Assessor Resource

MSL935002
Assist in the maintenance of reference materials

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency covers the ability to assist in the maintenance of reference materials that can be used in tests and the identification of new specimens as part of quality control of laboratory procedures. The unit of competency does not cover the scientific identification of species or specimens.

This unit of competency is applicable to technical officers and laboratory technicians 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

Acquire reference materials

1.1

Confirm that required transit conditions were maintained

1.2

Apply quarantine or isolation arrangements as necessary

1.3

Record data of accessioned reference material in the collection database

1.4

Label material to ensure that its identity is maintained during storage and issue

2

Maintain reference materials

2.1

Monitor storage conditions to ensure that they comply with suppliers' warranty specifications

2.2

Monitor storage conditions to ensure materials remain true to specification

2.3

Test material during storage and before release, where relevant and appropriate, to report on reference characteristics and specificity

2.4

Report findings that suggest reference specimens may be deteriorating

3

Dispense reference materials to clients

3.1

Verify requests with supervisor before requests for reference materials are processed

3.2

Supply reference material without contamination of stock material

3.3

Keep records of materials issued in accordance with workplace procedures

4

Maintain a safe work environment

4.1

Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel

4.2

Follow safety protocols when handling and processing reference materials

4.3

Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts

4.4

Ensure the safe collection of redundant/outdated stocks for subsequent disposal

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

maintaining reference materials so that their reference characteristics and attributes are stable in storage and manifest in use after retrieval

maintaining material identity during storage and transport

testing stored material for reference characteristics before release

performing all tests and manipulations safely

communicating appropriately with customers.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

the nature and purpose of certified reference materials(i.e. what they are, when and why they should be used)

the storage requirements of biological and non-biological materials

quarantine or isolation procedures relevant to work area

the labile nature of chemical and biological materials

the rationale for testing reference characteristics before issuing reference materials

reasons for testing before accession of reference materials

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

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:

MSL916003 Supervise laboratory operations in work or functional area

MSL975001 Perform microbiological tests

MSL976003 Evaluate and select appropriate test methods and procedures

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of records for the supply of reference materials by the candidate

observation of the candidate performing tests of stored reference material prior to release and review of results

review of responses to reference material case studies or ‘what if’ scenarios

oral/written questioning about receipt, testing during storage and release of reference materials.

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

equipment and materials related to the workplace task for which the reference material is relevant

reference materials

standard operating procedures (SOPs).

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

Acquire reference materials

1.1

Confirm that required transit conditions were maintained

1.2

Apply quarantine or isolation arrangements as necessary

1.3

Record data of accessioned reference material in the collection database

1.4

Label material to ensure that its identity is maintained during storage and issue

2

Maintain reference materials

2.1

Monitor storage conditions to ensure that they comply with suppliers' warranty specifications

2.2

Monitor storage conditions to ensure materials remain true to specification

2.3

Test material during storage and before release, where relevant and appropriate, to report on reference characteristics and specificity

2.4

Report findings that suggest reference specimens may be deteriorating

3

Dispense reference materials to clients

3.1

Verify requests with supervisor before requests for reference materials are processed

3.2

Supply reference material without contamination of stock material

3.3

Keep records of materials issued in accordance with workplace procedures

4

Maintain a safe work environment

4.1

Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel

4.2

Follow safety protocols when handling and processing reference materials

4.3

Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts

4.4

Ensure the safe collection of redundant/outdated stocks for subsequent disposal

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 the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories; laboratory design and construction; laboratory safety; quality and environmental management; and labelling, storage, handling and transport of hazardous substances

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, national measurement regulations and guidelines, and national environmental protection measures

specific legislation, regulations, codes, guidelines, procedures and methods, such as Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP), principles of good laboratory practice (GLP), dangerous goods, animal welfare, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) Export Control Orders and Import Guidelines, Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), gene technology, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Therapeutic Goods Regulations

