Elements and Performance Criteria
- Determine sample characteristics and appropriate analytical methods
- Interpret client request and/or perform presumptive tests to identify sample characteristics and determine the most appropriate IR spectroscopic technique
- 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 and standards
- Set up instrument and perform trial analysis
- Configure the appropriate instrument accessories to perform the selected test method
- 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 number of scans required
- Optimise instrument performance
- 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, 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
- Regularly check the spectral and photometric performance of the instrument
- Regularly clean sample cell and/or reflectance crystal faces and replace consumables as appropriate
- Confirm optical matching for cell pairs as necessary
- 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 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