Assessor Resource

MSL913002
Plan and conduct laboratory/field work

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency covers the ability to plan and complete tasks individually or in a team context. The tasks involve established routines and procedures using allocated resources with access to readily available guidelines and advice. Work plans may need to be modified with supervisor agreement to suit changing conditions and priorities.

This unit of competency is applicable to instrument operators, laboratory assistants and technical assistants working in all industry sectors.

While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Plan and organise daily work activities

1.1

Clarify allocated work activities and required resources if necessary

1.2

Prioritise work activities as directed

1.3

Break down work activities into small achievable components and efficient sequences

1.4

Review work plan in response to new information, urgent requests, changed situations or instructions from appropriate personnel

1.5

Update work plan and communicate changes to appropriate personnel

2

Complete allocated work

2.1

Locate relevant workplace procedures for required tasks

2.2

Undertake tasks following prescribed and routine work-related sequences

2.3

Seek assistance from relevant personnel when difficulties cannot be handled

2.4

Record completion of activities to confirm outputs in accordance with plan

3

Identify and resolve work problems

3.1

Recognise problems or opportunities for improved work performance

3.2

Apply agreed problem-solving strategies to consider possible causes and solutions

3.3

Identify and access appropriate sources of help

3.4

Consider available alternatives and keep them open before agreeing on the most appropriate action

4

Work in a team environment

4.1

Cooperate with team members to negotiate and achieve agreed outcomes, timelines and priorities

4.2

Recognise personal abilities and limitations when undertaking team tasks

4.3

Confirm personal role and responsibility within the team for particular outputs

4.4

Demonstrate sensitivity to the diversity of other team members' backgrounds and beliefs

5

Update knowledge and skills as required

5.1

Recognise own strengths and weaknesses and take advantage of skill development opportunities

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

clarifying tasks and recognising resource needs

planning, prioritising and completing tasks individually or in a team context

following workplace procedures consistently to achieve quality outputs within required timelines

identifying and resolving work problems

recognising potential disruptions or changed circumstances and modifying work plan in conjunction with relevant personnel

working effectively with team members who may have diverse work styles, cultures and perspectives

promoting cooperation and good relations

conducting work based on ethical values and principles

adjusting to a variety of working environments

seeking assistance from relevant personnel if difficulties arise.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

workplace procedures covering:

customer service and quality

work health and safety (WHS) and environmental legislative requirements relevant to job role

technical work that the candidate routinely performs

ethical issues relevant to the nature of the candidate’s work

problem-solving strategies

interpersonal communication and conflict resolution techniques.

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace, or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL913001 Communicate with other people

MSL943002 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety

technical units related to the tasks undertaken

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of documents detailing completed tasks, such as completed job cards, a report or suggestions for quality improvements

feedback from supervisors, peers and team members

review of a flowchart prepared by the candidate to show efficient sequencing of tasks

written or oral questions to partly assess the candidate’s ability to handle a range of contingencies and work in a team environment

observation of the candidate performing a range of technical tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate their handling of a variety of contingencies.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

workplace procedures, equipment and materials for relevant technical tasks.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Plan and organise daily work activities

1.1

Clarify allocated work activities and required resources if necessary

1.2

Prioritise work activities as directed

1.3

Break down work activities into small achievable components and efficient sequences

1.4

Review work plan in response to new information, urgent requests, changed situations or instructions from appropriate personnel

1.5

Update work plan and communicate changes to appropriate personnel

2

Complete allocated work

2.1

Locate relevant workplace procedures for required tasks

2.2

Undertake tasks following prescribed and routine work-related sequences

2.3

Seek assistance from relevant personnel when difficulties cannot be handled

2.4

Record completion of activities to confirm outputs in accordance with plan

3

Identify and resolve work problems

3.1

Recognise problems or opportunities for improved work performance

3.2

Apply agreed problem-solving strategies to consider possible causes and solutions

3.3

Identify and access appropriate sources of help

3.4

Consider available alternatives and keep them open before agreeing on the most appropriate action

4

Work in a team environment

4.1

Cooperate with team members to negotiate and achieve agreed outcomes, timelines and priorities

4.2

Recognise personal abilities and limitations when undertaking team tasks

4.3

Confirm personal role and responsibility within the team for particular outputs

4.4

Demonstrate sensitivity to the diversity of other team members' backgrounds and beliefs

