This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor laboratory operations and the quality of results in the extractive industry. It prepares individuals to establish resource requirements, procure resources, manage personnel within work area, assess the quality of data and results, report on findings and complete housekeeping activities.

It applies to those working in supervisory roles. They generally perform tasks involving a broad range of varied activities most of which are complex and non-routine. They are responsible for the quantity and quality of the output of others, contribute to the development of technical solutions to non-routine problems and apply safety management plans to the workplace.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

supervise laboratory operations and monitor quality of results on at least two occasions, including:

analysing at least two sets of test reports and data to detect potential or actual non-conformances, asses their significance, identify potential causes and recommend preventative or corrective actions

reviewing the accuracy and completeness of at least one set of technical records for sampling or testing activities, including:

instrument calibration/performance records

client requests or work orders however named

worksheets

competency records

reports

records of proficiency testing or quality assurance activities.

During the above, the candidate must:

locate and apply required legislation, accreditation, documentation, policies and procedures

interpret and implement required procedures and techniques, including:

using computers/data management devices and programs

reading and interpreting databases and spreadsheets

maintaining written and verbal reporting requirements and procedures

work with others to supervise laboratory operations and monitor quality of test results to meet required outcomes, including:

communicating instructions to those involved

establishing and maintaining communication with all personnel and clients

using a range of communication techniques and equipment to convey information to others.

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

key legislation required to supervise laboratory operations and monitor quality of test results, including:

National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation program requirements

Australian and international standards and codes relevant to the laboratory’s operations and scope of testing

key policies, procedures and established requirement for supervising laboratory operations and monitoring the quality of test results, including those for:

budgeting, operational planning and efficient resource use

scheduling and completing internal audit

contingency planning

work health and safety

emergencies

environmental sustainability issues as they relate to the work task

workplace data quality and legal traceability

records and reports

housekeeping

problem-solving techniques, including:

troubleshooting and fault-finding

risk analysis, cause analysis and/or aspect/impact analysis commensurate with the problem

non-routine operational, technical, administrative and/or personnel-related problems

specifications for samples, tests or calibration activities under investigation

procedures, equipment, materials and instrumentation used to generate test results and data

apply basic mathematical skills to determine data acceptability

typical sample collection and preparation problems and associated preventative and corrective actions

human and environmental factors that may affect data

sources of interference that may affect data

workplace documents and/or plans covering management of laboratory services, quality, environment, personnel, budgets and maintenance

laboratory services and/or products and customers in work or functional area

business operational plans and key performance indicators (KPIs) for work or functional area

team leadership, mentoring, coaching and training opportunities and techniques

human resource management

characteristic properties of the materials under investigation

workplace industrial agreements and regulations dealing with hygiene, dress and behaviour of employees.

Mandatory conditions for assessment of this unit are stipulated below. The assessment must:

include access to:

personal protective equipment

equipment required to supervise laboratory operations and monitor quality of test results

be conducted in a safe environment; and,

be assessed in the context of this sector's work environment; and,

be assessed in compliance with relevant legislation/regulation and using policies, procedures and processes directly related to the industry sector for which it is being assessed; and,

confirm consistent performance can be applied in a range of relevant workplace circumstances.

Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated work environment* provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of this sector’s workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessor requirements

Assessors must be able to clearly demonstrate current and relevant industry knowledge and experience to satisfy the mandatory regulatory standards as set out in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015/Australian Quality Training Framework mandatory requirements for assessors current at the time of assessment and any relevant licensing and certification requirements. This includes:

vocational competencies at least to the level being delivered and assessed

current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided

current knowledge and skills in vocational training and learning that informs their training and assessment

formal relevant qualifications in training and assessment

having knowledge of and/or experience using the latest techniques and processes

possessing the required level of RII training product knowledge

having an understanding and knowledge of legislation and regulations relevant to the industry and to employment and workplaces

demonstrating the performance evidence, and knowledge evidence outlined in this unit of competency, and

the minimum years of current** work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below in an industry sector relevant to the outcomes of the unit.

It is also acceptable for the appropriately qualified assessor to work with an industry expert to conduct assessment together and for the industry expert to be involved in the assessment judgement. The industry expert must have current industry skills directly relevant to the training and assessment being provided. This means the industry subject matter expert must demonstrate skills and knowledge from the minimum years of current work experience after competency has been obtained as specified below, including time spent in roles related to the unit being assessed:

*Guidance on simulated environments has been stipulated in the RII implementation guide located on VETNet.

**Assessors can demonstrate current work experience through employment within industry in a role relevant to the outcomes of the unit; or, for external assessors this can be demonstrated through exposure to industry by conducting a minimum number of site assessments as determined by the relevant industry sector, across various locations.

*** While a unit of competency does not have an AQF level, where a unit is being delivered outside of a qualification the first numeric character in the unit code should be considered as the AQF indicator level for assessment purposes.

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance but not explicit in the performance criteria.

Extractive