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures; and cleaning, hygiene and personal hygiene requirements

sampling procedures (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal)

test procedures (validated and authorised)

schematics, work flows and laboratory layouts

Reference materials

Reference materials include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

Process manufacturing and construction industry sector:

drill (core) samples for mineral identification

concrete samples for analysis of composition and/or strength and suitability for application

Biomedical and environmental industry sector:

specimens, including cells, tissues and samples of aqueous or proteinaceous standards

bacterial cultures related to colony and microscopic morphology, specificity and reliability of staining reaction, biochemical characteristics and immunological characteristics

cell suspensions and cell and tissue preparations that can act as quantitative or qualitative controls in tests and procedures

plasma and other body fluids with known attributes or quanta that can act as standards and controls in quantitative and qualitative tests and procedures

Food and beverage processing industry sector:

aggregates, grains and powders

materials for testing viability of enzymes used in process

bacterial or yeast cultures relating to colony and microscopic morphology for culturing purpose

grain samples used in identification of cereal specimens (e.g. barley varieties, such as Proctor, Franklin and Stirling)

food samples used in allergy testing (e.g. nuts, wheat, milk and fish)

Equipment, materials and systems

Equipment, materials and systems include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

laboratory glassware and measuring equipment, centrifuges, water baths and incubators, lyophilisers and humidifiers

equipment and material for storage and/or transport, such as storage boxes, dry ice or ice packs and liquid nitrogen

storage and display cabinets

information management systems, databases, record and filing systems

equipment suitable for the safe collection and disposal of biological and non-biological wastes

Hazards

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

chemicals, reagents

microorganisms associated with soil, air, water, blood and blood products and human or animal tissue and fluids

sharps, such as broken glassware

disturbance or interruption of services

manual handling of heavy boxes

Safety procedures

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

use of PPE, such as hearing protection, gloves, safety glasses and coveralls

ensuring access to service shut-off points

handling and storing hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer's instructions and workplace procedures and regulations

regular cleaning of equipment and work areas

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:

maintaining reference materials so that their reference characteristics and attributes are stable in storage and manifest in use after retrieval

maintaining material identity during storage and transport

testing stored material for reference characteristics before release

performing all tests and manipulations safely

communicating appropriately with customers.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

the nature and purpose of certified reference materials(i.e. what they are, when and why they should be used)

the storage requirements of biological and non-biological materials

quarantine or isolation procedures relevant to work area

the labile nature of chemical and biological materials

the rationale for testing reference characteristics before issuing reference materials

reasons for testing before accession of reference materials

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

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:

MSL916003 Supervise laboratory operations in work or functional area

MSL975001 Perform microbiological tests

MSL976003 Evaluate and select appropriate test methods and procedures

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of records for the supply of reference materials by the candidate

observation of the candidate performing tests of stored reference material prior to release and review of results

review of responses to reference material case studies or ‘what if’ scenarios

oral/written questioning about receipt, testing during storage and release of reference materials.

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

equipment and materials related to the workplace task for which the reference material is relevant

reference materials

standard operating procedures (SOPs).

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
Confirm that required transit conditions were maintained 
Apply quarantine or isolation arrangements as necessary 
Record data of accessioned reference material in the collection database 
Label material to ensure that its identity is maintained during storage and issue 
Monitor storage conditions to ensure that they comply with suppliers' warranty specifications 
Monitor storage conditions to ensure materials remain true to specification 
Test material during storage and before release, where relevant and appropriate, to report on reference characteristics and specificity 
Report findings that suggest reference specimens may be deteriorating 
Verify requests with supervisor before requests for reference materials are processed 
Supply reference material without contamination of stock material 
Keep records of materials issued in accordance with workplace procedures 
Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel 
Follow safety protocols when handling and processing reference materials 
Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts 
Ensure the safe collection of redundant/outdated stocks for subsequent disposal 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL935002 - Assist in the maintenance of reference materials
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

MSL935002 - Assist in the maintenance of reference materials

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: