Elements and Performance Criteria
- Establish client needs and schedule analysis
- Liaise with client or sample provider to determine client needs and sample history
- Record sample description, compare with specification and record and report discrepancies
- Identify non-routine samples and the possible need to vary enterprise procedures
- Seek advice from supervisor about any proposed variations and document all approved changes
- Schedule analysis using enterprise procedures
- Prepare samples and standards
- Set up and optimise instrument
- Perform pre-use and safety checks using enterprise procedures
- Start up and condition the instrument using enterprise procedures
- Optimise instrumental parameters to suit sample and test requirements
- Check calibration status of instrument and perform calibration using specified standards and procedures, if applicable
- Perform analysis
- Process and analyse data
- Confirm data is the result of valid measurements
- Perform required calculations and ensure results are consistent with standards or estimations and expectations
- Record results with the appropriate accuracy, precision and units
- Analyse trends in data and/or results and report out of specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel
- Troubleshoot analytical procedure or equipment problems which have led to atypical data or results
- Maintain a safe work environment
- Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling, preparation and analytical method
- Use personal protective equipment and safety procedures specified for test method and materials to be tested
- Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts
- Ensure the safe disposal of laboratory wastes
- Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with enterprise procedures
- Maintain laboratory records