NWPGEN009
Perform laboratory testing


Application

This unit describes the skills required to perform laboratory tests using standard methods and procedures and with access to readily available advice.

This unit applies to those working in the water industry, but could be used by other sectors.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work under indirect supervision, while performing complex tasks in a range of contexts.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Prepare samples for testing

1.1 Identify samples to be collected.

1.2 Collect samples ensuring that types, locations and times comply with requirements.

1.3 Maintain integrity of samples during sampling.

1.4 Assess and report abnormal characteristics and apply incident management principles.

1.5 Label, register and record laboratory samples, ensuring that the required information is transcribed accurately and legibly.

1.6 Identify samples to be tested, appropriate test method, equipment and safety requirements.

2. Prepare for laboratory testing

2.1 Set up test equipment and/or reagents in accordance with the specified test method.

2.2 Conduct pre-use and safety checks.

2.3 Identify and report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel.

2.4 Check the calibration status of equipment and conduct calibration or report calibration requirements to appropriate personnel.

3. Perform tests on samples

3.1 Preserve the integrity of samples and eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination.

3.2 Identify, prepare, and weigh or measure sample and standards to be tested.

3.3 Follow test methods and perform sequence of tests using safety equipment.

3.4 Perform calculations.

3.5 Shut down equipment.

3.6 Store unused reagents and dispose of wastes as required by relevant regulations and codes.

3.7 Clean and store equipment.

4. Finalise work

4.1 Apply chain of custody principles.

4.2 Record results.

4.3 Identify and report ‘out of specification’ or atypical results.

4.4 Report observations or measurements requiring further action.

4.5 Clear and restore work area.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. To be deemed competent the candidate must be assessed in a minimum of one type of sample preparation and minimum of three of the types of complex tests from either the wastewater or drinking water options listed in the Range of Conditions. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

comparing sample description with the specification, record results and report discrepancies

adopting hygienic work practices

limiting hazards and contamination to self, work area and environment

producing laboratory reports and logs

using laboratory safety equipment and personal protective equipment

interpreting laboratory test methods

interpreting policies, procedures and standards

interpreting and recording test results, including calculation of results from test data where required

using potentiometric, ion selective, spectrophotometric, volumetric and gravimetric laboratory equipment

performing sub-sample and testing products

labelling samples for testing

registering and preserving samples

selecting the correct equipment and checking equipment performance

maintaining a safe work environment


Evidence of Knowledge

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

Operational knowledge of:

purpose of tests

principles of the standard method

calibration and/or pre-use equipment checks and their basis

relevant standards and specifications and their interpretation

source of uncertainty in measurements and methods for control

importance and appropriate use of certified reference materials

procedures for recognition of unexpected or unusual results and likely causes

WHS for sample and testing

safety data sheets


Assessment Conditions

Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors


Foundation Skills

The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.

The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.


Range Statement

Types of sample preparation include:

sub sampling

dilution

filtration

digestion

mixing/agitation

heating/cooling

neutralisation/ quenching

Off-site/laboratory complex tests for wastewater include:

chlorine

free ammonia

colour

redox

Sludge Volume Index

alkalinity

settle ability

Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids

Chemical Oxygen Demand, Biochemical Oxygen Demand

total organic carbon

nutrient testing

filamentous organisms

spectrophotometric analysis

potentiometric analysis

colorimetric comparators

volumetric analysis

microscopy

gravimetric analysis

Off-site/laboratory complex tests for drinking water include:

taste and odour

chlorine

free ammonia

colour redox

UV absorbance and transmittance

nutrient testing

fluoride

iron

manganese

microscopy

Silt Density Index

gravimetric analysis

aluminium

alkalinity

hardness

jar testing

spectrophotometric analysis

potentiometric analysis

colorimetric comparators

volumetric analysis


Competency Field

General