Carry out complex scientific or technical testing operations
Overview
This standard covers the competences you need to carry
out complex scientific or technical testing operations in a
science related work activity, in accordance with approved
procedures and practices.
You will be required to demonstrate that you can prepare
and carry out the required scientific or technical tests in
accordance with the relevant workplace procedures.
The activity is likely to be undertaken by someone in a
science related work setting, including individuals working
in hospitals, scientific laboratories, schools and universities.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 ensure that your work is carried out in accordance with
workplace procedures
P2 use safe practices and the appropriate personal
protection equipment (PPE) when performing scientific or
technical activities
P3 identify conditions for the complex scientific or technical
tests to be done
P4 establish the requirements for the tests to be done
P5 identify hazards and assess risks against testing
requirements
P6 select the appropriate testing methods from procedures
for the testing requirements
P7 prepare the resources needed for the testing operations
P8 prepare the test samples in accordance with the
procedures and check their integrity
P9 carry out the required tests in accordance with the
procedures
P10 communicate the required information about the work
done, in accordance with departmental and organisational
procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 the health and safety requirements of the area in which
you are carrying out the scientific or technical activities
K2 the implications of not taking account of legislation,
regulations, standards and guidelines when conducting
scientific or technical activities
K3 the scientific or technical techniques and processes you
must use correctly in the workplace
K4 the importance of wearing protective clothing, gloves
and eye protection for scientific or technical activities
K5 the importance of correct identification, and any unique
workplace coding system
K6 the organisational requirements for maintaining the
security of the workplace
K7 the lines of communication and responsibilities in your
department, and their links with the rest of the organisation
K8 the limits of your own authority and to whom you should
report if you have problems that you cannot resolve
K9 why it is important to follow safe operating procedures
when using equipment and/or materials
K10 the principles and procedures for the scientific or
technical testing
K11 the purposes of testing, and the specific use to which
the test results are to be put
K12 the hazards/difficulties associated with complex testing
K13 the relevant testing methods that can be used to
achieve the purpose of testing
K14 why calibration is important and how to check
calibration
K15 how to check the sample identity and its integrity
K16 the range of methods used to prepare samples
K17 how to identify defective equipment and the
appropriate action to take
K18 the methods that can be used for controlling test
variables
K19 the concepts of repeatability and reproducibility
K20 the range of equipment available for testing, and how
to choose the most appropriate equipment
K21 the potential impact of the test on health, safety and
the environment
K22 the methods that can be used for dealing with the
handling, storage and disposal of materials
K23 the cleaning materials and the methods for their use
K24 the methods of safe storage that can be used
K25 the document control and reporting procedures that
should be used
K26 the reasons why effective communication is important,
and the methods used for communicating effectively
Scope/range
- carry out testing operations that have two of the following
complex components:
1.1 multi stage testing operations
1.2 very cold/hot test temperatures involved
1.3 multitasking testing
1.4 noisy/vibrating/turbulent elements involved
1.5 multi-parameter or control factors
1.6 involves substances hazardous to health
1.7 environmentally sensitive outcomes
1.8 high level of skill/experience needed
1.9 spontaneity/suddenness of test event
1.10 complex sample components - identify conditions for the test that include two of the
following: 2.1 test environment
2.2 safety factors
2.3 cleanliness
2.4 test criteria
2.5 time recording system
2.6 external influence/factors - prepare all of the following resources for the testing
operations:
3.1 consumables
3.2 utilities/facilities
3.3 test instruments
3.4 test materials
3.5 equipment - carry out two of the following pre-test check on
equipment and test instruments:
4.1 calibration
4.2 serviceability
4.3 cleanliness
4.4 setup conditions - check three of the following test sample integrity factors:
5.1 free from defects
5.2 arrangement of like parts
5.3 damage and decomposition
5.4 common elements or characteristics - record and communicate details of work done, to the
appropriate people, using:
6.1 verbal report plus one method from the following:
6.2 written or typed report
6.3 computer-based record
6.4 specific workplace documentation
6.5 electronic mail