Application
This unit of competency covers the ability to analyse samples using routine chromatographic techniques. The unit also includes establishing client needs for routine and non-routine samples, optimising workplace procedures and instruments for specific samples, obtaining valid and reliable data and reporting test results. Personnel are required to recognise atypical test data/results and troubleshoot common analytical procedure and equipment problems.
This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory technical officers working in all industry sectors. All operations and analytical methods must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and/or workplace requirements. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that clearly describe the scope of permitted practice including varying workplace/test procedures and communicating results to people outside the laboratory.
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.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Establish client needs and schedule analysis | 1.1 | Liaise with client or sample provider to determine client needs and sample history |
1.2 | Record sample description, compare with specification and record and report any discrepancies | ||
1.3 | Identify non-routine samples and the possible need to vary workplace procedures | ||
1.4 | Seek advice from supervisor about any proposed variations and document all approved changes | ||
1.5 | Schedule analysis using workplace procedures | ||
2 | Prepare samples and standards | 2.1 | Obtain a representative analytical portion of the laboratory sample |
2.2 | Prepare sample in accordance with testing requirements | ||
2.3 | Prepare validation checks for analytical portion | ||
3 | Set up and optimise instrument | 3.1 | Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with workplace procedures |
3.2 | Start up and condition the instrument using workplace procedures | ||
3.3 | Optimise instrumental parameters to suit sample and test requirements | ||
3.4 | Check calibration status of instrument and perform calibration using specified standards and procedures, as required | ||
4 | Perform analysis | 4.1 | Measure analyte response for standards, validation checks and samples |
4.2 | Conduct sufficient measurements to obtain reliable data | ||
4.3 | Return instruments to standby or shutdown condition, as required | ||
5 | Process and analyse data | 5.1 | Confirm data is the result of valid measurements |
5.2 | Perform required calculations and ensure results are consistent with standards or estimations and expectations | ||
5.3 | Record results with the appropriate accuracy, precision and units | ||
5.4 | Analyse trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel | ||
5.5 | Troubleshoot analytical procedure or equipment problems which have led to atypical data or results | ||
6 | Maintain a safe work environment | 6.1 | Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling, preparation and analytical method |
6.2 | Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures specified for test method and materials to be tested | ||
6.3 | Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts | ||
6.4 | Ensure the safe disposal of laboratory waste | ||
6.5 | Clean, care for and store equipment and consumables in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
7 | Maintain laboratory records | 7.1 | Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS) |
7.2 | Maintain equipment logs in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
7.3 | Maintain security and confidentiality of laboratory data and workplace information | ||
7.4 | Communicate results to appropriate personnel |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
applying routine chromatographic techniques on at least three (3) occasions to obtain valid and reliable data
establishing client needs for routine and non-routine samples
accurately interpreting client requests, test methods and procedures
preparing samples using at least three (3) different processes
preparing standards
safely setting up, operating and shutting down equipment
checking calibration and qualification status of equipment
installing and maintaining a variety of chromatographic columns
choosing and optimising procedures and equipment settings to suit sample/test requirements
making approved adjustments to procedures for non-routine samples
interpreting data, recognising atypical test data and results and making relevant conclusions
troubleshooting common analytical procedure and equipment problems
preparing and using calibration charts and standards
identifying and calculating potential sources of uncertainty
calculating results using appropriate equations, units, uncertainties and precision
recording and reporting data and results in accordance with workplace procedures
maintaining security, integrity and traceability of samples and documentation
following workplace safety procedures.
Evidence of Knowledge
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
chromatographic principles and concepts related to instrumentation operation, material preparation and testing
use of different chromatographic methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis and preparation of specific samples relevant to job role
handling of unstable or hazardous chemicals and samples, and the fragile/labile nature of biological material
sample preparation procedures
functions of key components of the instruments and effects on outputs and results of modifying instrumental variables, such as injection temperature, gas flow rate, column pressures, column type and detector type
procedure for optimising separation through changing operation parameters, such as injection technique, solvent type, sample size and sample preparation
basic procedure and equipment troubleshooting techniques
common procedure and equipment problems, including:
problems with interfering substances
poor resolution of peaks
inappropriate selection of column or operating parameters (flow rate and temperature)
unsuitable substrate or support solvent
lack of suitable reference standards
calculation steps to give results in appropriate accuracy, precision, uncertainty and units
workplace and/or legal traceability requirements
basic equipment maintenance procedures
relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.
Assessment Conditions
Judgment 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, and assessment evidence must be relevant to the particular workplace context. 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:
MSL925001 Analyse data and report results
Holistic assessment methods include:
review of test data and results obtained by the candidate over time to ensure accuracy, consistency and timeliness of results
inspection of test records and workplace documentation completed by the candidate
feedback from peers and supervisors
observation of candidate applying a range of routine chromatographic techniques
oral or written questioning of chemical principles and concepts, chromatographic techniques and workplace procedures.
Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:
a standard laboratory equipped with routine chromatographic equipment, laboratory reagents and equipment
standard operating procedures (SOPs) and test methods.
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.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
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 design and construction, physical containment levels and facility types, laboratory safety; and quality and environmental management national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, and national measurement regulations and guidelines Australian and international standards and guidelines covering chemical analysis by chromatography, accuracy of measurement methods and results, expression of uncertainty and quantifying uncertainty specific codes, guidelines, procedures and methods, such as the Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP), and principles of good laboratory practice (GLP) workplace documents, such as SOPs; quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures; cleaning, hygiene and personal hygiene requirements; stock records and inventory sampling procedures (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal) test procedures (validated and authorised) |
Routine chromatographic techniques | Routine chromatographic techniques include one or more of the following analytical and preparative procedures: standard sample introduction systems paper, such as ascending and descending thin-layer such as ascending, high performance, radical and descending column chromatography affinity chromatography and gel filtration chromatography gas liquid and gas solid chromatography high performance liquid chromatography, such as liquid-liquid (LLC), liquid-solid (LSC), ion (IC) and size exclusion (SEC) |
Tests | Tests include, but are not limited to, methods for one or more of: control of starting materials, in-process materials and finished products (e.g. manufacturing, petroleum and biotechnology) selection of appropriate separation technique, such as suitable substrate and support solvent, buffer, temperature, flow rate, column length and detection method forensic testing environmental monitoring of pollutants in air, water and soil troubleshooting workplace processes |
Sample preparation | Sample preparation includes one or more of: identification of any hazards associated with samples and/or analytical chemicals use of processes, such as grinding, dissolving, extraction, filtration, refluxing, centrifuging, evaporation, washing and drying determination of and, if appropriate, removal of any contaminants, impurities or interfering substances |
Safe work practices | 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, reagents, aliquoted samples and hazardous materials handling and storage of hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, MSDS and manufacturer instructions identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas regularly using workplace procedures using PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls and gowns 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 |
WHS and environmental management requirements | WHS and environmental management requirements: · 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 accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant |
Sectors
Competency Field
Testing