Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

MSL953002 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Operate a robotic sample preparation system

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSL953002 - Operate a robotic sample preparation system
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the ability to operate a robotic sample preparation system to ensure efficient throughput of samples without sacrificing quality or safety. Personnel are expected to seek advice from their shift supervisor when non-routine problems arise.This unit of competency is applicable to instrument operators in the mining, construction materials testing and manufacturing industry sectors. Robotic sample preparation systems are used where there are high volumes of material and/or there is a need to minimise the operator's contact with potentially hazardous materials.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL953001 Receive and prepare samples for testing

MSL943002 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of entries made by the candidate in operator and robotic system logs

review of quality control performance and analytical results traceable to samples prepared by the candidate

feedback from peers, clients and/or supervisors about the candidate’s ability to operate a robotic sample preparation system safely and efficiently

observation of the candidate using a robotic sample preparation system

oral or written questions to assess candidate’s knowledge of robotic sample preparation procedures, common problems and their specified corrective actions.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

a robotic sample preparation system, sample preparation methods and service charges, reagents, sample containers and labels

sample preparation equipment ,such as splitters (e.g. riffles and rotary dividers), mills (e.g. ball, ring and rod), bowls (e.g. chrome-steel, tungsten-carbide and zirconia) and tumblers, crushers (e.g. cone, jaw and roll), grinders and disc pulverisers, sieves and ovens

a variety of mineral ore samples

client requests/documentation, such as client profile, sample identification and sample receipts, required preparation methods, storage and analyses, and service charges

safety equipment.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Sampling
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Prepare robotic system for operation
  • Perform routine system checks at start of shift
  • Confirm shift priorities with supervisor
  • Review job requests to identify the samples, required parameters and special instructions/preparation methods for each
  • Identify hazards, safety equipment and safe work procedures associated with samples, preparation methods and robotic system
  • Check that samples are dry and free of obvious contamination
  • Check that the particle size of any sample does not exceed system input size limits
  • Check samples against accompanying documentation and record/report any discrepancies
       
Element: Load samples into system
  • Scan sample barcodes into system
  • Load samples in the correct sequence when the system is ready
  • Use system monitor to ensure that correct worksheet is assigned to each sample
       
Element: Monitor system and report errors
  • Monitor screen displays and conduct visual checks, as necessary, to ensure that system operates correctly throughout cycle
  • Recognise common error codes and promptly inform supervisor
  • Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge
       
Element: Unload samples
  • Unload samples sequentially in accordance with workplace procedures
  • Obtain analytical portions of each sample using workplace procedures
  • Label and store analytical portions and excess sample material in accordance with workplace procedures
  • Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge
       
Element: Maintain a safe work environment
  • Use safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others
  • Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts
  • Segregate and dispose of wastes in accordance with workplace requirements
  • Clean robotic system components, care for and store equipment as required
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare robotic system for operation

1.1

Perform routine system checks at start of shift

1.2

Confirm shift priorities with supervisor

1.3

Review job requests to identify the samples, required parameters and special instructions/preparation methods for each

1.4

Identify hazards, safety equipment and safe work procedures associated with samples, preparation methods and robotic system

1.5

Check that samples are dry and free of obvious contamination

1.6

Check that the particle size of any sample does not exceed system input size limits

1.7

Check samples against accompanying documentation and record/report any discrepancies

2

Load samples into system

2.1

Scan sample barcodes into system

2.2

Load samples in the correct sequence when the system is ready

2.3

Use system monitor to ensure that correct worksheet is assigned to each sample

3

Monitor system and report errors

3.1

Monitor screen displays and conduct visual checks, as necessary, to ensure that system operates correctly throughout cycle

3.2

Recognise common error codes and promptly inform supervisor

3.3

Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge

4

Unload samples

4.1

Unload samples sequentially in accordance with workplace procedures

4.2

Obtain analytical portions of each sample using workplace procedures

4.3

Label and store analytical portions and excess sample material in accordance with workplace procedures

4.4

Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge

5

Maintain a safe work environment

5.1

Use safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others

5.2

Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts

5.3

Segregate and dispose of wastes in accordance with workplace requirements

5.4

Clean robotic system components, care for and store equipment as required

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

safely operating a robotic sample preparation system reliably and efficiently for at least three (3) different types of samples with different preparation requirements and subsequent analysis

interpreting and applying workplace procedures for operating a robotic system

accurately recording sample details in system

recognising potential problems caused by prior sample handling and preparation

recognising and reporting common system error codes

maintaining sequential control of samples through all preparation stages

recognising hazards and using safety equipment and safe work practices

communicating problems clearly and promptly to supervisor

minimising rework, waste and environmental impacts.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

importance of good customer relations, optimising throughput and minimising costs and rework

procedures for sorting and receiving samples used in job role

sample preparation methods/processes for common mineral ore samples used in job role

characteristics of materials to be sampled

purpose of routine downstream analytical tests conducted on samples used in job role

procedures for preventing contamination

procedures for ensuring traceability of samples

function of key components and operating procedures for robotic sample preparation system

safe work procedures and operation of safety equipment relevant to job role

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

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Prepare robotic system for operation

