Carry out scientific or technical investigations
Overview
This standard covers the competences you need to carry
out scientific or technical investigations in a science related
work activity, in accordance with approved procedures and
practices.
You will be required to demonstrate you can show you have
selected and used appropriate scientific or technical skills,
methods and procedures. You will use appropriate
investigation to inform actions and review how effective
these methods have been 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 obtain and collate appropriate scientific or technical
information which assists the investigation
P4 analyse the information correctly and evaluate it against
the objective of the investigation
P5 prioritise the tasks within the investigation and follow the
appropriate procedures
P6 use the specified resources required to complete the
investigations
P7 follow set procedures to deal with contingencies arising
during investigations
P8 conduct investigations in accordance with the
established plans
P9 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 the principles and procedures for investigations
K10 the techniques that are relevant to the scientific or
technical investigation
K11 how to source and access relevant standards
K12 the acceptable operating conditions for conducting
investigations
K13 the implications of deviations from set procedures
K14 the essential features of an investigation plan and why
this must be followed
K15 the range of equipment used for investigations
K16 the procedures for recording and reporting the
investigations done
K17 how to identify and deal with contingencies
K18 the limits and constraints for investigations that are
done
K19 the procedures used to deal with deviations from
investigation plans
K20 what the procedures are for using contingency plans
when deviations from investigation plans occur
K21 the document control and reporting procedures that
should be used
K22 the reasons why effective communication is important,
and the methods used for communicating effectively
Scope/range
- carry out investigations into one of the following:
1.1 a non-compliance problem
1.2 the properties of a new material
1.3 applications of a new material
1.4 identifying a substance
1.5 resolution technical problem
1.6 cost reduction programme
1.7 quality assurance review
1.8 hazard/accident - evaluation information from two of the following sources:
2.1 new external standards/regulations
2.2 manufacturer's instructions
2.3 equipment technical reviews
2.4 material technical reviews
2.5 COSHH data sheets
2.6 environmental reports
2.7 in-company archives
2.8 operating procedures
2.9 test reports
2.10 accident reports
2.11 health and safety documentation - use two of the following resources to complete the
investigations:
3.1 other staff
3.2 equipment
3.3 materials
3.4 allotted time - deal with contingencies for one of the following:
4.1 equipment failure
4.2 changes in variables
4.3 delays
4.4 safety/environmental change - record and communicate details of work done, to the
appropriate people, using:
5.1 verbal report plus one method from the following:
5.2 written or typed report
5.3 computer-based record
5.4 specific workplace documentation
5.5 electronic mail