materials, equipment and methods to be used and the required parameters or quantities and ranges to be tested, including the criteria for rejection or approval.
This unit applies to laboratory and calibration technicians who carry out tests and/or calibrations using standard calibration methods in first, second and third party laboratories, and laboratories where testing and/or calibration forms part of inspection or product certification. Personnel are not permitted to deviate from explicit instructions in any manner, modify the procedure, nor substitute alternative equipment. They work under limited supervision and results of their work are interpreted and checked by the laboratory supervisor, quality inspector or designated signatory.
No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Prepare items for calibration | 1.1 | Select the authorised calibration procedure in accordance with workplace procedures |
1.2 | Identify hazards and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), safety equipment and procedures | ||
1.3 | Confirm all measuring equipment meets the laboratory's specification requirements and complies fully with the calibration procedure | ||
1.4 | Assemble and set up specified reference standards and associated equipment prior to testing | ||
1.5 | Verify performance of reference standards and measuring equipment prior to use and adjust or calibrate as necessary | ||
1.6 | Identify and minimise potential sources of measurement error | ||
2 | Perform calibration | 2.1 | Perform individual tests without variance according to the documented procedure to ensure repeatability of measurement |
2.2 | Confirm readings are the result of a valid measurement and record data as required (as-found or before adjustment) | ||
2.3 | Adjust device under test to bring readings within specification and record data (as-left or after adjustment) where required | ||
2.4 | Analyse resulting test data to detect trends or inconsistencies that would significantly affect the accuracy or validity of test results | ||
2.5 | Seek appropriate advice when interpretation of results is outside authorised scope of approval | ||
3 | Document results | 3.1 | Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, where required |
3.2 | Document compliance/non-compliance with test requirements and/or specifications | ||
3.3 | Record the results of each test/calibration accurately, unambiguously and objectively | ||
3.4 | Ensure confidentiality of workplace information in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
4 | Finalise calibration | 4.1 | Prepare and issue a final report on the job/item detailing testing carried out, traceability, statement of compliance and relevant information |
4.2 | Report any non-compliance and verify next course of action with supervisor | ||
4.3 | Attach calibration labels, equipment stickers, quality control tags and tamper resistant seals as required in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
4.4 | Store test equipment/measurement standards and results in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Numeracy skills to:
perform calculations to give results in appropriate accuracy, precision and units
use statistical analysis (means, ranges and standard deviations) and estimation of uncertainty of measurement.
Other foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit.
Competency Field
Calibration