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

PMLTEST404A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform chemical tests and procedures

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PMLTEST404A - Perform chemical tests and procedures
Description This unit of competency covers the ability to interpret chemical test requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment and perform routine chemical tests/procedures. These tests will involve several measurement steps. The unit includes data processing and interpretation of results and tracking of obvious test malfunctions where the procedure is standardised. However, personnel are not required to analyse data, optimise tests/procedures for specific samples or troubleshoot equipment problems where the solution is not apparent.This unit of competency is based on, and is equivalent to, the unit PMLTEST401A Perform instrumental tests/procedures.This unit of competency has no prerequisites.This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory or technical assistants and instrument operators in all industry sectors.Industry representatives have provided case studies to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting. These are found at the end of this unit of competency under the section This competency in practice.
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field
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: Interpret and schedule test requirements
  • Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment/instruments involved
  • Identify hazards and enterprise control measures associated with the sample, preparation/test methods, reagents and/or equipment
  • Plan work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple samples (if appropriate)
       
Element: Receive and prepare samples
  • Log samples using standard operating procedure
  • Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies
  • Prepare samples and standards in accordance with chemical testing requirements
  • Ensure traceability of samples from receipt to reporting of results
       
Element: Check equipment before use
  • Set up equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
  • Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant enterprise and operating procedures
  • Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel
  • Check equipment calibration using specified standards and procedures (if applicable)
  • Quarantine out-of-calibration equipment/instruments
  • Ensure reagents required for the test are available and meet quality requirements
       
Element: Test samples to determine chemical species or properties
  • Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements
  • Perform tests/procedures on all samples and standards (if appropriate) in accordance with specified methods
  • Shut down equipment/instruments in accordance with operating procedures
       
Element: Process and interpret data
  • Record test data noting atypical observations
  • Construct calibration graphs (if appropriate) and compute results for all samples from these graphs
  • Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations
  • Record and report results in accordance with enterprise procedures
  • Interpret trends in data and/or results and report 'out-of-specification' or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel
  • Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results
       
Element: Maintain a safe work environment
  • Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel
  • Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts
  • Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal
  • Care for and store equipment and reagents as required
       
Element: Maintain laboratory records
  • Enter approved data into laboratory information management system
  • Maintain confidentiality and security of enterprise information and laboratory data
  • Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with enterprise procedures.
       


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.

The Evidence Guide describes the underpinning knowledge and skills that must be demonstrated to prove competence.

Critical aspects of competency

Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard. In particular, assessors should look to see that the candidate:

interprets test methods/procedures accurately

prepares and tests samples using procedures appropriate to the nature of sample

performs calibration checks (if required)

safely operates test equipment/instruments to enterprise standards and/or manufacturer's specification

prepares calibration graphs and calculates results using appropriate units and precision

applies basic theoretical knowledge to interpret gross features of data and makes relevant conclusions

identifies atypical results as out of normal range or an artefact

traces and sources obvious causes of an artefact

communicates problem(s) to a supervisor or outside service technician

records and communicates results in accordance with enterprise procedures

maintains security, integrity, traceability of samples, sub-samples, test data and results and documentation.

Underpinning knowledge

Competency includes the ability to apply and explain:

chemical principles and concepts underpinning test/procedure, such as:

ions, atoms, molecules, bonding and links to chemical properties

chemical reactions involving acid/base, redox, complex ion formation, solubility and equilibrium

energy levels, absorption/emission spectra

use of instruments for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis

purpose of the test(s)

metrology and/or separation techniques underpinning test/procedure

principles and concepts related to equipment/instrument operation and testing

function of key components of the equipment/instrument and/or reagents

effects of modifying equipment/instrument variables

sample preparation procedures

reagent maintenance and evaluation procedures

basic equipment/method troubleshooting procedures

use of calibration procedures

calculation steps to give results in appropriate units and precision

enterprise and/or legal traceability requirements

relevant health, safety and environment requirements.

Assessment context and methods

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment.

The following assessment methods are suggested:

review of test data/results obtained by the candidate over a period of time to check accuracy, consistency and timeliness of results

review of test records and workplace documentation completed by the candidate

observation of candidate conducting a range of chemical tests and procedures and sample preparation

feedback from peers and supervisors

oral or written questioning of chemical principles and concepts, test methods and enterprise procedures.

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.

Interdependent assessment of unit

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

PMLDATA400A Process and interpret data

PMLTEST402B Prepare, standardise and use solutions.

Resource implications

Resources may include:

standard laboratory equipped with appropriate test equipment/instruments, standards and reagents

enterprise procedures and standard methods.