1.1

Perform routine system checks at start of shift

1.2

Confirm shift priorities with supervisor

1.3

Review job requests to identify the samples, required parameters and special instructions/preparation methods for each

1.4

Identify hazards, safety equipment and safe work procedures associated with samples, preparation methods and robotic system

1.5

Check that samples are dry and free of obvious contamination

1.6

Check that the particle size of any sample does not exceed system input size limits

1.7

Check samples against accompanying documentation and record/report any discrepancies

2

Load samples into system

2.1

Scan sample barcodes into system

2.2

Load samples in the correct sequence when the system is ready

2.3

Use system monitor to ensure that correct worksheet is assigned to each sample

3

Monitor system and report errors

3.1

Monitor screen displays and conduct visual checks, as necessary, to ensure that system operates correctly throughout cycle

3.2

Recognise common error codes and promptly inform supervisor

3.3

Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge

4

Unload samples

4.1

Unload samples sequentially in accordance with workplace procedures

4.2

Obtain analytical portions of each sample using workplace procedures

4.3

Label and store analytical portions and excess sample material in accordance with workplace procedures

4.4

Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge

5

Maintain a safe work environment

5.1

Use safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others

5.2

Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts

5.3

Segregate and dispose of wastes in accordance with workplace requirements

5.4

Clean robotic system components, care for and store equipment as required

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; quality and environmental management; industrial robot systems; sampling of specific ores and particulate materials; and labelling, storage, handling and transport of hazardous materials

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, national environmental protection measures, and national measurement regulations and guidelines

specific codes, guidelines and procedures, such as National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements and principles of good laboratory practice (GLP)

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); quality and equipment manuals; maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS); safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; and waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures

sampling procedures for specific samples, sites and clients (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal)

methods and procedures which may be written to meet workplace, client and/or regulatory/certifying body requirements

Materials sampled

Materials sampled include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

solids, such as rocks, minerals, soils, sands and stream sediments

pulverised core and other drill samples, such as rotary air blast (RAB), reverse circulation (RC) and aircore samples

powder concentrates

dump samples and grab samples

Sample preparation methods

Sample preparation methods include one or more of:

sorting, boxing and drying

sieving

milling

primary crushing (e.g. 10 mm, 2 mm)

fine pulverising (e.g. 100 micron, 75 micron)

robotic system parameters, such as grind time, crushing time and cleaning cycles to prevent cross-contamination

Hazards

Hazards include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

dust, silica and fibrous materials

asbestiform minerals

naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM)

samples containing nickel and lead-based compounds

noise and vibration

crushing, entanglement and cuts associated with moving machinery

impact injuries from contact with robot arms

failure of pneumatic hoses

manual handling of heavy loads, such as sample bags/containers, racks and trolleys

heat exhaustion/stress and fatigue

Safe work procedures

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 and hazardous materials

extracting dust

using guards for moving machinery parts

providing noise insulation

following established manual handling procedures

regularly cleaning equipment and work areas

reporting of abnormal emissions and airborne contaminants to appropriate personnel

using PPE, such as masks, heat resistant mittens, boots, goggles, coats, ear muffs, safety boots and heat reflective clothing

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

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Perform routine system checks at start of shift 
Confirm shift priorities with supervisor 
Review job requests to identify the samples, required parameters and special instructions/preparation methods for each 
Identify hazards, safety equipment and safe work procedures associated with samples, preparation methods and robotic system 
Check that samples are dry and free of obvious contamination 
Check that the particle size of any sample does not exceed system input size limits 
Check samples against accompanying documentation and record/report any discrepancies 
Scan sample barcodes into system 
Load samples in the correct sequence when the system is ready 
Use system monitor to ensure that correct worksheet is assigned to each sample 
Monitor screen displays and conduct visual checks, as necessary, to ensure that system operates correctly throughout cycle 
Recognise common error codes and promptly inform supervisor 
Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge 
Unload samples sequentially in accordance with workplace procedures 
Obtain analytical portions of each sample using workplace procedures 
Label and store analytical portions and excess sample material in accordance with workplace procedures 
Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge 
Use safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others 
Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts 
Segregate and dispose of wastes in accordance with workplace requirements 
Clean robotic system components, care for and store equipment as required 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL953002 - Operate a robotic sample preparation system
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MSL953002 - Operate a robotic sample preparation system

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: