This unit has application in a wine operations laboratory environment. It typically targets the worker responsible for preparing laboratory solutions.

FDFLAB2011A

Use basic laboratory equipment

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

Prepare to standardise solution

Materials are confirmed and available for use

Materials are prepared to meet requirements

Services are confirmed as available and ready for use

Equipment is selected, prepared and checked to confirm readiness for use

Standardise the solution

Equipment is monitored to confirm operating condition

Out-of-specification process, equipment performance, or results and anomalies are identified, rectified and/or reported

Calculations are completed accurately following workplace procedures

Standardised solution meets specification

Complete standardisation of solution

Standardised solution is stored according to instructions

Equipment is disassembled and prepared for cleaning

Waste generated by both the process and cleaning procedures is collected, treated and disposed of or recycled according to workplace procedures

Work is conducted in accordance with workplace environmental guidelines

Record information

Workplace information is recorded in the appropriate format

Required skills

Note: The following required skills should be applied as appropriate to the equipment and processes that are used in the particular winery or workplace.

Ability to:

Access workplace information to identify requirements

Select, fit and use appropriate personal protective clothing and/or equipment

Confirm supply of necessary materials, equipment and services. This may include:

selecting the appropriate equipment, quality of water, purity and concentration of reagents and indicators

checking shelf-life dates

Liaise with other work areas

Prepare materials as required

Confirm equipment status and condition. This may include:

recognising and rejecting contaminated or faulty glassware and equipment

safety checks

replacing consumables

instrument setting and calibration

Set up and start up equipment as required

Operate laboratory equipment according to workplace procedures

Standardise solution to meet specification

Determine concentration of solution accurately, using a calculator and example calculations

Monitor the process and equipment to identify out-of-specification results or non-compliance. This may include:

handling and combining of reagents

measures to prevent cross-contamination

Take corrective action in response to out-of-specification results, anomalies or non-compliance

Report and/or record corrective action as instructed

Complete workplace information. This may include labelling

Store solution according to workplace procedures. This may include consideration of:

light

temperature

contamination

shelf-life

Sort, collect, treat, recycle or dispose of waste

Shut down equipment in response to an emergency situation as required

Shut down equipment in response to routine shutdown requirements as required. This may include removing consumables

Record workplace information

Maintain work area to meet housekeeping standards

Prepare equipment for cleaning. This may include dismantling equipment or rinsing in preparation for sanitation

Clean and sanitise equipment according to enterprise procedures

Carry out routine maintenance according to enterprise procedures

Identify, rectify or report environmental non-compliance according to enterprise procedures

Use oral communication skills/language to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor

Work cooperatively within a culturally diverse workforce

Required knowledge

Note: The following required knowledge should be applied as appropriate to the equipment and processes that are used in the particular winery or workplace.

Knowledge of:

Basic chemical principles behind the process

Purpose and features of basic laboratory materials

Purpose and features of a range of basic laboratory solutions

Affect of inappropriate storage on solution quality and performance

Emergency and troubleshooting procedures for a range of operational problems

Affect of process stages on results and outcomes

Process specifications, procedures and operating parameters

Start-up, set-up procedures as required

Services required

Common causes and knock-on effects of inaccuracies or contamination, and preventive or corrective action required

Process of accurately following example calculations

Occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards and controls

Lock-out and tag-out procedures as required

Procedures and responsibility for reporting problems

Shutdown sequence as required

Environmental issues and controls

Cleaning and sanitising requirements of equipment and work area

Recording requirements and procedures

Cleaning and sanitising procedures where relevant

Routine maintenance procedures where relevant

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed. Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of ability to:

prepare equipment and materials for standardising solutions

standardise solutions according to workplace requirements

conduct accurate calculations

identify out-of-standard results

conduct housekeeping and dispose of waste according to workplace standards

complete documentation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:

personal protective clothing and equipment as required

work procedures, including advice on company practices, safe work practices, food safety, quality and environmental requirements

instructions, information, specifications and schedules as required

equipment, services and corresponding information as required

products and materials as required

internal and external customers and suppliers as required

cleaning procedures, materials and equipment as required

documentation and recording requirements and procedures.

Method of assessment

This unit should be assessed together with other units of competency relevant to the function or work role.

Guidance information for assessment

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competence should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Policies and procedures

Work is carried out in accordance with workplace procedures, licensing requirements and legislative requirements

Workplace information

Workplace information may include:

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

specifications

production schedules

instructions

work notes

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

text books

manufacturer instructions

verbal direction from laboratory manager, supervisor or senior operator

Equipment

Equipment may vary and should include that listed in the SOPs

Materials

Materials may include:

solutions

indicators

purified water

reference materials

chemical reagents

Solutions

Solutions may include:

those required for standard analytical procedures and other tests determined by the scope and classification of the laboratory

Equipment status

Confirming equipment status involves:

checking that hygiene and sanitation standards, safety standards and any pre-start requirements are met and that equipment is operational

checking the operation and/or calibration of measuring instrumentation

Services

Services may include:

power

water

gases

Information systems

Information systems may be:

print or screen based

Unit sector

Wine operations

This unit contains employability skills.