Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:49 PM AWST

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Undertake penetrant tests

Undertake penetrant tests

Unit of competency
National Code
MEM24022
State Code
OFH44
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
04/09/2025
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
08/04/2026
Field of Education
030305 - Materials Engineering
Original Release Date
08/04/2026
Nominal Hours
36
Description
This unit of competency defines the skills and knowledge required to undertake portable penetrant tests and/or processing on a dedicated penetrant line using visible dye and fluorescent techniques. Personnel are required to select the most appropriate penetrant test techniques and test equipment for a specific material or application; interpret the test data; detect and classify defects using relevant standards; and report the results.Penetrant tests are performed on critical components or structural zones. Personnel are required to consider actual and potential defects as well as ongoing abnormalities in fabrications, components, and structures and/or aircraft components.This unit of competency applies to engineering technicians and non-destructive testing (NDT) technicians who are performing penetrant tests as defined in Australian and international codes and standards working in manufacturing, engineering, aerospace and associated industry sectors. These employees work under the general supervision of personnel such as engineering associates, NDT technicians aligned to level 3 in technical standards; professional engineers and scientists; engineering technologists; and production, operations and maintenance managersWhere reading and interpretation of technical drawings is required unit MEM09229 Read and interpret technical drawings should also be selected.Where the selection and use of engineering measurement is required unit MEM12023 Perform engineering measurements should also be selected.Where the selection and use of hand tools are required unit MEM18001 Use hand tools should also be selected.Where the selection and use of power tools are required unit MEM18002 Use power tools/hand held operations should also be selected.Where the application of materials technology principles is required unit MEM24039 Apply materials technology principles to non-destructive tests should also be selected.Band: BUnit Weight: 4Assessment as competent against MEM24022 Undertake penetrant tests may contribute to certification against Australian NDT standards where assessment of this unit of competency is carried out in conjunction with an examining authority as described in AS ISO 9712 NDT - Qualification and certification of personnel, or subsequent Standards.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Establish job requirements
  • 1.1 Comply with relevant WHS and regulatory requirements, codes of practice, standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for penetrant testing
  • 1.2 Identify job requirements from specifications, drawings, job sheets or work instructions
2. Prepare for testing
  • 2.1 Liaise with client to explain testing requirements and schedule tests
  • 2.2 Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others
  • 2.3 Assemble all specified testing equipment, materials and containers and safety equipment
  • 2.4 Identify inspection areas and determine if special access requirements appropriate for the NDT test need to be communicated to the client
  • 2.5 Clean and prepare inspection areas for testing using appropriate test procedures and materials
  • 2.6 Assess inspection areas visually and identify obvious discontinuities.
3. Conduct penetrant tests
  • 3.1 Select the most appropriate penetrant test technique for the material or application
  • 3.2 Select test equipment and conduct pre-use checks in accordance with relevant standards and/or procedures
  • 3.3 Select and apply appropriate test media in accordance with workplace/industry practices
  • 3.4 Conduct penetrant tests in accordance with relevant standards and work instructions
  • 3.5 Minimise environmental impacts of testing and generation of waste
4. Interpret and report the results of penetrant tests
  • 4.1 Review conduct of the test and confirm test procedures were applied correctly
  • 4.2 Monitor and assess indications and determine the type of discontinuity for each relevant indication
  • 4.3 Apply acceptance criteria to discontinuities to detect defects
  • 4.4 Classify defects in accordance with relevant national and international codes and standards
  • 4.5 Confirm defects in accordance with workplace procedures and industry practices
  • 4.6 Seek advice for problems outside technical competence or knowledge
  • 4.7 Record any site observations that may affect results
  • 4.8 Report test results and complete all job records in accordance with relevant standards and SOPs
5. Maintain a safe work environment
  • 5.1 Restore test site, clean inspection area and equipment and dispose of all waste in accordance with enterprise procedures
  • 5.2 Store and maintain penetrant testing equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures and WHS requirements.
No information
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Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
OEX28 MEM24002 Perform penetrant testing Unit of competency