Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers participating in the application of the basic concepts of economic and ergonomic principles and procedures to evaluate an engineering application prior to production.

Application of the unit 

The work is carried out under supervision, usually in a team environment.

Band : 0 

Unit Weight : 0 

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare required customer requirements from information provided

Criteria for the engineering application are obtained in accordance with standard operating procedures.

2. Verify that customer requirements have been met in the engineering application criteria

Criteria for the engineering application criteria are reviewed against customer requirement and deficiencies are noted.

Knowledge of engineering parameters is applied to evaluate the engineering application criteria.

Use of appropriate and relevant standards and codes is verified using standard operating procedures or reference to supervisor.

3. Verify specifications in accordance with economic principles

The relationships between quality, cost of production and function are considered and specifications are verified in accordance with policy and procedures.

4. Verify specifications in accordance with ergonomic principles

The specifications are checked and verified for health effects of human/machine interaction in accordance with given policy and procedures.

5. Seek approval of recommendations

All recommendations are referred to a supervisor for approval in accordance with policy and procedures.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• determining customer requirements
• determining, accessing and using relevant Australian and ISO standards

Required knowledge 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

• engineering parameters:

• safety of personnel, consequences of failure (such as human injury)
• quality of product consideration
• material reliability and choice
• safety factors
• maintenance, source of spares/service
• energy consumption

• economic considerations:

• costs of manufacture, effect of production quantity
• cost of quality
• design for manufacture
• use of standardised components

• ergonomic considerations:

• safety considerations
• human capacity - reach, dexterity, strength, human comfort
• health effects of human/machine interaction, repetitive use injuries
• aesthetics

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to participate in the application of basic economic, ergonomic concepts to evaluate engineering designs and applications.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with applying basic economic, ergonomic concepts to engineering designs and applications, or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment 

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment 

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Engineering application 

For this unit, engineering application includes assisting in engineering processes and applications requiring ergonomic and economic knowledge and skills including design, engineering assessments, supervision of installation and commissioning etc.

Engineering parameters 

Includes consideration of safety of personnel, consequences of failure (human injury etc.), economic considerations, production cost, quality of product consideration, material reliability and choice, design safety factors, maintenance, energy consumption, source of spares/service

Standards and codes 

Includes access and use of Australian standards (AS): AS 3000, AS 1250, AS 4800, AS 1100, International Standards Organisation (ISO) standards

Economic principles 

Includes production quantities (mass/batch), cost of manufacture, ease of manufacture, use of standardised components, human capacity (reach, dexterity, strength, repetitiveness, human comfort), aesthetics, health effects of human/machine interaction, safety

Ergonomic principles 

Includes designing, installing or checking things for effective human use, and creating environments that are suitable for human living and work. It includes work methods, equipment, facilities, and tools that influence the worker's motivation, fatigue, likelihood of sustaining an occupational injury or illness, and productivity

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Engineering technician