Unit of competency

Modification History

Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL933004A Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance

Application

This unit of competency covers the ability to perform set-up, pre-use and in-house calibration/validation checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance.

This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants working in all industry sectors.

While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Competency Field

Unit Sector

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

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

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Range of Conditions

Unit Mapping Information

Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL933004A Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Release 1. Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL933004A Perform calibration checks on equipment and assist with its maintenance

Performance Evidence

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

• performing set-up and pre-use checks for at least three (3) items of equipment
• recognising non-standard behaviour of equipment
• performing calibration checks for at least two (2) items of basic equipment using standard procedures
• obtaining reliable calibration data with the required accuracy and precision
• identifying non-compliant equipment by comparing calibration data with specifications and/or previous data records
• following workplace data recording and reporting procedures
• performing basic cleaning and/or maintenance tasks for at least three (3) items of equipment
• following all relevant work health and safety (WHS) and environmental management requirements.

Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

• role and importance of regular calibration checks and maintenance of equipment
• function of key components of the equipment and details of the pre-use, calibration and safety checks and operating procedures for items of equipment used
• sources of uncertainty in equipment operation and their control
• basic equipment cleaning, maintenance and storage procedures for items of equipment used
• workplace procedures for recording data and reporting results
• relevant hazards, WHS and environmental management requirements.

Assessment Conditions

• Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.
• This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
• Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
• Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
• Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).
• This unit of competency may be assessed with:

• MSL973001 Perform basic tests

• Holistic assessment methods include:

• review of equipment log book entries, calibration data and maintenance records generated by candidate
• feedback from peers and supervisors about the candidates ability to perform calibration checks and assist with basic maintenance
• observation of the candidate performing equipment set-up, pre-use checks, shutdown procedures, calibration checks, cleaning and maintenance tasks
• oral or written questioning to check required knowledge of workplace procedures for the safe use, cleaning and maintenance of the items of equipment used.

• Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

• standard laboratory equipped with appropriate equipment and reference materials; cleaning, decontamination and/or disinfection agents and equipment; and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• workplace procedures, equipment manuals and information/records management system.

• Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
• The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.
• Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

• relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR
• relevant workplace experience.

• Currency can be demonstrated through:

• performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR
• having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa