Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to collect and prepare standard samples.
This unit is applicable to workers in the meat industry who are required to collect samples for testing.
All training must be conducted in accordance with Australian meat industry standards and regulations.
All work must be carried out in accordance with workplace requirements, regulatory requirements and hygiene standards.
This unit applies to individuals who work under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Receive, handle and store samples | 1.1 Register samples upon receipt in accordance with quality and workplace procedures 1.2 Check labelling and history of sampling in accordance with laboratory procedures 1.3 Record sample information and cross-reference with current or previous test data according to workplace requirements 1.4 Observe universal precautions and relevant legislative requirements during the handling and storage of all samples 1.5 Record samples requiring analysis by external laboratories and forward following workplace procedures 1.6 Dispose of unwanted samples in accordance with workplace and hygiene standards |
2. Prepare for sample collection | 2.1 Confirm type of sample required prior to collection 2.2 Follow prescribed procedures to ensure representative sampling and record details to workplace requirements 2.3 Prepare or assemble appropriate sampling equipment to safety and workplace requirements |
3. Perform sample collection | 3.1 Collect gross samples in accordance with workplace procedures 3.2 Preserve sample integrity throughout all aspects of sampling 3.3 Place samples in suitable containers and label to clearly identify sample type, location, date and any other workplace-specific information 3.4 Store, preserve and transport samples in accordance with relevant regulations and laboratory procedures 3.5 Maintained sampling equipment in clean, safe and sterile working order 3.6 Recognised and report unusual or non-standard observations made during sampling |
4. Perform standard chemical or biological sample preparation (where applicable) | 4.1 Prepared samples and controls for analysis 4.2 Take action to minimise loss of analyses from sample 4.3 Use separation equipment to provide the required sample fractions |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence must demonstrate the candidate’s consistency of performance over time. Sample collection techniques must comply with the relevant meat industry regulations and standards.
The candidate must:
collect samples in accordance with workplace and regulatory requirements
apply relevant workplace health and safety requirements
use relevant communications skills
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate a factual, technical, procedural and theoretical knowledge of:
procedures for collecting, receiving, handling and storing specimens in accordance with laboratory procedures, universal precautions and legislative requirements
use of aseptic techniques in collecting samples
how sample collection has to be coordinated with workplace activities
importance of obtaining representative samples and how this can be achieved
procedures for documenting all pertinent sample information in the required format
workplace Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for collecting and preparing samples
relevant workplace health and safety requirements
steps in preparing samples and sub-samples to comply with required procedures
workplace procedures to recognise sampling equipment and, as required, maintain it in a sterile condition
correct disposal procedures
Assessment Conditions
Sample collection techniques must comply with the relevant meat industry regulations and standards.
Assessment may be conducted in a real or simulated situation.
The following three forms of assessment must be used:
quiz of underpinning knowledge
workplace demonstration
workplace referee or third-party report of performance over time
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.