Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:12 PM AWST
22/07/2026 11:12 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Use and maintain reference standards
Use and maintain reference standards
Unit of competency
National Code
MSATMREF301A
MSATMREF301A
State Code
S7280
S7280
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/08/2014
Field of Education
080317 - Quality Management
Original Release Date
19/08/2014
Nominal Hours
20
Description
This unit of competency covers the ability to select and use appropriate reference standards of measurement in accordance with standard procedures and industry best practice. It also involves storing and transporting reference standards correctly and maintaining their integrity during all trade measurement activities.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Maintain reference standard integrity
- 1.1. Identify environmental issues that may impact on reference standard integrity and implement appropriate control strategies
- 1.2. Store, transport and handle reference standards in accordance with organisational procedures and industry best practice
- 1.3. Quarantine and report damaged or compromised reference standards in accordance with organisational procedures
- 1.4. Plan and organise reference standard maintenance and calibration in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational procedures
- 1.5. Update maintenance and calibration records in accordance with organisational procedures
- 1.6. Ensure that personnel assisting with the activity use correct handling procedures for reference standards
2. Select appropriate reference standards
- 2.1. Identify the scope and expected outcomes of the planned activity
- 2.2. Identify and access reference standards appropriate to the activity
- 2.3. Evaluate reference standard limitations associated with the activity and operating environment
- 2.4. Validate reference standard suitability against the activity scope and expected outcomes in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational policy and procedures
3. Use reference standards
- 3.1. Review the expected outcomes for the activity
- 3.2. Access and interpret reference standard Certificates of Verification and measurement reports
- 3.3. Condition the reference standard as required to produce consistent and accurate measurements
- 3.4. Identify, interpret and apply reference standard corrections as required
- 3.5. Assess the results of the activity against the prescribed performance criteria
- 3.6. Analyse any variances from the expected outcomes to identify any isolated or systemic problems linked to the reference standard or its use
4. Maintain a safe work environment
- 4.1. Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of other personnel
- 4.2. Identify relevant local workplace, health and safety issues and implement appropriate control strategies
- 4.3. Handle reference standards safely in accordance with applicable legislation and organisational procedures
RANGE STATEMENT
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.
Appropriate documentation
Where reference is made to documentation, it is expected the latest version will be used.
Appropriate documentation may include:
reference standard Certificates of Verification
test procedures for inspecting measuring instruments, pre-packaged products and trading practices
organisational test reports
organisational procedures e.g. company quality assurance manual
National Measurement Act
occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations, guidelines and procedures material data safety sheets
equipment manuals and warranty, supplier catalogues and handbooks
Legislation
Legislation may include:
national measurement legislation
applicable Commonwealth, state and territory OHS legislation
National Measurement Institute policy
National Measurement Institute policy may include:
storage and maintenance procedures for reference standards
bulletin
instruction
determination
policy documents
National Test Procedures
National Test Procedures may include:
measuring instrument test procedures
article measurement procedures
or any other test procedure prescribed by the National Measurement Institute
OHS and environmental management requirements
OHS and environmental management requirements refer to:
all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or Federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time
all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied
where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council and State and Territory Departments of Health
Operating environmental impacts
Operating environmental impacts may include:
vibration
wind
heat
dust
liquid being measured
Records
Records may include:
test reports
safety procedures
a history of equipment calibration and test results
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.
Appropriate documentation
Where reference is made to documentation, it is expected the latest version will be used.
Appropriate documentation may include:
reference standard Certificates of Verification
test procedures for inspecting measuring instruments, pre-packaged products and trading practices
organisational test reports
organisational procedures e.g. company quality assurance manual
National Measurement Act
occupational health and safety (OHS) regulations, guidelines and procedures material data safety sheets
equipment manuals and warranty, supplier catalogues and handbooks
Legislation
Legislation may include:
national measurement legislation
applicable Commonwealth, state and territory OHS legislation
National Measurement Institute policy
National Measurement Institute policy may include:
storage and maintenance procedures for reference standards
bulletin
instruction
determination
policy documents
National Test Procedures
National Test Procedures may include:
measuring instrument test procedures
article measurement procedures
or any other test procedure prescribed by the National Measurement Institute
OHS and environmental management requirements
OHS and environmental management requirements refer to:
all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or Federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time
all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied
where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council and State and Territory Departments of Health
Operating environmental impacts
Operating environmental impacts may include:
vibration
wind
heat
dust
liquid being measured
Records
Records may include:
test reports
safety procedures
a history of equipment calibration and test results
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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.
