Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
Unit descriptor |
This unit of competency covers the ability to calibrate reference standards to the inspector's class level in accordance with standard calibration procedures. These procedures specify all associated reference standards, equipment and methods to be used and the required parameters, quantities and ranges to be tested, including the criteria for validation or rejection. Standard calibration procedures are sometimes complex and lengthy but must be carried out in a methodical and standard manner. Personnel are not permitted to deviate from explicit instructions in any manner, nor modify the procedure, nor substitute alternative equipment. |
Application of the Unit
Application of the unit |
This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory and calibration technicians who carry out testing and/or calibrations using standard calibration methods in National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratories. They work under limited supervision and their results are interpreted and checked by the laboratory supervisor, quality officer or designated signatory. 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. Receive and schedule inspector's class reference standards for calibration |
1.1. Identify the level of verification required by the client 1.2. Evaluate and implement appropriate strategies where the standard's suitability for purpose does not meet client expectations 1.3. Enter details for the inspector's class reference standard into the organisation's information management system and apply appropriate tracking mechanisms 1.4. Process 'urgent' calibration requests according to the organisation's policy and procedures 1.5. Maintain confidentiality of all client and organisation data and information 1.6. Ensure that information provided to clients is accurate, relevant and authorised for release 1.7. Deal with customers politely, efficiently and in accordance with organisational policy and procedures |
2. Prepare for calibration |
2.1. Identify and access the appropriate procedure for the calibration in accordance with organisational policy and procedures 2.2. Identify possible sources of measurement error during calibration and implement appropriate control strategies 2.3. Condition inspector's class reference standards and high order reference standards in accordance with calibration and organisational procedures where applicable 2.4. Identify hazards and use the specified personal protective equipment, safety equipment and procedures 2.5. Evaluate the suitability of high order reference standards and measuring equipment selected for the calibration against the organisation's specification requirements and calibration procedure 2.6. Document calibration status, report out-of-calibration test equipment/high order reference standards and quarantine where required |
3. Perform calibration |
3.1. Assess the design and appearance of an inspector's class reference standard against prescribed stadards 3.2. Perform calibration without variance according to the documented procedure to ensure repeatability of measurement 3.3. Confirm readings are the result of a valid measurement and record data as required 3.4. Adjust inspector's class reference standard if applicable |
4. Analyse and report calibration results |
4.1. Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with organisation's policy and procedures, if required 4.2. Identify prescribed performance criteria for the inspector's class reference standard and evaluate against calibration results 4.3. Analyse calibration results to confirm they are within the maximum permissible variation and uncertainty for the scope of calibration 4.4. Analyse any variances from the performance criteria to identify isolated or systemic problems with the inspector's class reference standards or calibration procedure 4.5. Record the results of each test/calibration accurately, unambiguously and objectively |
5. Finalise calibration |
5.1. Attach calibration labels, equipment stickers, quality control tags and tamper resistant seals as required by the organisation's procedures 5.2. Prepare and submit to the laboratory supervisor a final report on the calibration detailing procedure, traceability, results and all other required information 5.3. Store test equipment/high order reference standards and calibration records in accordance with organisational policy and procedures 5.4. Identify and report unserviceable equipment or high order reference standards to the laboratory supervisor 5.5. Clean equipment and high order reference standards in accordance with organisational policy and procedures |
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 inspector's class reference standards 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 customer delivers a 200 L Inspectors Class 1 Volume measure for calibration. Personnel in the laboratory's item reception area log the job and the laboratory supervisor assigns it to a calibration technician. He/she reads the work order and retrieves the approved calibration procedure. The procedure requires the measure to be tested gravimetrically. The technician accesses and validates the test equipment and high order reference standards. The density of the town water supply is determined using a verified hydrometer. The measure is visually inspected for defects and contamination. The volume of the measure is determined three times by filling the measure with town water to the capacity mark, recording the temperature of the water and recording the mass of water. This data is used, in conjunction with the town water density (determined previously) and thermal appropriate expansion/buoyancy corrections, to calculate the actual volume of the measure. The technician notes that some values are outside the allowable tolerance and adjustments will have to be made. He/she takes another set of readings after making the necessary adjustments and records them on the report. The technician applies the required calibration marks to the measure, updates the database, produces a test report and places the item in the despatch area for inspection by the supervisor. The supervisor visually inspects the item and checks the calibration data on the report. The job has taken four hours to complete. |
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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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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Hazards |
Hazards may include:
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Safety procedures |
Safety procedures may include:
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Inspectors Class Reference standards |
Inspectors Class Reference standards may include:
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Operating procedures |
Operating procedures may include:
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Legislation |
Legislation 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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Records |
Records may include:
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Standard calibrations |
Standard calibrations may involve testing and/or calibrating the following equipment and reference materials using standard methods and procedures:
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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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