Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to take routine samples and conduct simple tests.
This unit of competency applies to operators who are required to take samples in the workplace, perform a narrow range of simple tests and interpret the results and take specified action based on those results.
It applies to simple, routine tests to procedure which will typically be done in the workplace or in a ‘factory laboratory’ (or bench) adjacent to or within the factory.
This unit of competency is typically performed by operators working either independently or as part of a work team.
No licensing, legislative 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 | ||
1 | Take sample | 1.1 | Determine type of sample and sampling equipment required |
1.2 | Check sampling equipment is clean and in good order | ||
1.3 | Take sample of required type, from the required place and at the required time and place in required container | ||
1.4 | Label sample to procedure | ||
1.5 | Carry sample to required place | ||
2 | Complete test | 2.1 | Check test required from procedures |
2.2 | Check sample identification and integrity | ||
2.3 | Check test equipment is clean, in good order and within calibration | ||
2.4 | Complete test required in accordance with standard procedures/instructions |
3 | Interpret results and take action | 3.1 | Note anything about sample, equipment or the test itself which may have caused it to give a bad result |
3.2 | Compare results to specification | ||
3.3 | Take action appropriate to the test results and any other observations |
4 | Complete sample and test cycle | 4.1 | Complete required records |
4.2 | Store and/or dispose of sample as required | ||
4.3 | Clean all equipment and leave ready for next sample/test |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and must include the ability to:
undertake collection and processing of sample
select and use appropriate procedures
undertake tests with adequate reproducibility
check and clean equipment
recognise suspicious test results caused by sampling/testing faults
compare results to specifications and take appropriate action as defined in relevant procedures
complete workplace forms, label samples and record results.
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:
relevant procedures
specifications for test results
types and application of sample techniques and their requirements
types and application of test methods and critical factors leading to good/poor test results
Assessment Conditions
The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.
The collection of performance evidence:
should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operations
will typically include a supervisor/third-party report focusing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency
must include the use of appropriate tools, equipment and safety gear requiring demonstration of preparation, operation, completion and responding to problems
may use industry-based simulation for all or part of the unit particularly where safety, lack of opportunity or significant cost is an issue.
Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible, or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment reflecting realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessment in a simulated environment should use evidence collected from one or more of:
walk-throughs
pilot plant operation
demonstration of skills
industry-based case studies/scenarios
‘what ifs’.
Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence (provided a record is kept) or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept).
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.
Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.
The regulatory framework will be reflected in workplace policies and procedures and is not required to be independently assessed.
Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
As a minimum, assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015 assessor requirements.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. | |
Regulatory framework | The latest version of all legislation, regulations, industry codes of practice and Australian/international standards, or the version specified by the local regulatory authority, must be used, and include one or more of the following: legislative requirements, including work health and safety (WHS) industry codes of practice and guidelines environmental regulations and guidelines Australian and other standards licence and certification requirements |
Procedures | All operations must be performed in accordance with relevant procedures. Procedures are written, verbal, visual, computer-based or in some other form, and include one or more of the following: test methods sampling techniques work instructions standard operating procedures (SOPs) safe work method statements (SWMS) emergency procedures formulas/recipes batch sheets temporary instructions any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant |
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