Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit of competency covers the ability to apply National Test Procedures to determine whether a complex measuring instrument is suitable for trade use. It involves the ability to install/repair instruments, perform lengthy calculations to assess instrument performance and conduct tests that may require coordination of a range of resources over long durations in hazardous environments. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit of competency is applicable to verifiers who operate under a licence to test and mark a specific class of complex measuring instruments. Complex measuring instruments are used in a wide range of heavy industries. For example, automatic rail weighbridges, belt weighers, totalising hoppers and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) flow meters are used throughout the mining, road/rail freight and petroleum/gas industry sectors. Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These are found at the end of this unit of competency under the section 'This competency in practice'. |
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Prerequisite units |
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Employability Skills Information
Employability skills |
This unit contains employability skills. |
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Install and repair a complex measuring instrument |
1.1. Plan installation/repair strategy to ensure minimal disruption to the public and/or trader 1.2. Access and correctly interpret information for installing or repairing instrument 1.3. Select required components, tools and equipment in accordance with manufacturer/component supplier specifications 1.4. Perform installation or repair in accordance with legislation, industry codes of practice and organisational guidelines 1.5. Avoid instrument damage during installation or repair 1.6. Perform a pre-verification test to validate instrument performance |
2. Prepare for verification |
2.1. Identify and evaluate the type of instrument to be verified 2.2. Access and correctly interpret documentation required for the verification 2.3. Identify and access test equipment, products and consumables required for the verification 2.4. Ensure specified test equipment is fit for purpose in accordance with applicable legislation and organisational procedures 2.5. Store and transport test equipment in accordance with organisational procedures and industry best practice 2.6. Develop a verification strategy to maximise resources and minimise time required for complex tests |
3. Liaise with the trader to schedule complex tests |
3.1. Discuss testing arrangements with site controller where applicable 3.2. Identify relevant local workplace, health and safety issues and implement appropriate control strategies 3.3. Discuss the verification strategy with the trader to minimise its impact on the trader's normal operations 3.4. Arrange site clearances and suitable scheduling for tests 3.5. Negotiate access to trader's equipment, materials and support personnel required for testing to be available on site 3.6. Arrange for any equipment to be provided by the trader, if required, by the National Test Procedure |
4. Initiate verification |
4.1. Identify the site contoller and explain/review the purpose of the verification 4.2. Review verification strategy to ensure there is minimal disruption to the public and/or trader 4.3. Communicate verification strategy to personnel supporting the verification 4.4. Identify locations for product return or disposal, if applicable 4.5. Evaluate the impacts of the operating environment on the instrument performance or test results and implement corrective actions as necessary 4.6. Identify operational factors impacting on instrument performance or test result and implement corrective actions as necessary |
5. Evaluate complex measuring instrument performance |
5.1. Identify the maximum permissible errors for the instrument from the legislative requirements 5.2. Manage and review resources to maintain verification timelines 5.3. Provide effective communication to ensure relevant personnel are informed of variations to the verification strategy and verification progress 5.4. Check instrument for compliance with the appropriate Certificates of Approval 5.5. Test the instrument in accordance with relevant National Test Procedure and appropriate National Measurement Institute Policy |
6. Analyse verification results |
6.1. Perform specified calculations to determine a performance result for the instrument with appropriate accuracy, precision and significant figures 6.2. Use graphical and statistical analysis to determine unknowns as necessary 6.3. Ensure calculations are consistent with estimations and reasonable expectations 6.4. Evaluate results against prescribed performance criteria and determine if the instrument is suitable for trade use in accordance with legislative requirements |
7. Model and encourage compliance with statutory requirements |
7.1. Apply organisation's procedures and practices to meet licensing requirements 7.2. Clarify any uncertainty about licensing requirements with licensing authority as they arise 7.3. Review work and seek feedback from others to confirm continuing compliance with licensing requirements 7.4. Identify implications of non-compliance with licensing requirements 7.5. Raise inadequacies in organisation's procedures and practices which may contribute to non-compliance with licensing requirements 7.6. Identify and communicate inadequacies with trader's procedures and practices which may contribute to non-compliance with national measurement legislation |
8. Report verification results |
8.1. Display the verification result on the instrument in accordance with legislative requirements 8.2. Use test reports to present verification results in the required format 8.3. Complete verification documentation in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational procedures 8.4. Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with organisational guidelines |