This competency in practice

Manufacturing

Ultraviolet spectroscopy is a suitable method for determining the concentration of sulphanilamide in pharmaceutical preparations. The ultraviolet absorption spectrum is pH dependent, with the wavelength maximum different in acid and alkaline solutions. Example: a technician was conducting an analysis and noted that the wavelength maxima had moved from approximately 250nm to below 230nm. After reviewing the procedure being used and checking for possible errors, the technician found that an incorrect solvent had been used for the analysis. The hydrochloric acid solvent was replaced with sodium hydroxide, as per the standard method, and the correct absorption spectrum was obtained.

Environmental

A technician was asked to test water samples from a local lake over several days to determine the lake's nutrient levels following reports of algal blooms in the lake over the preceding weeks. He/she used a field colorimeter kit to determine both nitrates and orthophosphates using standard operating procedures (SOPs). Because the same colorimetric cells were used for the nitrate and orthophosphate tests, they were carefully washed and rinsed with distilled water between all tests (as specified in the SOP). After reviewing the results from the first three days, the technician noted that the first orthophosphate result, which was done immediately after all the nitrate tests, was much higher than subsequent orthophosphate tests which were all consistently low. The technician argued that the 'high' results for the first orthophosphate test may be due to cross contamination from trace amounts of reagents used in previous nitrate tests despite having closely followed the cleaning/rinsing SOPs. After discussion with his/her supervisor, the technician modified the field procedures by using totally different colorimetric cells for the nitrate and orthophosphate tests. For all subsequent tests no 'high' orthophosphate results were obtained for the first sample. As a result, the laboratory supervisor amended the SOPs to incorporate this new requirement.

Food processing

Regular checks are conducted on the percentage of salt in cheese at a dairy company's laboratory. A technician checks the results from the airomatic salt-titration equipment and, if the results are abnormal, notifies the supervisor before taking appropriate action. After obtaining a high result, for example, the assistant notified the supervisor and then began checking the machine to identify a possible reason for the high reading. He/she found that the supply bottle of silver nitrate used in the test was almost empty. This had resulted in less solution being pumped through the equipment than required, leading to graph readings that indicated a high percentage of salt. After replacing the silver nitrate bottle and recalibrating the equipment, the assistant retested the cheese samples and found that they contained the expected 1-2% salt.

Key Competencies

The seven key competencies represent generic skills considered for effective work participation. The bracketed numbering against each of the key competencies indicates the performance level required in this unit. These are stand-alone levels and do not correspond to levels in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Level (1) represents the competence to undertake tasks effectively

Level (2) represents the competence to manage tasks

Level (3) represents the competence to use concepts for evaluating and reshaping tasks.

Collecting, analysing and organising information

Communicating ideas and information

Planning and organising activities

Working with others and in teams

Using mathematical ideas and techniques

Solving problems

Using technology

Level 2

Level 1

Level 2

Level 1

Level 2

Level 2

Level 2


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.

The range of variables relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

Where reference is made to industry Codes of Practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used.

All operations must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and/or enterprise requirements. These procedures include or have been prepared from:

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories

ISO 9000 series Quality management and quality assurance standards

AS 2243.2 Safety in Laboratories - Chemical aspects

AS 2830.1 Good laboratory practice - Chemical analysis

AS 2162.1 General - Volumetric glassware

AS 2134.1 Flame atomic absorption spectrometry

AS 3753 Recommended practice for chemical analysis by ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometry

industry methods, such as RACI and/or AACC methods for inorganic constituents

Codes of Practice (such as GLP and GMP)

National Measurement Act

material safety data sheets (MSDSs)

standard operating procedures (SOPs)

quality manuals and equipment and procedure manuals

equipment startup, operation and shutdown procedures

calibration and maintenance schedules

data quality procedures

enterprise recording and reporting procedures

production and laboratory schedules

material, production and product specifications.

Preparation of samples may include processes, such as grinding, mulling, preparation of discs, digestion, dissolving, ashing, refluxing, extracting, filtration, evaporation, flocculation, precipitation, washing, drying and centrifugation.

Non instrumental test/procedures may include:

gravimetric analysis, such as:

loss on drying

suspended solids

ashes, such as sulphated and gravimetric assays (for example, sulphates and nitrogen in fertilisers)

Ni by dimethylglyoxime

bitumen content of asphaltic concrete

titrimetric analysis, such as:

acid/base determinations

complexiometric, such as water hardness, Fe by dichromate, binder content analysis

redox, such as precipitation of chlorides in water

dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)

filtration, separation, solvent extraction techniques

corrosion testing, cement content, accelerated weathering.

