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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare robotic system for operation
   • Perform routine system checks at start of shift
   • Confirm shift priorities with supervisor
   • Review job requests to identify the samples, required parameters and special instructions/preparation methods for each
   • Identify hazards, safety equipment and safe work procedures associated with samples, preparation methods and robotic system
   • Check that samples are dry and free of obvious contamination
   • Check that the particle size of any sample does not exceed system input size limits
   • Check samples against accompanying documentation and record/report any discrepancies
2. Load samples into system
   • Scan sample barcodes into system
   • Load samples in the correct sequence when the system is ready
   • Use system monitor to ensure that correct worksheet is assigned to each sample
3. Monitor system and report errors
   • Monitor screen displays and conduct visual checks, as necessary, to ensure that system operates correctly throughout cycle
   • Recognise common error codes and promptly inform supervisor
   • Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge
4. Unload samples
   • Unload samples sequentially in accordance with workplace procedures
   • Obtain analytical portions of each sample using workplace procedures
   • Label and store analytical portions and excess sample material in accordance with workplace procedures
   • Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge
5. Maintain a safe work environment
   • Use safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others
   • Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts
   • Segregate and dispose of wastes in accordance with workplace requirements
   • Clean robotic system components, care for and store equipment as required

Range Statement

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 safety; quality and environmental management; industrial robot systems; sampling of specific ores and particulate materials; and labelling, storage, handling and transport of hazardous materials national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, national environmental protection measures, and national measurement regulations and guidelines specific codes, guidelines and procedures, such as National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements and principles of good laboratory practice (GLP) workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); quality and equipment manuals; maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS); safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; and waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures sampling procedures for specific samples, sites and clients (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal) methods and procedures which may be written to meet workplace, client and/or regulatory/certifying body requirements
Materials sampled	Materials sampled include, but are not limited to, one or more of: solids, such as rocks, minerals, soils, sands and stream sediments pulverised core and other drill samples, such as rotary air blast (RAB), reverse circulation (RC) and aircore samples powder concentrates dump samples and grab samples
Sample preparation methods	Sample preparation methods include one or more of: sorting, boxing and drying sieving milling primary crushing (e.g. 10 mm, 2 mm) fine pulverising (e.g. 100 micron, 75 micron) robotic system parameters, such as grind time, crushing time and cleaning cycles to prevent cross-contamination
Hazards	Hazards include, but are not limited to, one or more of: dust, silica and fibrous materials asbestiform minerals naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) samples containing nickel and lead-based compounds noise and vibration crushing, entanglement and cuts associated with moving machinery impact injuries from contact with robot arms failure of pneumatic hoses manual handling of heavy loads, such as sample bags/containers, racks and trolleys heat exhaustion/stress and fatigue
Safe work procedures	Safe work practices include, but are not limited to, one or more of: ensuring access to service shut-off points recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs labelling of samples and hazardous materials extracting dust using guards for moving machinery parts providing noise insulation following established manual handling procedures regularly cleaning equipment and work areas reporting of abnormal emissions and airborne contaminants to appropriate personnel using PPE, such as masks, heat resistant mittens, boots, goggles, coats, ear muffs, safety boots and heat reflective clothing
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

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Performance Evidence

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

safely operating a robotic sample preparation system reliably and efficiently for at least three (3) different types of samples with different preparation requirements and subsequent analysis

interpreting and applying workplace procedures for operating a robotic system

accurately recording sample details in system

recognising potential problems caused by prior sample handling and preparation

recognising and reporting common system error codes

maintaining sequential control of samples through all preparation stages

recognising hazards and using safety equipment and safe work practices

communicating problems clearly and promptly to supervisor

minimising rework, waste and environmental impacts.

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Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

importance of good customer relations, optimising throughput and minimising costs and rework

procedures for sorting and receiving samples used in job role

sample preparation methods/processes for common mineral ore samples used in job role

characteristics of materials to be sampled

purpose of routine downstream analytical tests conducted on samples used in job role

procedures for preventing contamination

procedures for ensuring traceability of samples

function of key components and operating procedures for robotic sample preparation system

safe work procedures and operation of safety equipment relevant to job role

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

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