9. Maintain statutory records |
9.1. Keep accurate and complete records in accordance with licensing requirements 9.2. Ensure authorisation, training and relevant licences are current in accordance with organisational and licensing requirements 9.3. Inform the licensing administering authority of changes to personal information as required by statute |
Required Skills and Knowledge
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE |
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
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Required knowledge |
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Evidence Guide
EVIDENCE GUIDE |
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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. |
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Overview of assessment |
Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard for one class of complex instrument listed in the Range Statement. |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment. This unit of competency may be assessed with:
Resources may include:
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Method of assessment |
The following assessment methods are suggested:
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. |
This competency in practice |
Industry representatives have provided the case studies below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. A licensed verifier has been engaged by a large coal mine to verify a new belt weigher installation for trade use. In preparation, the verifier visits the site and considers how to complete the verification. He/she visually inspects the belt weigher and is satisfied that it complies with the Certificate of Approval. However, he/she determines that the 30 tonne hopper weigher which has been installed as a control instrument for the sole purpose of testing the belt weigher cannot be tested with 1 tonne masses due to access restrictions. The verifier discusses these issues with the local trade measurement inspector who offers two solutions. The inspector suggests testing the restricted access hopper weigher with 20 kg masses using the substitution method to reduce the number of test masses required or negotiating with the coal washing facility next door to use their 60 tonne weighbridge as the control instrument. The verifier considers the options and decides in the interests of workplace health and safety that the best option is to use the weighbridge next door. After considerable negotiation with the weighbridge owner, arrangements are made to test the weighbridge and make it available for the belt weigher test on Monday and Tuesday of the following week. The trader organises to have 5000 tonnes of coal, a front end loader and three transfer vehicles available for the test. The verifier arranges with another organisation to have 20 tonnes of certified test masses delivered to the coal wash facility on Monday so he/she can test the weighbridge. On Monday, the verifier tests the weighbridge in accordance with the national uniform test procedures and confirms that it is suitable for use as the control instrument. Testing of the belt weigher commences in accordance with the national uniform test procedure and progresses well on the Monday. On Tuesday, the verifier arrives on site to find the tail drum on the conveyor belt has seized making it impossible to continue testing. As these repairs will take two days to repair, the test is terminated and rescheduled with all parties to be in two weeks. Two weeks later the weighbridge is again retested and found to be suitable as a control instrument. The belt weigher is tested fully in accordance with the National Test Procedures and found to be correct. The verifier marks the belt weigher with a verification mark, completes all the paper work including test reports and submits them to national Trade Measurement with 14 days. |
Range Statement
RANGE STATEMENT |
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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. |
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Prescribed performance criteria for instruments |
Prescribed performance criteria for instruments may include:
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Appropriate documentation |
Where reference is made to documentation, it is expected the latest version will be used. Appropriate documentation may include:
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Certificates of Approval |
Certificates of Approval may include:
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Test equipment |
Test equipment may include:
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Legislation |
Legislation may include:
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National Measurement Institute policy |
National Measurement Institute policy may include:
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National Test Procedures for complex instruments |
National Test Procedures for complex instruments may include
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OHS and environmental management requirements |
OHS and environmental management requirements refer to:
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Operating environmental impacts |
Operating environmental impacts may include:
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Specified calculations |
Specified calculations may include:
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Records |
Records may include:
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Complex instruments |
Verifiers may be licensed to test and mark specific classes of instruments from the following list. Complex instruments may include:
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Unit Sector(s)
Unit sector |
Trade Measurement |
Competency field
Competency field |
Co-requisite units
Co-requisite units |
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