Instrumental tests may include spectrometric, chromatography and electrochemical methods.

Types of instrumentation and instrumental techniques may include:

colorimetric, such as enzyme activity, chlorine in water, specific cations and anions

infrared, ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry

other spectrometric techniques, such as:

fluorimetric analysis, flame atomic emission, flame atomic absorption spectrometry

fourier transform infrared

chromatographic techniques, such as:

column and thin layer analytical and preparative chromatography

paper, gas, liquid chromatography and HPLC for purity, raw material and formulation checks

ion chromatography for detection of nitrates, phosphates, sulphates, chlorides, bromides

gel filtration chromatography for purification of proteins

affinity chromatography for purification of immunoglobulins

electrochemical techniques, such as: pH, eH, conductivity, ion selective electrodes

electrophoretic techniques for DNA patterns and determination of protein purity

soil testing, such as:

moisture content

organic matter content

specific anions and cations

autoanalysers for determination of total P, total Kjeldahl N, orthophosphate, nitrite/nitrate, ammonia.

Chemical tests may include methods for:

control of starting materials, in-process materials and finished products

environmental monitoring

basic troubleshooting and/or problem solving within the scope of standard operating procedures (SOP) and enterprise processes.

Hazards may include:

chemicals, such as:

acids, for example, sulphuric, perchloric, hydrofluoric

heavy metals, pesticides

anions, for example, fluoride

hydrocarbons, for example, mono-aromatics

aerosols from broken centrifuge tubes, pipetting

sharps, broken glassware

flammable liquids and gases

cryogenics, such as dry ice and liquid nitrogen

fluids under pressure, such as hydrogen in gas liquid chromatography, acetylene in atomic absorption spectrometry

sources of ignition

high-temperature ashing processes

disturbance or interruption of services.

Hazard control measures may include:

ensuring access to service shut-off points

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs

labelling of samples, reagents, aliquoted samples and hazardous materials

handling and storage of hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, materials safety data sheets and manufacturer's instructions

identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions

cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas regularly using enterprise procedures

using personal protective clothing and equipment, such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls

using containment facilities (PCII, PCIII and PCIV physical containment laboratories), containment equipment (biohazard containers, laminar flow cabinets, Class I, II and III biohazard cabinets) and containment procedures

reporting abnormal emissions, discharges and airborne contaminants, such as noise, light, solids, liquids, water/waste water, gases, smoke, vapour, fumes, odour and particulates to appropriate personnel.

Records may include:

test and calibration results

equipment use, maintenance and servicing history

faulty or unsafe equipment.

Health, safety and environment

All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent health, safety and environmental (HSE) requirements, which may be imposed through State or Federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and HSE requirements, the HSE requirements take precedence.

All operations assume the potential hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied. Users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council and State and Territory Departments of Health. All operations are performed in accordance with standard operating procedures.

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
Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment/instruments involved 
Identify hazards and enterprise control measures associated with the sample, preparation/test methods, reagents and/or equipment 
Plan work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple samples (if appropriate) 
Log samples using standard operating procedure 
Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies 
Prepare samples and standards in accordance with chemical testing requirements 
Ensure traceability of samples from receipt to reporting of results 
Set up equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements 
Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant enterprise and operating procedures 
Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel 
Check equipment calibration using specified standards and procedures (if applicable) 
Quarantine out-of-calibration equipment/instruments 
Ensure reagents required for the test are available and meet quality requirements 
Operate equipment/instruments in accordance with test method requirements 
Perform tests/procedures on all samples and standards (if appropriate) in accordance with specified methods 
Shut down equipment/instruments in accordance with operating procedures 
Record test data noting atypical observations 
Construct calibration graphs (if appropriate) and compute results for all samples from these graphs 
Ensure calculated values are consistent with expectations 
Record and report results in accordance with enterprise procedures 
Interpret trends in data and/or results and report 'out-of-specification' or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel 
Determine if obvious procedure or equipment problems have led to atypical data or results 
Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel 
Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts 
Ensure the safe collection of laboratory and hazardous waste for subsequent disposal 
Care for and store equipment and reagents as required 
Enter approved data into laboratory information management system 
Maintain confidentiality and security of enterprise information and laboratory data 
Maintain equipment and calibration logs in accordance with enterprise procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PMLTEST404A - Perform chemical tests and procedures
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

PMLTEST404A - Perform chemical tests and procedures

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: