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. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
The requirement for technical documentation
The requirement for technical documentation may arise from:
organisational policy
standard procedures
quality procedures
production and process control requirements
the need to specify procedures and requirements for contractors
the need to comply with legislative requirements and associated regulations
Types of technical documentation
Types of technical documentation may include:
production and process control records
process specifications
work instructions, standard operating procedures and checklists
certification documents
OHS procedures
quality procedures
contractor instructions
processes or records for compliance with legislation and/or regulations
tender/contract deliverable requirements
Original sources
Original sources provide the engineering and other technical information used to inform and verify the technical documentation being produced. The sources may include:
standards, codes, Acts and regulations
manufacturer’s instructions and manuals
engineering-related textbooks and journals
professional engineers, scientists and other technical experts
technical drawings and other design information
customer brief
production records and schedules
Version control
Version control:
is required whenever technical documentation may be subject to revision
may take the form of either a date or issue number (or both) inserted in the document header or footer
should include a formal recording process that could take the form of a version control database
Distribution control
Distribution control may consist of:
a listing of recipients of each type of document and, where required, a document tracking system
Archiving of technical documentation
Archiving of technical documentation:
may be required to comply with legislative or regulatory requirements, and/or with organisational policy
should include an indexing system that specifies the period for which the document is to be retained
should comply with relevant requirements regarding physical storage and security
Regulatory requirements, and organisational policies and procedures
Regulatory requirements, and organisational policies and procedures may be found in:
organisational policy manuals
procedures manuals
quality manuals
Commonwealth and state/territory OHS legislation
industrial law and awards
customer protection law
environmental protection
workers compensation
contract law

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently:
identify and establish engineering and organisation goals and requirements for the project or operation that may bear on the production of technical documentation
establish resources required for the research, production, distribution and ongoing maintenance of technical documentation, including labour, materials, and equipment within budgets and procedures
identify and consult original sources of engineering and technical data
produce technical documentation and verify for technical accuracy and suitability for application
distribute technical documentation to users
arrange for handling of enquires, updates and version control.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit may be assessed on the job, or a combination of both on and off the job assessment based on appropriate project and simulation activities. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is, the candidate is not in productive work, then a simulated working environment must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. Where simulation is used for this unit, it is important that the simulation includes appropriate testing of the suitability of the produced documentation for user groups. For example, production of standard operating procedures should include testing of the standard operating procedures for ease of use by operators or other target groups and accuracy of description of the process or equipment covered by the standard operating procedures.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Method of assessment
Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package.
Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning engineering knowledge to technical documentation production.
Assessment methods should include questioning or other assessment method on sources and extent of engineering knowledge to ensure ability interpret, apply and verify engineering content for documents.
Assessment may be applied under project-related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process.
Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances.
Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency where required.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.