Assessor Resource

NWPGEN009
Perform laboratory testing

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit describes the skills required to perform laboratory tests using standard methods and procedures and with access to readily available advice.

This unit applies to those working in the water industry, but could be used by other sectors.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work under indirect supervision, while performing complex tasks in a range of contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.

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

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Prepare samples for testing

1.1 Identify samples to be collected.

1.2 Collect samples ensuring that types, locations and times comply with requirements.

1.3 Maintain integrity of samples during sampling.

1.4 Assess and report abnormal characteristics and apply incident management principles.

1.5 Label, register and record laboratory samples, ensuring that the required information is transcribed accurately and legibly.

1.6 Identify samples to be tested, appropriate test method, equipment and safety requirements.

2. Prepare for laboratory testing

2.1 Set up test equipment and/or reagents in accordance with the specified test method.

2.2 Conduct pre-use and safety checks.

2.3 Identify and report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel.

2.4 Check the calibration status of equipment and conduct calibration or report calibration requirements to appropriate personnel.

3. Perform tests on samples

3.1 Preserve the integrity of samples and eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination.

3.2 Identify, prepare, and weigh or measure sample and standards to be tested.

3.3 Follow test methods and perform sequence of tests using safety equipment.

3.4 Perform calculations.

3.5 Shut down equipment.

3.6 Store unused reagents and dispose of wastes as required by relevant regulations and codes.

3.7 Clean and store equipment.

4. Finalise work

4.1 Apply chain of custody principles.

4.2 Record results.

4.3 Identify and report ‘out of specification’ or atypical results.

4.4 Report observations or measurements requiring further action.

4.5 Clear and restore work area.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. To be deemed competent the candidate must be assessed in a minimum of one type of sample preparation and minimum of three of the types of complex tests from either the wastewater or drinking water options listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

comparing sample description with the specification, record results and report discrepancies

adopting hygienic work practices

limiting hazards and contamination to self, work area and environment

producing laboratory reports and logs

using laboratory safety equipment and personal protective equipment

interpreting laboratory test methods

interpreting policies, procedures and standards

interpreting and recording test results, including calculation of results from test data where required

using potentiometric, ion selective, spectrophotometric, volumetric and gravimetric laboratory equipment

performing sub-sample and testing products

labelling samples for testing

registering and preserving samples

selecting the correct equipment and checking equipment performance

maintaining a safe work environment

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

Operational knowledge of:

purpose of tests

principles of the standard method

calibration and/or pre-use equipment checks and their basis

relevant standards and specifications and their interpretation

source of uncertainty in measurements and methods for control

importance and appropriate use of certified reference materials

procedures for recognition of unexpected or unusual results and likely causes

WHS for sample and testing

safety data sheets

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors


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

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Prepare samples for testing

1.1 Identify samples to be collected.

1.2 Collect samples ensuring that types, locations and times comply with requirements.

1.3 Maintain integrity of samples during sampling.

1.4 Assess and report abnormal characteristics and apply incident management principles.

1.5 Label, register and record laboratory samples, ensuring that the required information is transcribed accurately and legibly.

1.6 Identify samples to be tested, appropriate test method, equipment and safety requirements.

2. Prepare for laboratory testing

2.1 Set up test equipment and/or reagents in accordance with the specified test method.

2.2 Conduct pre-use and safety checks.

2.3 Identify and report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel.

2.4 Check the calibration status of equipment and conduct calibration or report calibration requirements to appropriate personnel.

3. Perform tests on samples

3.1 Preserve the integrity of samples and eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination.

3.2 Identify, prepare, and weigh or measure sample and standards to be tested.

3.3 Follow test methods and perform sequence of tests using safety equipment.

3.4 Perform calculations.

3.5 Shut down equipment.

3.6 Store unused reagents and dispose of wastes as required by relevant regulations and codes.

3.7 Clean and store equipment.

4. Finalise work

4.1 Apply chain of custody principles.

4.2 Record results.

4.3 Identify and report ‘out of specification’ or atypical results.

4.4 Report observations or measurements requiring further action.

4.5 Clear and restore work area.

Types of sample preparation include:

