Test and evaluate new scientific or technical methods and equipment for learning activities
Overview
This standard covers the competences you need to
demonstrate how to test and evaluate new scientific or
technical methods and equipment for learning activities in
accordance with approved procedures and practices.
You will be required to demonstrate that you can establish
the testing requirements of the new methods and
equipment with relevant people. You will plan and run new
the new methods or equipment and record the results. You
will also establish the new learning activities with the
required personnel 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 doing scientific or
technical activities
P3 establish the testing requirements of the new method
and equipment with relevant people
P4 prepare the resources required and identify the hazards
and risks associated with the testing of the equipment
P5 work safely at all times, complying with health and
safety, environmental and other relevant regulations and
guidelines
P6 run and test the new methods and equipment and
record the results
P7 evaluate the test results from the new methods and
equipment for learning activities in partnership with the
relevant people
P8 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 the 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 organisational policy and procedures on safe
working practices
K10 why it is important to follow safe operating procedures
when using new equipment and materials
K11 what are the principles and procedures for testing new
equipment
K12 what are the purposes of testing, and the specific use
to which the test results are to be put
K13 what are the relevant testing methods that can be used
to achieve the purpose of testing
K14 how to identify defective equipment and the
appropriate action to take
K15 how the equipment should be operated during testing
and the precautions to take
K16 why calibration is important and how to check
calibration
K17 what is the potential impact of the test on health, safety
and the learning environment
K18 what methods can be used for dealing with the
handling, storage and disposal of materials
K19 what cleaning materials and methods of use should be
used
K20 the methods that should be used for safe storage of
the equipment
K21 how to record and evaluate the results of the testing
K22 how to modify the scientific or technical method, and
when this may be required
K23 what documentation should be used for new learning
activities
K24 the document control and reporting procedures that
should be used
K25 the reasons why effective communication is important,
and the methods used for communicating effectively
Scope/range
- evaluate the results of the test with one of the following
people:
1.1 supervisor
1.2 team leader
1.3 health and safety officer
1.4 manager
1.5 head of department
1.6 teacher or trainer - evaluate the results of the test for one of the following
learning activities:
2.1 timetabled lessons
2.2 other supervised events
2.3 outside activities - run and test methods for two of the following scientific or
technical activities:
3.1 biological equipment and/or instruments
3.2 chemical equipment and/or instruments
3.3 electronic equipment and/or instruments
3.4 weighing and measuring equipment and/or instruments
3.5 information technology equipment
3.6 engineering machines, equipment and/or instruments
3.7 other technical equipment or instruments - develop all of the following procedures for the learning
activities with relevant people:
4.1 equipment use
4.2 cost of purchase
4.3 hazards and risks
4.4 services (e.g. gas, electricity)
4.5 materials/consumable use
4.6 learning outcomes
4.7 time required
4.8 scientific or technical skills
4.9 curriculum/course documents - assess and give advice on two of the following hazards
and risks:
5.1 harmful/toxic material
5.2 oxidising material
5.3 biohazard material
5.4 sensitising/irritant material
5.5 extreme temperature item
5.6 electrostatic discharge item
5.7 high voltage item
5.8 radioactive material
5.9 manual handling
5.10 highly flammable material
5.11 corrosive material
5.12 equipment safety - test results records should include two of the following:
6.1 hazard/safety issues
6.2 performance reports
6.3 test records
6.4 operating methods/procedures
6.5 pass/fail sheets
6.6 quality/output results - record and communicate details of the work done, to the
appropriate people, using:
7.1 verbal report plus one method from the following:
7.2 written or typed report
7.3 computer-based record
7.4 specific workplace documentation
7.5 electronic mail