1.2 Create the specification for an explosive substance or article

Key Role
Research Design & Development
Unit
1
Reference
1.2
Overview

This standard covers the competences you need to create the specification for an explosive substance or article in accordance with approved procedures and practices.

You will be required to demonstrate that you can explain fully and clearly to the customer, and any other relevant people, the basis for any decisions. Identifying accurately any operational constraints that could affect the research and development of the explosive substance or article 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 individuals working as senior research leaders whose work involves identifying novel solutions to meet customers’ requirements in creating complex specifications.

Performance Criteria

P1 work safely at all times, complying with health and safety, environmental and other relevant regulations, legislation and guidelines
P2 identify or confirm accurately the customer’s underlying needs
P3 assess objectively the feasibility of the customer’s requirement
P4 determine objectively the best methods by which these needs can be addressed
P5 explain fully and clearly to the customer, and any other relevant people, the basis for any decisions
P6 identify accurately any operational constraints that could affect the research and development of the explosive substance or article
P7 provide relevant advice to the customer, expressed in a way that meets their requirements
P8 alert your manager promptly to any additional information or implications that may be in the customer’s best interests
P9 consult others who may be affected, and build their feedback into your specification
P10 create a specification that clearly addresses all the customer’s requirements
P11 create a clear and concise specification that contains sufficient detail to enable research planning to take place
P12 maintain the requirements of confidentiality at all times

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 substances and/or articles
K4 the actions to be taken in response to an unplanned event
K5 your organization’s operational policies and objectives
K6 how to carry out a feasibility study
K7 alternative options for meeting the customer’s needs
K8 when and how to challenge a customer’s brief
K9 when and how to advise your manager that the customer should pursue a different course of action
K10 the constraints that may affect your decisions and plans
K11 the intellectual property requirements for the build processes
K12 your own level of authority, and that of others with whom you work
K13 the requirements of confidentiality

Scope and Range

1. Customer requirements: where a detailed technical requirement is provided;
where a general description of requirements is provided
2. Constraints: resource limitations; possible conflicts of interest
3. Solutions for addressing customer needs: existing; adaptations to existing
solutions