Overview of assessment
Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard using reference standards relevant to job role.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
identify, access and apply relevant test procedures
select and use suitable reference standards
maintain the integrity of reference standards during their transport, storage and use
determine whether reference standards are defective
validate the suitability of reference standards for activities relevant to job role
maintain the security and confidentiality of data in accordance with organisational and regulatory requirements
report results in the required formats and expected timeframe.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment.
This unit of competency may be assessed with the following units:
MSATM units dealing with the inspection or verification of trade measurement instruments and inspection of trading practices and pre-packaged products.
Resources may include:
reference standards
computer and relevant software and/or organisation information management system
Certificates of Verification
relevant legislative and organisational procedures.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
questions to assess understanding of relevant procedures, trader obligations and remedial actions
review of maintenance records prepared or maintained by the candidate
feedback from supervisors and peers regarding the candidate's ability to use and maintain reference standards in accordance with legislative and organisation's procedures
observation of the candidate using and maintaining reference standards to complete trade measurement activities.
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.
This competency in practice
Industry representatives have provided the case studies below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting.
An inspector is allocated a routine inspection of a hardware store. In preparation, the inspector locates the trader's file and notes that the company sells a variety of items by measurement using scales, rulers and volume measures. Using the organisation's checklist for inspecting this type of business, he/she identifies the reference standards and documentation required for the inspection. He/she confirms that the selected reference standards are suitable for the intended purpose, are currently verified and are not damaged before stowing them safely in his/her vehicle for transport to the hardware store. On arrival, the inspector meets the site controller and initiates the inspection in accordance with the organisation's standard procedures. The inspector collects the reference standards, test equipment and documentation from the vehicle. The standards include: masses to test a weighing instrument, a volume measure to test a 5 L measure for selling kerosene, a measure of length to test packages of rope, a density bottle to determine the density of turpentine for checking packages and a thermometer to measure the temperature of the density bottle and make appropriate temperature corrections. Before using the reference standards, the inspector confirms the expected outcomes for each activity, reviews the Certificates of Verification and conditions the volume reference standards as required. After each activity, the inspector assesses the results against the prescribed performance criteria and analyses any variances from the expected outcomes to identify any problems that may be linked to the reference standard or its use. At the end of the visit, the inspector cleans the reference standards, returns them to the vehicle and re-stows them safely to maintain their integrity. On returning to the office, the inspector books the masses into the measurement standards laboratory for calibration as their Certificate of Verification is due to expire in 22 days.
A verifier is contacted by a local service station to repair and verify two of their fuel dispensers that had been recently rejected for trade use by an inspector. Before proceeding to the service station, the verifier asks the trader some questions and establishes that one fuel dispenser has a flow rate of <60 L/min and another has a flow rate >60 L/min. The verifier consults the National Test Procedure for fuel dispensers and identifies that he/she needs both a 15 L and 200 L volume reference standard to complete this work. In preparation for the visit, the verifier checks whether the reference standards are suitable, they have a current Verification Certificate and are not damaged. This examination reveals that the Certificate for the 200 L reference standard he/she intends to use has expired. He/she immediately books the measure into the measurement standards laboratory for calibration and arranges for a replacement measure with a current Certificate. Before travelling to the service station, the verifier stores the reference standards in the vehicle in accordance with standard operating procedures. On arrival, the verifier takes the time to introduce him/herself to the site controller, complete a site safety induction and outline a test strategy that is both safe and will cause minimal disruption to the trader. The verifier collects the reference standards, test equipment and documentation from the vehicle. Before using the volume measures, he/she reviews their respective Certificates of Verification and notes that there are different drainage requirements for each measure. After repairing the fuel dispensers, the verifier tests the fuel dispensers in accordance with the appropriate National Test Procedure. He/she makes sure to use the volume reference standards in a manner that is consistent with the requirements set out in the Certificate of Verification and the organisation's procedures to maintain the integrity of the measurements. After completing the repairs and testing, the verifier cleans the reference standards and re-stows them in the vehicle.
