This unit of competency covers the ability to apply National Instrument Test Procedures to determine whether a liquid measuring instrument using volume measures is suitable for trade use and verify it accordingly. The unit also involves auditing the performance of verifiers who have previously tested and verified liquid measuring instruments for trade use.

This unit of competency is applicable to trade measurement inspectors appointed under national measurement legislation who may inspect a wide range of liquid measuring instruments tested using a volume measure as part of their allocated duties.

Liquid measuring instruments are used in a very wide range of commerce. For example, petrol bowsers measure fuel at the point of sale and flowmeters are used to measure bulk commodities, such as milk, chemicals and petroleum products during production and distribution. Inspections are performed over extended durations in non-routine and hazardous environments. Inspectors must work safely, including applying basic first aid, entering confined spaces, working with hazardous materials, working in hazardous environments, working with heavy machinery, using appropriate workplace clearance forms, completing safety induction and working at heights.

While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, all inspection activity is legislated under the National Measurement Act 1960.

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

completing initial verification testing of at least three (3) instruments from one (1) or more of the following classes of liquid measuring instruments:

fuel dispensers other than liquid petroleum gas (LPG) dispensers

milk flowmeters

accessing and correctly interpreting documentation required for inspections, evaluation of liquid measuring instruments and verifier audits

ensuring test equipment and reference standards are fit for purpose in accordance with applicable legislation and organisational procedures

planning, preparing for and safely conducting inspections to maximise outcomes and minimise disruption to the public and trader

checking compliance and evaluating the performance of liquid measuring instruments using appropriate Certificate of Approval, National Measurement Institute (NMI) policy and National Instrument Test Procedures, and adjusting for any impact of the operating environment

reliably determining if liquid measuring instruments are suitable for trade use in accordance with legislative requirements

conducting at least two (2) verifier instrument audits to assess the performance of verifiers who test and mark liquid measuring instruments for trade use

assessing verifier performance against expected outcomes and analysing any variances to identify isolated or systemic problems

identifying potential non-compliance of trading practices (applicable to instruments) with national measurement legislation and initiating an efficient inspection strategy that has a limited impact on others

recognising and acting on non-compliance of liquid measuring instrument or verifier performance and/or trading practices with national measurement legislation and initiating appropriate enforcement action

demonstrating professionalism and respecting the rights of the trader at all times

using advanced communication and negotiation skills to:

explain the purpose of inspection

inform traders of non-compliances and consequences of failing to rectify them

access external equipment and resources to complete the inspection

explain inspection procedures and outcomes to traders, verifiers and managers

performing specified calculations involving:

fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions and percentages

scientific notation, correct units and the correct number of significant figures, calculation of uncertainties

evaluation of formulae containing powers, exponents and logarithms functions

preparation and interpretation of linear graphs

maintaining the security and confidentiality of data in accordance with organisational and regulatory requirements

reporting results in the required formats and expected timeframe

working safely.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

general science principles and concepts, including:

physical states (solid, liquid, gas), weight, mass, gravity and density

pressure, pressure differential, backpressure and head pressure, fluid flow and viscosity

temperature effects and coefficients of expansion, flashpoint, boiling point and ice point

metrological terms and terminology specific to liquid measuring instruments, including maximum permissible errors, maximum permissible difference and maximum permissible variation, traceability, repeatability, uncertainty, error of measurement and error of indication, meter creep, hose dilation, temperature correction, linearization and gas elimination

basic details of the design, application and function of components used in liquid measuring instruments

national measurement legislation applicable to liquid measuring instruments

safe work method statements (SWMS) for a range of trading environments, such as laboratories, retail, commercial, office, manufacturing, industrial, mining, construction, medical, chemical and petroleum

NMI policy requirements, including test procedure variations between a verification, in-service or audit inspection, bulletins, instructions and determinations

National Instrument Test Procedures and operating procedures for equipment and reference standards used in job role, including:

test conditions and possible environmental impacts on performance of the instrument

key preparation/measurement steps in test method

calculation steps to give results in appropriate units and precision

maximum permissible errors for liquid measuring instruments under inspection

safety principles and procedures relevant to liquid measuring instruments

organisational policy and procedures for inspecting liquid measuring instruments including completing inspection documentation

organisational safety procedures and requirements of applicable Commonwealth, state and territory work/occupational health and safety (WHS/OHS) legislation.

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency should be assessed in the workplace, or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

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.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSMTMREF301 Use and maintain reference standards

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of inspection reports and verifier instrument performance audit reports prepared by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and peers regarding the candidate's ability to conduct inspections, evaluate the performance of liquid measuring instruments and audit verifier’s performance in accordance with legislative and organisational procedures

questions to assess understanding of relevant procedures, licensing requirements, trader obligations and remedial actions

review of candidate’s responses to inspection scenarios, such as potential/actual non-compliances and appropriate actions, common issues and problems

observation of the candidate conducting an inspection.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures, and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:

latest versions of appropriate documentation, such as Certificates of Verification and Approval, NMI policy, intermediate National Instrument Test Procedures for verifying liquid measuring instruments and relevant legislation

workplace clearance forms and correction tables for volume, density and pressure for a range of liquids

equipment manuals, material safety data sheets (MSDS), safety procedures and safety equipment

records, such as test reports, audit reports, instrument history and test results

liquid measuring instruments; test equipment, such as pumps, funnels and hoses; and reference standards

computer and relevant software and/or organisation information management system.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience in trade measurement at least to the level being assessed and broad industry knowledge (such as a relevant industry qualification).

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment in trade measurement OR

having consulted with trade measurement inspectors and/or verifiers performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

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.

Trade measurement