3.9 Plan the test of explosive substances and/or articles

Key Role
Test & Evaluation (trials)
Unit
3
Reference
3.9
Overview

This standard covers the competences you need to plan the test of explosive substances and/or articles in accordance with approved procedures and practices.

You will be required to demonstrate that you can produce a clear and accurate test plan that is capable of delivery within the constraints of cost and timescales. Ensuring that hazard and risk assessments are carried out in
accordance with approved procedures and practices.

This activity is likely to be undertaken by someone whose work role involves Weapons, Ordnance, Munitions or Explosives work activities. This includes people working as test and evaluation supervisors.

Performance Criteria

P1 work safely at all times, complying with health and safety, environmental and other relevant regulations, legislation and guidelines
P2 ensure you have the correct test procedure
P3 confirm the fitness for purpose of the proposed trial site
P4 incorporate into the test plan the requirements of additional tasks to be carried out concurrently
P5 identify and obtain resource requirements that are appropriate to the test
P6 ensure that the facilities are fit for purpose
P7 allocate responsibilities appropriately
P8 produce a clear and accurate test plan that is capable of delivery within the constraints of cost and timescale
P9 ensure that hazard and risk assessments are carried out
P10 confirm the deliverables with the customer with agreed interim reviews
P11 ensure that any issues relating to the segregation and disposal of process residues and products have been addressed in the plan
P12 obtain agreement to the plan
P13 maintain the requirements of confidentiality at all times
P14 adhere to the relevant quality standards
P15 take action to resolve and record problems

Knowledge and Understanding

K1 the health, safety and environmental and other statutory legislation, regulations and safe working practices and procedures governing explosives and their implications for your area of work
K2 the relevance of personal protective equipment (PPE)
K3 the nature, characteristics, hazards and risks of the explosive substance and/or article
K4 the actions to be taken in response to an unplanned event
K5 the anticipated results of the test
K6 the factors relevant to the test
K7 the agreed test procedure
K8 the objectives of the test
K9 test resource constraints
K10 the competences of the personnel involved
K11 the types of test equipment and their application
K12 planning tools and project management principles
K13 how to write test plans
K14 why hazard and risk assessments are required and how to get them produced
K15 contingency/emergency planning
K16 how to dispose of explosive substances and/or articles residues arising from the test
K17 the role of peer review
K18 your own level of authority and those of others with whom you work
K19 the relevant quality standards and compliance regime
K20 any confidentiality requirements
K21 when to refer to others for more information or a second opinion

Scope and Range

1. Resources: fully equipped; with limited resources
2. Complexity of the test: new tests; existing tests 3. Reviews: where the customer agrees the plan; where changes are needed following discussions with the customer
4. Hazards and risks caused by: condition of the explosive substances and/or articles; primary hazards; secondary hazards