Unit of competency details

Unit Descriptor 

This unit covers the competency required to conduct explosive material tests and/or experiments in an explosive ordnance research environment.

This unit covers the application of procedures to conduct explosive material tests, planning the tests or analyses, carrying out tests and measurements, performing quantitative and qualitative analysis, documenting and evaluating new procedures, and recording and validating the test results.

Application of the Unit 

This competency normally applies to the individual who is required to conduct explosive  material tests and/or experiments in an explosive ordnance research environment.

This unit encompasses the requirements for planning the tests or analyses, carrying out tests and measurements, performing quantitative and qualitative analysis, documenting and evaluating new procedures, and recording and validating the test results.

Pre-requisite Unit /s 

Nil

Employability Skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a Unit of Competency.

Performance Criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the Required Skills and Knowledge and/or the Range Statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the Evidence Guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan tests or analyses 

1.1 Explosive sample and required test or analysis  are identified and recorded

1.2 Appropriate methods  are selected and the required testing apparatus  is assembled, set up and calibrated

1.3 Routine standardisation  procedures are performed prior to the analysis and results are recorded in accordance with laboratory procedures

1.4 Occupational health and safety (OH&S) requirements including those specific to the nature of the tests or analyses are identified and applied throughout the operation

2. Develop specialised tests or analyses 

2.1 Relevant technical information is located, discussed and confirmed with other staff

2.2 Experimental design is developed in liaison with other staff and checked to ensure it meets OH&S regulations and standards

2.3 Arrangements are made for necessary equipment to be either built or purchased given project constraints and available skills and materials

2.4 New procedures are trialled, documented and evaluated under supervision

3. Perform qualitative analysis 

3.1 Qualitative tests  to observe explosive properties are performed in accordance with established laboratory and/or range procedures

3.2 Data is compared with standards, charts, tables, and spectra in order to identify known or unknown materials and their properties

3.3 Tests or analyses are performed efficiently and completed within the required timeframe

4. Perform quantitative analysis 

4.1 Quantitative tests to measure explosive properties are performed in accordance with established laboratory and/or range procedures

4.2 Available computer technology is used to control instruments or acquire/translate/convert data to optimise test accuracy

4.3 Samples and analyses are checked in accordance with laboratory procedures when non-standard results are obtained

4.4 Tests or analyses are completed within the required timeframe

5. Record and validate results 

5.1 Data is recorded in accordance with procedures using appropriate worksheets and/or information management systems

5.2 Data is analysed for anomalies and 'out of control' conditions and either accepted or rejected

5.3 Data is assessed for validity against quantity and compatibility information, known standards and reference materials

5.4 Test procedures are modified, if necessary, under supervision and according to laboratory procedures

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills 

• access, interpret and apply technical information
• apply explosive testing processes and techniques
• apply OH&S requirements
• apply quantitative and qualitative analysis
• develop explosive testing processes and techniques
• maintain documentation and records
• use laboratory and testing equipment

Required Knowledge 

• calibration procedures and their basis
• characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations of laboratory equipment
• characteristics, technical capabilities and limitations of testing equipment
• chemical processes
• chemistry involved in testing
• documentation and records requirements
• planning
• properties and characteristics of relevant explosives
• quantitative and qualitative analysis processes and techniques
• relevant OH&S requirements
• validation processes

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

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

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

• adhere to relevant OH&S requirements
• plan tests or analyses
• carry out tests and measurements
• perform quantitative and qualitative analysis
• trial, document and evaluate new procedures
• record and validate results.

Consistency in performance 

Competency should be demonstrated in a range of actual or simulated explosive analysis contexts over time.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Context of assessment 

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or under conditions which accurately simulate a realistic workplace.

Evidence should be gathered through observation of a range of basic tests supported by targeted questioning to assess underpinning knowledge.

Evidence could also include examples of records and workplace documentation, and analysis of results.

Specific resources for assessment 

Access is required to:

• facilities and resources used in the research, development and proof of explosive ordnance; it may require access to a licensed explosive site and appropriate firing/test range.

Method of assessment 

This unit may be assessed with the following unit:

• PUADEFEO101D Work safely with explosive ordnance.

In a public safety environment assessment is usually conducted via direct observation in a training environment or in the workplace via subject matter supervision and/or mentoring, which is typically recorded in a competency workbook.

Assessment is completed using appropriately qualified assessors who select the most appropriate method of assessment.

Assessment may occur in an operational environment or in an industry-approved simulated work environment. Forms of assessment that are typically used include:

• direct observation
• interviewing the candidate
• journals and workplace documentation
• third party reports from supervisors
• written or oral questions.

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Explosives may include 

Explosives of unknown origin

Propellants

Pyrotechnics

Testing or analysis requirements may include 

Determining explosive composition

Determining explosive properties

Sentencing

Explosives of unknown origin

Appropriate methods may include 

Wet chemistry techniques, including:

• atomic absorption spectrophotometry
• moisture analysis
• gravimetry, volumetric analysis

Separation techniques, including:

• gas chromatography (GLC, HPLC)
• gel electrophoresis
• solid phase extraction
• super critical fluid extraction

Optical techniques, including:

• spectrophotometry (UV, VIS)
• infra red spectrophotometry
• nuclear magnetic resonance spectrophotometry
• metrology

Thermal techniques, including:

• differential scanning calorimetry
• thermal gravimetric analysis
• differential thermal analysis
• dynamic mechanical thermal analysis

Physical techniques, including:

• particle sizing
• absolute density

Mechanical techniques, including:

• instron tensile/compression
• fracture/impact

Test apparatus may include 

Cameras (both film and digital)

Chromatographs

Electromagnetic actuators

Electron scanning microscope

Function generators

Infrared sensing/imaging systems

Micro-calorimeters

Optical microscopes

Oscilloscopes

Particle counters

Piezo-electric actuators/sensors

Spectrometers

Standardisation may include standards in 

Australian Standards

DEFAUST Standards and Instructions

DSTO Information

NATO Standards

Qualitative tests may include 

Requirements for high and low pressure strand burning and closed vessel bomb