sub sampling

dilution

filtration

digestion

mixing/agitation

heating/cooling

neutralisation/ quenching

Off-site/laboratory complex tests for wastewater include:

chlorine

free ammonia

colour

redox

Sludge Volume Index

alkalinity

settle ability

Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids

Chemical Oxygen Demand, Biochemical Oxygen Demand

total organic carbon

nutrient testing

filamentous organisms

spectrophotometric analysis

potentiometric analysis

colorimetric comparators

volumetric analysis

microscopy

gravimetric analysis

Off-site/laboratory complex tests for drinking water include:

taste and odour

chlorine

free ammonia

colour redox

UV absorbance and transmittance

nutrient testing

fluoride

iron

manganese

microscopy

Silt Density Index

gravimetric analysis

aluminium

alkalinity

hardness

jar testing

spectrophotometric analysis

potentiometric analysis

colorimetric comparators

volumetric analysis

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. To be deemed competent the candidate must be assessed in a minimum of one type of sample preparation and minimum of three of the types of complex tests from either the wastewater or drinking water options listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

comparing sample description with the specification, record results and report discrepancies

adopting hygienic work practices

limiting hazards and contamination to self, work area and environment

producing laboratory reports and logs

using laboratory safety equipment and personal protective equipment

interpreting laboratory test methods

interpreting policies, procedures and standards

interpreting and recording test results, including calculation of results from test data where required

using potentiometric, ion selective, spectrophotometric, volumetric and gravimetric laboratory equipment

performing sub-sample and testing products

labelling samples for testing

registering and preserving samples

selecting the correct equipment and checking equipment performance

maintaining a safe work environment

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

Operational knowledge of:

purpose of tests

principles of the standard method

calibration and/or pre-use equipment checks and their basis

relevant standards and specifications and their interpretation

source of uncertainty in measurements and methods for control

importance and appropriate use of certified reference materials

procedures for recognition of unexpected or unusual results and likely causes

WHS for sample and testing

safety data sheets

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors

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
Identify samples to be collected. 
Collect samples ensuring that types, locations and times comply with requirements. 
Maintain integrity of samples during sampling. 
Assess and report abnormal characteristics and apply incident management principles. 
Label, register and record laboratory samples, ensuring that the required information is transcribed accurately and legibly. 
Identify samples to be tested, appropriate test method, equipment and safety requirements. 
Set up test equipment and/or reagents in accordance with the specified test method. 
Conduct pre-use and safety checks. 
Identify and report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel. 
Check the calibration status of equipment and conduct calibration or report calibration requirements to appropriate personnel. 
Preserve the integrity of samples and eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination. 
Identify, prepare, and weigh or measure sample and standards to be tested. 
Follow test methods and perform sequence of tests using safety equipment. 
Perform calculations. 
Shut down equipment. 
Store unused reagents and dispose of wastes as required by relevant regulations and codes. 
Clean and store equipment. 
Apply chain of custody principles. 
Record results. 
Identify and report ‘out of specification’ or atypical results. 
Report observations or measurements requiring further action. 
Clear and restore work area. 
Identify samples to be collected. 
Collect samples ensuring that types, locations and times comply with requirements. 
Maintain integrity of samples during sampling. 
Assess and report abnormal characteristics and apply incident management principles. 
Label, register and record laboratory samples, ensuring that the required information is transcribed accurately and legibly. 
Identify samples to be tested, appropriate test method, equipment and safety requirements. 
Set up test equipment and/or reagents in accordance with the specified test method. 
Conduct pre-use and safety checks. 
Identify and report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel. 
Check the calibration status of equipment and conduct calibration or report calibration requirements to appropriate personnel. 
Preserve the integrity of samples and eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination. 
Identify, prepare, and weigh or measure sample and standards to be tested. 
Follow test methods and perform sequence of tests using safety equipment. 
Perform calculations. 
Shut down equipment. 
Store unused reagents and dispose of wastes as required by relevant regulations and codes. 
Clean and store equipment. 
Apply chain of custody principles. 
Record results. 
Identify and report ‘out of specification’ or atypical results. 
Report observations or measurements requiring further action. 
Clear and restore work area. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

NWPGEN009 - Perform laboratory testing
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

NWPGEN009 - Perform laboratory testing

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: