Conduct Laboratory Based Testing

JILLIAN MANNIX, Teacher Primary Industries from Bendigo TAFE reports on the next level of laboratory based testing.

Conduct laboratory-based acceptance tests for construction materials (MSL973010A)

This unit of competency can be delivered independently or included in an accredited course of training in Certificate III, IV or Diploma qualifications.

Aligning the training of your staff to national qualifications ensures good quality training and a general level of competence for your employees. This training will assist your operation to meet the NATA testing accreditation changes due aft er 1 July 2013.

This training is applicable to laboratory personnel working in the geotechnical and construction material testing industry sectors; who conduct control and compliance tests in consulting laboratories or laboratories at extractive, manufacturing or construction sites using established test methods.

Your employees will gain the skills to conduct laboratory tests to confirm the acceptability of raw and/or manufactured construction materials.

During the training; your employees will learn how to obtain reliable test results safely and efficiently. These tests will involve construction materials routinely used in the job role, including: aggregates, concrete, soils, road pavement or other specialised construction materials and products.

Particular elements of the course include:

• Preparation for laboratory-based acceptance tests
• Preparing samples or test pieces
• Checking test equipment before use
• Performing laboratory tests
• Maintaining a safe work environment

Typical tests performed during this course conducted in accordance with Australian Standards include the following:

• AS 1289.2.1.6 – 2005 Method: 2.1.6: Soil moisture content tests
• AS 1141.11.1 – 2009 Method 11.1: Particle size distribution – Sieving method
• AS 1141.15 – 1999 Method 15: Flakiness index
• AS 1141.30.1 – 2009 Method 30.1: Coarse aggregate quality by visual comparison. (Unsound stone)
• AS1141.20.3 – 2000 Method 20.3: Average least dimension

Other tests may also be considered for inclusion as required where relevant to course participants.

Skills and knowledge developed during this course includes:

• Estimating/calculating simple scientific quantities (for example density and moisture content)
• Recording and presenting results accurately and legibly
• Maintaining security, integrity and traceability of all samples and data/results
• Cleaning and maintaining equipment
• Demonstrating a professional approach and positive company/organisation image
• Expected values and sources of uncertainty (and methods for control) in construction materials tests routinely used in job role
• Procedures for recording and reporting test results, calculations, test observations and unexpected or atypical results and equipment problems
• Procedures for ensuring traceability of samples, test pieces, test data and results
• Health, site safety and environmental management requirements relevant to job role
• Confidentiality requirements relevant to job role

By consulting with relevant industry experts from Vic Roads, Quarry enterprises, Members of the CMPA and independent Construction Materials Testing Laboratories, Bendigo TAFE have tailored industry specific training resources ready for delivery as required to employees working in this field.

Bendigo TAFE proposes to run a pilot course initially aimed at experienced personnel to verify the relevance of the content to the related industries and standards of practice.

The course will be delivered at an on-site Construction Materials Testing Laboratory by an experienced trainer and assessor well known in the industry, over a period of approximately 3 days, depending on the level of experience of attendees.

All enquiries are welcome. To find out more about this course or to book your attendance, please contact:

Jillian on 03 54341752
jmannix@bendigotafe.edu.au or

Stacey on 03 54351653
sclark@bendigotafe.edu.au

You must be logged in to post a comment Login