Elements and Performance Criteria
- Interpret and schedule test requirements
- Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment/instruments involved
- Identify hazards and enterprise controls associated with the sample, preparation/test methods, reagents and/or equipment
- Plan parallel work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple sets of samples, if appropriate
- Receive and prepare food samples
- Check equipment before use
- Set up equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
- Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant enterprise and operating procedures
- Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel
- Check equipment calibration using specified standards and procedures, if applicable
- Quarantine out of calibration equipment/instruments
- Ensure reagents required for the test are available and meet quality requirements
- Test samples to determine food components and characteristics
- Process data
- Record test data noting atypical observations
- Construct calibration graphs, if appropriate and compute results for all samples from these graphs
- Ensure calculated values are consistent with reference standards and expectations
- Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with enterprise procedures, if required
- Record and report results in accordance with enterprise procedures
- Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out of specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel
- Determine if basic procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results
- Maintain a safe work environment
- Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel
- Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts
- Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal
- Care for and store equipment and reagents as required
- Maintain laboratory records