Elements and Performance Criteria
- Determine sample characteristics and appropriate analytical methods
- Interpret client request and/or perform presumptive tests to identify sample characteristics that may affect analysis
- Liaise with client or sample provider to review client needs, testing requirements and sample history, if necessary
- Identify analytical standards, reference materials, test methods and enterprise procedures that may be applicable
- Select the most appropriate standard test method that is consistent with testing requirements and instrument availability
- If no standard method exists, adapt or modify a test method to suit the sample characteristics
- If necessary, seek advice from supervisor about any proposed variations and document all approved changes to test methods
- Schedule analysis using enterprise procedures
- Prepare samples, standards and mobile phase
- Log sample into instrument software
- Obtain a representative analytical portion of the laboratory sample
- Prepare sample in accordance with selected test method
- Prepare mobile phase in accordance with selected test method using buffers and other additives to enhance separation and ionisation, concentrate analytes and prevent build up of salts, as necessary
- Filter and degas mobile phase
- Prepare validation checks and/or calibration standards for analytical portions
- Use specialised procedures for ultra trace sample and standard preparation as required
- Set up instrument and perform trial analysis
- Configure the injector, column, solvent delivery and detector sub-systems according to the selected test method
- Prime the pump, flush the system and monitor pressures and baseline to ensure the system is fully equilibrated
- Perform other pre-use, calibration and safety checks using enterprise procedures
- Set instrumental parameters in accordance with those specified in selected test method
- Check and optimise each instrument sub-system
- Conduct performance tests using standards and samples
- Assess instrument performance in terms of response, resolution and run-time
- Optimise instrument performance
- Apply an understanding of analyte and column chemistry, temperature control and varying mobile phase composition to determine strategies for enhancing separation and detection of required species
- Adjust instrumental parameters in a logical and efficient sequence to optimise performance
- When optimum separation is achieved, check that the detector and system software can correctly identify and quantify the required species
- Perform analysis
- Measure analyte response for standards, validation checks and samples using optimised instrument settings
- Conduct sufficient measurements to obtain reliable data
- Use system software to produce calibration graphs, chromatographs and/or mass spectra, confirm data quality and calculate uncertainties
- Check that results are consistent with estimations and expectations
- Analyse trends in data and/or results and report out of specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel
- Return instrument to standby or shutdown condition in accordance with enterprise procedures
- Report results with the appropriate accuracy, precision, uncertainty and units
- Perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot instruments
- Flush and store the column with the recommended solvent to protect the stationary phase during downtime
- Regularly check that the pump, lines, valves, injector, column and detector sub-systems are clean/undamaged and replace consumable items as necessary
- Change columns and detectors in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and ensure that the system is free of leaks and properly conditioned before re-use
- Investigate possible causes for the absence of peaks and presence of ghost peaks, split/distorted peaks, band broadening and apply recommended remedial actions
- Investigate possible causes for baseline instability and non-reproducible retention times and apply recommended remedial actions
- Identify the need for repairs or servicing and determine whether local repair/maintenance is technically possible and economic
- Arrange for repair or servicing from an accredited agent or other appropriate personnel in accordance with enterprise procedures
- Maintain a safe work environment
- Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling/preparation and test 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 collection/disposal of mobile phase and other laboratory wastes
- Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with enterprise procedures
- Maintain laboratory records
- Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS)
- Maintain logs of instrument calibration checks, use and maintenance in accordance with enterprise procedures
- Maintain security, integrity and traceability of samples, results and documentation
- Communicate results to appropriate personnel in accordance with enterprise procedures