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.
Overview of assessment
Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard using reference standards relevant to job role.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
identify, access and apply relevant test procedures
select and use suitable reference standards
maintain the integrity of reference standards during their transport, storage and use
determine whether reference standards are defective
validate the suitability of reference standards for activities relevant to job role
maintain the security and confidentiality of data in accordance with organisational and regulatory requirements
report results in the required formats and expected timeframe.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment.
This unit of competency may be assessed with the following units:
MSATM units dealing with the inspection or verification of trade measurement instruments and inspection of trading practices and pre-packaged products.
Resources may include:
reference standards
computer and relevant software and/or organisation information management system
Certificates of Verification
relevant legislative and organisational procedures.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
questions to assess understanding of relevant procedures, trader obligations and remedial actions
review of maintenance records prepared or maintained by the candidate
feedback from supervisors and peers regarding the candidate's ability to use and maintain reference standards in accordance with legislative and organisation's procedures
observation of the candidate using and maintaining reference standards to complete trade measurement activities.
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.
This competency in practice
Industry representatives have provided the case studies below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting.
An inspector is allocated a routine inspection of a hardware store. In preparation, the inspector locates the trader's file and notes that the company sells a variety of items by measurement using scales, rulers and volume measures. Using the organisation's checklist for inspecting this type of business, he/she identifies the reference standards and documentation required for the inspection. He/she confirms that the selected reference standards are suitable for the intended purpose, are currently verified and are not damaged before stowing them safely in his/her vehicle for transport to the hardware store. On arrival, the inspector meets the site controller and initiates the inspection in accordance with the organisation's standard procedures. The inspector collects the reference standards, test equipment and documentation from the vehicle. The standards include: masses to test a weighing instrument, a volume measure to test a 5 L measure for selling kerosene, a measure of length to test packages of rope, a density bottle to determine the density of turpentine for checking packages and a thermometer to measure the temperature of the density bottle and make appropriate temperature corrections. Before using the reference standards, the inspector confirms the expected outcomes for each activity, reviews the Certificates of Verification and conditions the volume reference standards as required. After each activity, the inspector assesses the results against the prescribed performance criteria and analyses any variances from the expected outcomes to identify any problems that may be linked to the reference standard or its use. At the end of the visit, the inspector cleans the reference standards, returns them to the vehicle and re-stows them safely to maintain their integrity. On returning to the office, the inspector books the masses into the measurement standards laboratory for calibration as their Certificate of Verification is due to expire in 22 days.
A verifier is contacted by a local service station to repair and verify two of their fuel dispensers that had been recently rejected for trade use by an inspector. Before proceeding to the service station, the verifier asks the trader some questions and establishes that one fuel dispenser has a flow rate of <60 L/min and another has a flow rate >60 L/min. The verifier consults the National Test Procedure for fuel dispensers and identifies that he/she needs both a 15 L and 200 L volume reference standard to complete this work. In preparation for the visit, the verifier checks whether the reference standards are suitable, they have a current Verification Certificate and are not damaged. This examination reveals that the Certificate for the 200 L reference standard he/she intends to use has expired. He/she immediately books the measure into the measurement standards laboratory for calibration and arranges for a replacement measure with a current Certificate. Before travelling to the service station, the verifier stores the reference standards in the vehicle in accordance with standard operating procedures. On arrival, the verifier takes the time to introduce him/herself to the site controller, complete a site safety induction and outline a test strategy that is both safe and will cause minimal disruption to the trader. The verifier collects the reference standards, test equipment and documentation from the vehicle. Before using the volume measures, he/she reviews their respective Certificates of Verification and notes that there are different drainage requirements for each measure. After repairing the fuel dispensers, the verifier tests the fuel dispensers in accordance with the appropriate National Test Procedure. He/she makes sure to use the volume reference standards in a manner that is consistent with the requirements set out in the Certificate of Verification and the organisation's procedures to maintain the integrity of the measurements. After completing the repairs and testing, the verifier cleans the reference standards and re-stows them in the vehicle.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AXN91 | MSMTMREF301 | Use and maintain reference standards | Unit of competency |
