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 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. This unit also involves auditing the performance of verifiers who have previously tested and marked instruments for use. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit of competency is applicable to trade measurement inspectors appointed under national measurement legislation who may inspect a range of complex measuring instruments as part of their allocated duties. 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. Prepare for inspection |
1.1. Identify and evaluate the type of instrument to be inspected 1.2. Access and correctly interpret documentation required for the inspection 1.3. Identify and access test equipment, products and consumables required for the inspection 1.4. Ensure test equipment is suitable for its purpose in accordance with applicable legislation and organisational procedures 1.5. Store and transport equipment in accordance with organisational procedures and industry best practice 1.6. Access and evaluate any previous test results for the trader 1.7. Identify workplace health and safety issues relevant to the inspection 1.8. Develop an inspection strategy to maximise resources and minimise time required for complex tests |
2. Liaise with the trader to schedule complex tests |
2.1. Discuss inspection arrangements with site controller where applicable 2.2. Identify relevant local workplace, health and safety issues and implement appropriate control strategies 2.3. Discuss the inspection strategy with the trader to minimise its impact on the trader's normal operations 2.4. Arrange site clearances and suitable scheduling for tests 2.5. Negotiate access to trader's equipment, materials and support personnel required for testing to be available on site 2.6. Arrange for any equipment to be provided by the trader, if required, by the National Test Procedure |
3. Initiate inspection |
3.1. Identify the site contoller, explain/review the purpose of the inspection and, if required, produce formal identification 3.2. Review inspection strategy to ensure there is minimal disruption to the public and/or trader 3.3. Communicate inspection strategy to all personnel involved 3.4. Identify locations for product return or disposal if applicable 3.5. Evaluate the impacts of the operating environment on the instrument performance or test results and, where applicable, implement corrective actions 3.6. Identify operational factors impacting on instrument performance or test result and, where applicable, implement corrective actions |
4. Evaluate complex measuring instrument performance |
4.1. Identify the maximum permissible errors for the instrument from the legislative requirements 4.2. Manage and review resources to maintain inspection timelines 4.3. Provide effective communication to ensure relevant personnel are informed of variations to the inspection strategy and inspection progress 4.4. Check instrument for compliance with the appropriate Certificates of Approval 4.5. Inspect the instrument in accordance with relevant National Test Procedure and appropriate National Measurement Institute policy |
5. Analyse inspection results |
5.1. Perform specified calculations to determine a performance result for the instrument with appropriate accuracy, precision and significant figures 5.2. Use graphical and statistical analysis to determine unknowns as necessary 5.3. Ensure calculations are consistent with estimations and reasonable expectations 5.4. Evaluate results against prescribed performance criteria and determine if the instrument is suitable for trade use in accordance with legislative requirements |
6. Conduct a verifier performance audit |
6.1. Identify the scope of the verifier audit 6.2. Identify the expected outcomes of the verifier audit 6.3. Assess the verifier's performance against the expected outcome 6.4. Analyse any variances from the expected outcomes to identify any isolated or systemic problems |
7. Report inspection results |
7.1. Display the inspection result on the instrument in accordance with legislative requirements 7.2. Use test reports to present inspection results in the required format 7.3. Complete inspection documentation in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational procedures 7.4. Communicate inspection results within the specified time and in accordance with organisational guidelines 7.5. Recommend follow-up actions as appropriate. |
8. Act on non-compliance |
8.1. Select applicable enforcement action for the non-compliance in accordance with legislative requirements, organisational policy and procedures 8.2. Inform traders of non-compliances and consequences of failing to have them corrected 8.3. Implement enforcement action in accordance with legislative requirements, organisational policy and procedures 8.4. Maintain the rights of the trader at all times |
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 any 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. An inspector has been given the task of inspecting a bulk flowmetering system at an oil company distribution terminal. In preparation, the inspector evaluates the instrument nominated for inspection, identifies and accesses appropriate documentation for the inspection, identifies and accesses equipment, evaluates previous inspection data and develops an inspection strategy.The inspector visits the terminal to discuss the proposed inspection strategy with the site controller. During this discussion, the inspector discovers that access to the instrument has been restricted and modifications will have to be made to the area surrounding the instrument. The site controller engages a contractor to make the necessary modifications and agrees on an inspection strategy that will minimise disruption to terminal operations. On completion of the modifications, the inspector returns to the terminal to inspect the bulk flowmetering system. The site controller has arranged for all the resources identified at the inspection strategy meeting to be available. Prior to commencing any testing, the inspector holds a meeting with all personnel involved in the inspection and describes the inspection strategy. A fitter who will be operating the instrument identifies a problem and offers a solution. The inspector agrees and adjusts the inspection strategy accordingly.At the completion of the testing, the inspector uses the recorded data in combination with a variety of data derived from correction tables and complex mathematical formulae to determine performance result for the instrument.These results confirm the instrument's performance is outside the acceptable maximum permissible errors. The inspector informs the site controller of the outcome and issues a formal warning explaining that the instrument cannot be used for trade until it has been corrected and verified by a licensed verifier.During a follow up visit, the inspector confirms the instrument has been repaired and verifies it. |
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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Enforcement action |
Enforcement action may include:
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Test equipment |
Test equipment may include:
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Legislation may include |
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 |
Inspectors may be required to test and mark any of the 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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