The Evidence Guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence.

Critical aspects of competency

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard. In particular, assessors should look to see that the candidate:

interprets test methods/procedures accurately

prepares and tests samples in accordance with specified methods

performs calibration checks (if required)

safely operates test equipment/instruments to enterprise standards and/or manufacturer's specifications

applies basic knowledge of physical properties of materials to interpret gross features of data and make relevant conclusions

identifies atypical results, such as 'out of normal' range or an artefact

traces and sources obvious causes of an artefact

communicates problem(s) to a supervisor or outside service technician

records and communicates results in accordance with enterprise procedures

maintains security, integrity and traceability of samples, sub-samples, test data/results and documentation.

Underpinning knowledge

Competency includes the ability to apply and explain:

physical principles and concepts underpinning the test/procedure, such as:

matter, interatomic and intermolecular forces, states of matter

mass, weight, forces, pressure, energy

properties of gases, pressure/volume/temperature, density, diffusion, compressibility

cohesive/adhesive forces, hydrostatic pressure, fluid flow, viscosity, friction

thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, coefficients of expansion

changes of state, energy content, enthalpy change, endothermic and exothermic processes

electromagnetic spectrum, primary/secondary colours, reflection, refraction diffraction, interference of light

electrical concepts, including electric field, voltage, current, resistance, AC/DC

(electro)magnetic concepts, including magnetic field and flux, electromagnetic induction

sound concepts, including wave properties, amplitude, frequency, loudness dB

use of instruments for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis

purpose of test(s)

metrology techniques underpinning test/procedure

principles and concepts related to equipment/instrument operation and testing

function of key components of the equipment/instrument

effects on test of modifying equipment/instrument variables

sample preparation procedures

basic equipment/method troubleshooting procedures

use of calibration procedures

calculation steps to give results in appropriate units and precision

enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements

relevant health, safety and environment requirements.

Assessment context and methods

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment.

The following assessment methods are suggested:

review of test data/results obtained by the candidate over a period of time to check accuracy, consistency and timeliness of results

review of test records and workplace documentation completed by the candidate

observation of candidate conducting a range of physical tests and procedures and sample preparation

feedback from peers and supervisors

oral or written questioning of physical principles and concepts, test methods and enterprise procedures.

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.

Interdependent assessment of unit

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

PMLDATA400A Process and interpret data.

Resource implications

Resources may include:

standard laboratory equipped with appropriate test equipment/instruments, standards and materials

enterprise procedures and standard methods.

This competency in practice

Manufacturing

A technical assistant was measuring the specific density of a shipment of glycerol using a standard laboratory procedure. The result did not agree with the manufacturer's certificate of analysis. The assistant notified the manufacturer who came to the plant and checked the delivered material. It had been raining while the glycerol was in transit and rain water had entered the drum, diluting the glycerol. The drum was returned to the manufacturer and a new drum was supplied to the manufacturing plant. The manufacturer investigated the seals on the glycerol drums and took action to ensure that new seals would protect the product in transit.

Food processing

A technician was testing the melt flow index of a new type of polymer that was to be used as a sealant for packages of freeze dried coffee. The technician measured the melt flow rate and found it was much too high. The technician then checked the melt flow equipment as per the manufacturer's directions and found the machine was out of calibration. After recalibration using recommended standards, another sample was obtained and retested. This time, the polymer was within specification and was released for use in production.

Key Competencies

The seven key competencies represent generic skills considered for effective work participation. The bracketed numbering against each of the key competencies indicates the performance level required in this unit. These are stand-alone levels and do not correspond to levels in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Level (1) represents the competence to undertake tasks effectively

Level (2) represents the competence to manage tasks

Level (3) represents the competence to use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks.

The range of variables relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

Where reference is made to industry Codes of Practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used.

All operations must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and/or enterprise requirements. These procedures include or have been prepared from:

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories

AS 2243.7 Safety in Laboratories - electrical aspects

ISO 9000 series Quality management and quality assurance standards

Codes of Practice (such as GLP and GMP)

National Measurement Act

material safety data sheets (MSDSs)

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

quality manuals, equipment and procedures manuals

equipment startup, operation and shutdown procedures

calibration and maintenance schedules

data quality procedures

enterprise recording and reporting procedures

production and laboratory schedules

material, production and product specifications.

Preparation of samples may include processes, such as:

drying, washing, grinding, sieving, melting, moisture conditioning

cutting, trimming or machining of test specimens, etching.

Physical tests and procedures may include:

precise measurement of position, orientation and dimensions, such as:

3D set up of manufacturing tools using inclinometers, verniers, laser

thickness using vernier, X-ray, gamma ray

particle size using sieving, laser

dimensional stability involving expansion, contraction, weathering

movement using strain gauge, accelerometer

mass, density and specific gravity, such as:

moisture/density relationship

compaction

loose and compacted density

thermal tests, such as:

thermal conductivity

coefficients of expansion (for example, linear, volume)

melt flow index

calorimetry, (for example, specific heat, latent heat)

combustion properties (for example, enthalpy, energy content)

drying times

thermal stability of products

optical tests, such as:

flatness, surface finish

refractive index

optical rotation

transmission/absorption of filters

colour matching of products

acoustic tests, such as:

absorption, reflection, transmission

intensity, attenuation, loudness (dB)

amplitude, frequency

electrical tests, such as:

conductance, resistance, insulation

temperature dependence of dielectrics

magnetic tests, such as:

permeability

retentivity, hysteresis loss, coercivity

intrinsic induction.

Tests may include methods for:

control of starting materials, in-process materials and finished products

investigation of sources of construction materials

basic troubleshooting of enterprise processes.

Hazards may include:

microbiological organisms and agents, associated with soil, air, water

chemicals, such as acids and solvents

radiation, such as alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray, neutron

sharps, broken glassware and hand tools

flammable liquids and gases

cryogenics, such as dry ice and liquid nitrogen

fluids under pressure, such as steam, industrial gases

sources of ignition

burners, ovens

disturbance or interruption of services

crushing, entanglement, cuts associated with moving machinery (grinders).

Hazard control measures may include:

ensuring access to service shut-off points

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs

labelling of samples, and hazardous materials

handling and storage of hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, materials safety data sheets and manufacturer's instructions

identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions

cleaning equipment and work areas regularly using enterprise procedures

using personal protective clothing and equipment, such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls, and safety boots

following established manual handling procedures

reporting abnormal emissions, discharges and airborne contaminants, such as noise, light, solids, liquids, water/waste water, gases, smoke, vapour, fumes, odour and particulates to appropriate personnel.

Records may include:

test and calibration results

equipment use, maintenance and servicing history

faulty or unsafe equipment.

Health, safety and environment

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environmental (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through State or Federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.

All operations assume the potential hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied. Users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council and State and Territory Departments of Health. All operations are performed in accordance with standard operating procedures.