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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare samples for testing
   • Identify samples to be collected.
   • Collect samples ensuring that types, locations and times comply with requirements.
   • Maintain integrity of samples during sampling.
   • Assess and report abnormal characteristics and apply incident management principles.
   • Label, register and record laboratory samples, ensuring that the required information is transcribed accurately and legibly.
   • Identify samples to be tested, appropriate test method, equipment and safety requirements.
2. Prepare for laboratory testing
   • Set up test equipment and/or reagents in accordance with the specified test method.
   • Conduct pre-use and safety checks.
   • Identify and report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel.
   • Check the calibration status of equipment and conduct calibration or report calibration requirements to appropriate personnel.
3. Perform tests on samples
   • Preserve the integrity of samples and eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination.
   • Identify, prepare, and weigh or measure sample and standards to be tested.
   • Follow test methods and perform sequence of tests using safety equipment.
   • Perform calculations.
   • Shut down equipment.
   • Store unused reagents and dispose of wastes as required by relevant regulations and codes.
   • Clean and store equipment.
4. Finalise work
   • Apply chain of custody principles.
   • Record results.
   • Identify and report ‘out of specification’ or atypical results.
   • Report observations or measurements requiring further action.
   • Clear and restore work area.
5. Prepare samples for testing
   • Identify samples to be collected.
   • Collect samples ensuring that types, locations and times comply with requirements.
   • Maintain integrity of samples during sampling.
   • Assess and report abnormal characteristics and apply incident management principles.
   • Label, register and record laboratory samples, ensuring that the required information is transcribed accurately and legibly.
   • Identify samples to be tested, appropriate test method, equipment and safety requirements.
6. Prepare for laboratory testing
   • Set up test equipment and/or reagents in accordance with the specified test method.
   • Conduct pre-use and safety checks.
   • Identify and report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel.
   • Check the calibration status of equipment and conduct calibration or report calibration requirements to appropriate personnel.
7. Perform tests on samples
   • Preserve the integrity of samples and eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination.
   • Identify, prepare, and weigh or measure sample and standards to be tested.
   • Follow test methods and perform sequence of tests using safety equipment.
   • Perform calculations.
   • Shut down equipment.
   • Store unused reagents and dispose of wastes as required by relevant regulations and codes.
   • Clean and store equipment.
8. Finalise work
   • Apply chain of custody principles.
   • Record results.
   • Identify and report ‘out of specification’ or atypical results.
   • Report observations or measurements requiring further action.
   • Clear and restore work area.

Range Statement

Types of sample preparation include:	sub sampling dilution filtration digestion mixing/agitation heating/cooling neutralisation/ quenching
Off-site/laboratory complex tests for wastewater include:	chlorine free ammonia colour redox Sludge Volume Index alkalinity settle ability Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids Chemical Oxygen Demand, Biochemical Oxygen Demand total organic carbon nutrient testing filamentous organisms spectrophotometric analysis potentiometric analysis colorimetric comparators volumetric analysis microscopy gravimetric analysis
Off-site/laboratory complex tests for drinking water include:	taste and odour chlorine free ammonia colour redox UV absorbance and transmittance nutrient testing fluoride iron manganese microscopy Silt Density Index gravimetric analysis aluminium alkalinity hardness jar testing spectrophotometric analysis potentiometric analysis colorimetric comparators volumetric analysis

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Performance Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. To be deemed competent the candidate must be assessed in a minimum of one type of sample preparation and minimum of three of the types of complex tests from either the wastewater or drinking water options listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

comparing sample description with the specification, record results and report discrepancies

adopting hygienic work practices

limiting hazards and contamination to self, work area and environment

producing laboratory reports and logs

using laboratory safety equipment and personal protective equipment

interpreting laboratory test methods

interpreting policies, procedures and standards

interpreting and recording test results, including calculation of results from test data where required

using potentiometric, ion selective, spectrophotometric, volumetric and gravimetric laboratory equipment

performing sub-sample and testing products

labelling samples for testing

registering and preserving samples

selecting the correct equipment and checking equipment performance

maintaining a safe work environment

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Knowledge Evidence

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

Operational knowledge of:

purpose of tests

principles of the standard method

calibration and/or pre-use equipment checks and their basis

relevant standards and specifications and their interpretation

source of uncertainty in measurements and methods for control

importance and appropriate use of certified reference materials

procedures for recognition of unexpected or unusual results and likely causes

WHS for sample and testing

safety data sheets

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