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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Process specimens and documentation
   • Check specimens and request forms for labelling and documentation before acceptance
   • Log specimens, applying required document tracking mechanisms
   • Dispatch specimens to referral laboratories as required
   • Store specimens appropriately until required for testing
2. Participate in the identification and classification of species
   • Record macroscopic and/or microscopic details of specimens to assist in their identification and classification
   • Use taxonomic keys to assist in the identification and classification of species
   • Perform laboratory analyses that can assist in identification and classification of species
   • Preserve specimens for future reference
   • Label preserved specimens for storage and reliable retrieval from collections
3. Maintain viability and integrity of specimens during experimentation
   • Provide nutrients and environments to maintain viability of individual specimens and organisms being cultured or propagated
   • Perform procedures and analyses to monitor the experimental environment
   • Perform procedures and analyses to monitor the physiology of organisms in the experimental environment
   • Adjust nutrient requirements and environmental conditions as indicated by monitoring data
   • Report to supervisors data and phenomena that may risk viability of individual specimens or cultures
   • Report to supervisors data and phenomena that are incompatible with the experimental design parameters
4. Integrate laboratory and field data
   • Locate field data relevant to the study or experiment
   • Ensure that field and laboratory data codes are matched for tracking, reporting and chain of custody requirements
   • Log field and laboratory data into information systems
   • Assist with writing reports of experiments and related field studies
5. Maintain a safe work environment
   • Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel
   • Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts
   • Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal
   • Care for and store equipment and reagents 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 and quality management national WHS standards and codes of practice, and national environmental protection requirements specific codes, guidelines, procedures and methods, such as animal welfare legislation and codes of practice, guide to physical containment levels and facility types, and Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) Export Control (Orders) 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, safety procedures to minimise contraction of zoonoses, laboratory schedules, workplace recording and reporting procedures, waste minimisation disposal protocols and environment protection procedures workplace procedures for labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal of samples and specimens validated and authorised test procedures
Communication	Communication includes interactions with one or more of: scientists field workers local government professionals or representatives of state/territory authorities, such as environmental protection agencies supervisors and managers (laboratory, quality and customer service) clients
Disposal of biohazardous wastes	Disposal of biohazardous wastes includes, but is not limited to, one or more of: collection for sterilisation by autoclaving (e.g. autoclaving of microbiological plates) appropriate storage (e.g. of waste containing radioactive isotopes) use of biohazard waste containers
Safe work practices	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, reagents, aliquoted samples and hazardous materials handling and storage of hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, material safety data sheets (MSDS) and manufacturer instructions identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas regularly using workplace procedures using PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls, gowns, hearing protection and safety boots using containment facilities (PCII, PCIII and PCIV physical containment laboratories), containment equipment (biohazard containers, laminar flow cabinets, Class I, II and III biohazard cabinets) and containment procedures following established manual handling procedures reporting abnormal emissions, discharges and airborne contaminants, such as noise, light, solids, liquids, water/wastewater, gases, smoke, vapour, fumes, odour and particulates, to appropriate personnel
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

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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:

identifying and classifying at least five (5) different animal and plant species for scientific and experimental purposes

processing, labelling, preserving and storing at least five (5) different kinds of specimens

performing procedures and analyses to monitor the physiology of organisms/specimens in the experimental environment and maintain their viability on at least three (3) occasions

taking representative samples for analysis

not contaminating sterile environments or specimens

integrating field and laboratory data to provide meaningful results in support of laboratory investigations

using appropriate scientific terminology and technical concepts to report data and phenomena that may risk viability of individual specimens or cultures or are incompatible with the experimental design parameters

safely collecting, storing and disposing of waste and minimising contamination of the environment

following workplace safety procedures.

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Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

growth requirements of organisms that are subjects of laboratory or greenhouse culture or propagation relevant to job role

general anatomy of plants and animals that is useful as classification data

processes that are essential for preservation of plant and animal material for use as reference material

relationships between field and laboratory data that are useful in giving commentary on the integrity or distress in biological environments

rationale for selection of techniques used to monitor the experimental environment and the effects of variables on organisms in the experimental environment

uses of environmental impact statements that incorporate the results of field and laboratory analyses

workplace and/or legal traceability requirements

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

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