5

Update knowledge and skills as required

5.1

Recognise own strengths and weaknesses and take advantage of skill development opportunities

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards covering safety in laboratories, and quality and environmental management

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice

Ethical and professional work performance

Ethical and professional work performance includes:

following workplace policy and procedures, regulations and legislation

behaving honestly and openly

respecting others and treating them with courtesy and impartiality

working diligently and responsibly

ensuring confidentiality of information, including client information and test results

ensuring proprietary rights, intellectual property (IP) and copyright are protected

Workplace activities

Workplace activities include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

set-up and pre-use checks of laboratory equipment

calibration status checks

sampling and testing following standard procedures

maintenance and cleaning tasks

Workplace procedures

Workplace procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

job descriptions, job cards, batch cards and production schedules

test methods, recipes, procedures and protocols

Problem-solving strategies

Problem-solving strategies include one or more of:

accessing relevant documentation

identifying inputs and outputs and sequencing a process

identifying and rectifying a problem step

obtaining timely help

implementing preventative strategies wherever possible

Teams

Teams include one or more groups:

with ongoing responsibility for particular services or functions

who are project based

who have a mixture of full and part-time employees and contractors, laboratory, construction and production personnel

who are separated by distance and work at sites outside laboratory facilities

Team operation

Team operation occurs within one or more of:

small, medium and large contexts

internal and external environments

workplace guidelines covering access and equity principles and practices, licensing requirements, industrial awards, workplace bargaining agreements and codes of practice

agreed responsibility and accountability requirements

appropriate goals, objectives and allocated resources

Strategies to maintain work flow

Strategies to maintain work flow include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

communicating critical events on shift

recognising shortages in reagents and problems with equipment

communicating quality breakdowns

recognising urgent and abnormal results to be processed

communicating and behaving in a courteous manner

being punctual

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

clarifying tasks and recognising resource needs

planning, prioritising and completing tasks individually or in a team context

following workplace procedures consistently to achieve quality outputs within required timelines

identifying and resolving work problems

recognising potential disruptions or changed circumstances and modifying work plan in conjunction with relevant personnel

working effectively with team members who may have diverse work styles, cultures and perspectives

promoting cooperation and good relations

conducting work based on ethical values and principles

adjusting to a variety of working environments

seeking assistance from relevant personnel if difficulties arise.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

workplace procedures covering:

customer service and quality

work health and safety (WHS) and environmental legislative requirements relevant to job role

technical work that the candidate routinely performs

ethical issues relevant to the nature of the candidate’s work

problem-solving strategies

interpersonal communication and conflict resolution techniques.

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace, or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL913001 Communicate with other people

MSL943002 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety

technical units related to the tasks undertaken

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of documents detailing completed tasks, such as completed job cards, a report or suggestions for quality improvements

feedback from supervisors, peers and team members

review of a flowchart prepared by the candidate to show efficient sequencing of tasks

written or oral questions to partly assess the candidate’s ability to handle a range of contingencies and work in a team environment

observation of the candidate performing a range of technical tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate their handling of a variety of contingencies.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

workplace procedures, equipment and materials for relevant technical tasks.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Clarify allocated work activities and required resources if necessary 
Prioritise work activities as directed 
Break down work activities into small achievable components and efficient sequences 
Review work plan in response to new information, urgent requests, changed situations or instructions from appropriate personnel 
Update work plan and communicate changes to appropriate personnel 
Locate relevant workplace procedures for required tasks 
Undertake tasks following prescribed and routine work-related sequences 
Seek assistance from relevant personnel when difficulties cannot be handled 
Record completion of activities to confirm outputs in accordance with plan 
Recognise problems or opportunities for improved work performance 
Apply agreed problem-solving strategies to consider possible causes and solutions 
Identify and access appropriate sources of help 
Consider available alternatives and keep them open before agreeing on the most appropriate action 
Cooperate with team members to negotiate and achieve agreed outcomes, timelines and priorities 
Recognise personal abilities and limitations when undertaking team tasks 
Confirm personal role and responsibility within the team for particular outputs 
Demonstrate sensitivity to the diversity of other team members' backgrounds and beliefs 
Recognise own strengths and weaknesses and take advantage of skill development opportunities 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL913002 - Plan and conduct laboratory/field work
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

MSL913002 - Plan and conduct laboratory/field work

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: