Elements and Performance Criteria

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, if used in the Performance Criteria, is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

General context
Work is performed either individually or within a team environment
Basic tests are conducted under routine supervision in accordance with defined procedures
All tests are conducted in accordance with enterprise and standard industry operating procedures, Australian or international standards, enterprise insurance requirements, OH&S legislation and relevant health regulations

Worksite environment and practices may include
Work conducted in a variety of environments, such as:
operational workplace
testing laboratory
hazardous, controlled or exposed conditions
Testing and evaluation may include:
physical properties of wool
chemical properties of wool
identification of contamination and contaminants
Use of hand tools normally applicable to the tasks involved including:
Operator maintenance of sampling and laboratory equipment
Exposure to chemicals, dangerous or other hazardous substances
Data recording, either using keyboard or manual recording applications
Interaction with other workplace personnel

Sources of information and documents may include
Laboratory equipment manufacturers' operating instructions
Enterprise work orders and instructions
Dockets, tags or other identification
Enterprise or external personnel
Work scheduling documentation
Job procedures

Workplace context may include
Work organisation procedures and practices relating to the setting up and operation of equipment used for sampling and laboratory testing
Conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements including:
workplace agreements and awards
Federal or State/Territory legislation
Standard work practice including the storage, safe handling and disposal of chemicals
Reporting actions which include verbal and written communication in accordance with enterprise policies and procedures
Oral, written or visual communication including completion of standard forms, interpretation and verbal provision of information and instructions associated with workplace activities, and recording simple data via keyboard or manual recording applications
Quality requirements determined by customer, enterprise, and application of Australian and international standards
Being responsible for the maintenance of own work quality and being required to contribute to the quality improvement of team or section output, where necessary
Safety, environmental, housekeeping and quality procedures as specified by laboratory equipment manufacturers, regulatory authorities and the enterprise

Applicable regulations and legislation may include
Occupational health and safety legislation relevant to workplace activities
Workers' compensation legislation
Environment protection legislation

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 the Training Package.
Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

Assessment must confirm appropriate knowledge and skills to:

comply with all relevant safety requirements
interpret work instructions, product requirements and test procedures
operate wool sampling and test equipment
monitor test processes, including application of quality standards criteria and recognition of non-conforming outcomes
perform operator maintenance of wool sampling and test equipment including calibration settings and adjustments
perform appropriate maintenance of work area
document and report test results and associated information

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit does not need to be assessed in conjunction with other units and can be assessed independently

Required knowledge and skills

Underpinning knowledge of:

relevant OH&S legislation, codes of practice, policies and procedures
operating principles of wool sampling and test equipment
general laboratory practices
laboratory instrument setting and calibration principles
product quality standards
safety and environmental aspects of sampling and testing processes
general housekeeping policies and procedures including relevant cleaning agents and equipment
recording and reporting procedures

Underpinning skills to:

interpret and apply work instructions, product requirements and test procedures
set and operate sampling and test equipment
perform operator maintenance of test equipment and work area
use relevant hand tools
apply all relevant safety practices
use cleaning agents and dispose of waste products
communicate effectively within the workplace
document and transfer information

Resource implications
Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations involving the sampling and testing of wool, including work areas, materials, sampling and test equipment, information on product requirements, work schedules, relevant safety procedures and regulations, quality standards, and enterprise procedures

Consistency in performance

Applies underpinning knowledge and skills when:

establishing plans
describing consequences
completing tasks
identifying procedure changes
applying safety precautions relevant to the task

Shows evidence of application of relevant workplace procedures including:

hazard policies and procedures including codes of practice
test procedures and work instructions
quality procedures
security procedures
waste, pollution and recycling management processes
Actions are taken promptly and accidents and incidents reported in accordance with statutory requirements and enterprise procedures
Recognises and adapts appropriately to cultural differences in the workplace, including modes of behaviour and interactions among staff and others
Work is completed systematically with attention to detail without damage to products, equipment or personnel
Assessed on sufficient number of occasions or over sufficient period of time to ensure consistent performance across a typical range of tests, wool qualities and working conditions

Context for assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment
Competence should be demonstrated with a range of typical industry sector sampling and test equipment associated with wool product quality testing, sufficient to ensure confirmation of the required skills and knowledge

Communicating ideas and information
(2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
(2)

Planning and organising activities
(2)

Working with others and in teams
(2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
(2)

Solving problems
(2)

Using technology
(2)