ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan and prepare for use of instrumentsand fieldequipment

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity

1.2. Plan and prepare work

1.3. Communicate with other personnel using approved communication methods

1.4. Select personal protective equipment appropriate for work activities

1.5. Select appropriate type of auxiliary equipment for work activities

1.6. Perform equipment pre-start checks to ensure equipment is ready for operation

1.7. Identify, address and report potential risks and hazards

1.8. Identify, address and report environmental issues

1.9. Adhere to emergency procedures to ensure safety of personnel and plant

2. Test instrument/field equipment

2.1. Perform safety checks

2.2. Identify potential faults and/or malfunctions of instruments/field equipment

2.3. Label and report damaged or unsafe instruments/field equipment and remove from service

2.4. Ensure operational log books are up dated

3. Calibrate instruments/field equipment

3.1. Closely follow calibration schedules

3.2. Label out calibration instruments/equipment and advise other operatives promptly

3.3. Identify cause/s of incorrect calibration

3.4. Perform new base calibration

3.5. Recommission instrument/equipment

3.6. Prepare compliance and calibration report as required

4. Operate instruments/field equipment

4.1. Optimise instrument/equipment settings for the particular measurement or analysis

4.2. Perform measurements with the optimum precision given field and technical constraints

4.3. Use time and materials efficiently and perform measurements in priority order

4.4. Assess data against quality control information, known standards and references for accuracy and precision

4.5. Repeat measurements where non-standard results are obtained

5. Maintain instruments/field equipment

5.1. Perform preventative maintenance

5.2. Identify and report equipment wear and faults

5.3. Perform minor repairs within limits of authorisation

5.4. Replace defective parts and makes adjustments

5.5. Seek expert help where difficulties are encountered

5.6. Update maintenance and calibration records

6. Identify faults in instruments/field equipment

6.1. Identify and clarify the nature of the fault

6.2. Determine and rank likely causes of fault

6.3. Apply simple checks and tests

6.4. Obtain suitable tools and equipment to test faults

6.5. Apply fault finding methodology

7. Commission new instruments and equipment

7.1. Arrange commissioning procedures with manufacturer's agent as required

7.2. Unpack, check and assemble instruments/equipment according to manufacturer's warranty requirements

7.3. Calibrate instrument/equipment to meet manufacturer's specifications

7.4. Check instrument/equipment performance against specifications prior to acceptance of item

7.5. Prepare and make operating instructions available

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following, as required to operate and maintain instruments and field equipment:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for operating and maintaining instruments and field equipment

use hand and power tools

use calibration equipment

use test equipment

employ fault finding procedures

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following, as required to operate and maintain instruments and field equipment:

manufacturer's operating requirements for instruments and equipment

manufacturer's calibration procedures

company and site policy and procedures regarding instrument and equipment use

instrument and equipment test methods

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for operating and maintaining instruments and field equipment

implementation of requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient completion of instrument and field equipment operation and maintenance

working with others to undertake and complete the operation and maintenance of instruments and field equipment that meets all of the required outcomes

consistent timely completion of instrument and field equipments operation and maintenance that safely, effectively and efficiently meets the required outcomes

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment to sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

implementation of appropriate requirement, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes

consistent achievement of required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete the operation and maintenance of instruments and field equipments

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant compliance documentation may include:

legislative, organisational and site requirements and procedures

instrument/equipment manual

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Instruments and field equipment may include:

motors

generators

two way radios

mobile communications equipment

theodolite

satellite navigation system

memory magnetometer

gravity meter

IP transmitter and receiver

tem transmitter and receiver

gamma spectrometer

seismograph

well logger

data logger

portable PC

Operating conditions may include:

day and night

laboratory

field environment

dry and wet

stable ground

broken ground

various natural landscapes

working over old underground workings and voids

Potential risks and hazards may include:

abandoned equipment

adverse weather conditions (electrical storms, floods, fires, extreme heat)

chemicals

contaminants (dust, noise, etc)

equipment

fences

materials

personnel

pot holes

unsafe ground

vehicles

old workings

Maintenance of instruments/equipment may include:

replacing 'remove and replace' components

lubrication

working adjustments to tolerances

cleaning and storing

completing usage records

Legislation may include Acts and Regulation dealing with:

mining safety and health

mine inspection

OHS

explosives

Environmental issues may include:

drainage

dust

emissions

flora and fauna

hazardous chemicals

noise

run-off

spills

waste management and disposal

water quality