This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to take a lead technical role in the trialling of a new or significantly altered product or process. The new/changed product/process has been independently developed and its development is not part of this unit.The unit of competency applies to a person in a technician role in a plant or a similar role. The technician is expected already to be a technical expert in that part of the plant/process where the trial is being conducted and be able to operate and control all equipment required for the trial. The technician is often the most technically competent member of an operational team. As such, they may not have the 'hands on' role of operating items of equipment; but they are required to have the competence to direct the operation of equipment as appropriate throughout the trial.Typically the technician will be part of a team during the trial and will work in conjunction with a process/product development expert, such as a chemist or engineer and liaise and cooperate with other members of the team.Trialling refers to the scale-up and other development steps required to take a new product or process from its design/laboratory trials to full commercial operation on a plant. Trialling may be done on a pilot plant where available and/or on a full scale plant.This unit of competency does not apply to minor modifications to existing products or processes. Similarly it does not apply to a technician or operator taking part in such trials and/or who is simply following directions from a technician, chemist, engineer, supervisor or manager.No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.