Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to prepare samples and perform tests and measurements using standard methods with access to readily available advice from supervisors.

This unit of competency applies to laboratory/field assistants working in all industry sectors. In general, they do not calibrate equipment and make only limited adjustments to the controls. They do not interpret or analyse results or troubleshoot equipment problems.

No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Competency Field

Testing

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.

• Numeracy skills to calculate simple quantities using appropriate equations, units, uncertainties and precision

Other foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit.

Unit Mapping Information

Release 1. Supersedes MSL973001 Perform basic tests.

Links

MSL Laboratory Operations Companion Volume Implementation Guide is available from VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has completed the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, and:

• prepared samples using different processes
• performed at least 3 basic tests or measurements using standard methods and procedures.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:

• concepts of metrology, including:

• all measurements are estimates
• measurements belong to a population of measurements of the measured parameters
• precision, accuracy and significant figures
• sources of error, uncertainty and repeatability
• traceability

• international system of units (SI)
• purpose of tests performed as part of job role and principles of the standard methods/specifications used
• sample preparation processes relevant to job role
• typical basic tests and methods relevant to job role
• measurements used for typical tests
• function of key components of the test equipment, pre-use equipment and safety checks
• sources of uncertainty in measurement and methods for control
• workplace and/or legal traceability requirements
• interpretation and recording of test result, including simple calculations
• procedures for recognising and reporting of unexpected or unusual results
• legal, ethical and work health and safety (WHS) requirements specific to the work task.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions and contingencies. The following conditions must be met for this unit:

• use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:

• a standard laboratory equipped with basic test equipment, common measuring instruments, materials, standard methods, workplace procedures, SDS and equipment manuals.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

Links

MSL Laboratory Operations Companion Volume Implementation Guide is available from VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa