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Evidence Guide: MSL975003 - Perform histological tests

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

MSL975003 - Perform histological tests

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Process specimens and associated request forms

  1. Check and match specimens and request forms before they are accepted
  2. Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with requirements, record any discrepancies and indicate what action is required
  3. Log acceptable specimens into a laboratory information management system (LIMS) accurately and efficiently, applying required document tracking mechanisms
  4. Store specimens appropriately until required for testing
Check and match specimens and request forms before they are accepted

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with requirements, record any discrepancies and indicate what action is required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Log acceptable specimens into a laboratory information management system (LIMS) accurately and efficiently, applying required document tracking mechanisms

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store specimens appropriately until required for testing

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare specimens for cut-up

  1. Arrange tissues and request forms in cut-up area
  2. Label tissue cassettes as required to maintain identity during subsequent procedures
  3. Select tissue fixative to prepare tissue for subsequent procedures
  4. Weigh organs and count tissue chips and shavings
Arrange tissues and request forms in cut-up area

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Label tissue cassettes as required to maintain identity during subsequent procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select tissue fixative to prepare tissue for subsequent procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weigh organs and count tissue chips and shavings

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process tissue

  1. Select processor program and reagents
  2. Perform equipment pre-use checks on the tissue processor to ensure sample integrity is maintained
  3. Follow processing requirements for non-routine techniques, including histochemistry
Select processor program and reagents

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform equipment pre-use checks on the tissue processor to ensure sample integrity is maintained

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow processing requirements for non-routine techniques, including histochemistry

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embed tissue

  1. Check that temperature of embedding medium is suitable for embedding process
  2. Check that volume of embedding medium is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load
  3. Embed tissue types in correct orientation and characteristics that minimise tissue loss during microtomy
  4. Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between tissues
  5. Inspect blocks, reject and re-embed items that do not meet quality control standards
Check that temperature of embedding medium is suitable for embedding process

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check that volume of embedding medium is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embed tissue types in correct orientation and characteristics that minimise tissue loss during microtomy

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between tissues

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspect blocks, reject and re-embed items that do not meet quality control standards

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cut tissue sections

  1. Check that flotation bath is ready and satisfactory for use
  2. Prepare and adjust all external parts of a microtome and associated equipment to accommodate requirements of tissue batch
  3. Secure block in microtome following specified safety directions
  4. Orientate the block correctly for each specific tissue to ensure tissue conservation and maintain sample integrity
  5. Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements
  6. Cut thin tissue sections (4-5μm), according to needs of subsequent procedures, maintaining sample integrity and conserving tissue for further testing
  7. Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues
  8. Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring patient identification on slides matches that on block
  9. Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues
  10. Maintain tissue sections in conditions compatible with intended subsequent procedures
  11. Compare the blocks and sections ensuring the tissue on slides matches that in the blocks
  12. Inspect sections and reject any that do not meet quality control standards
Check that flotation bath is ready and satisfactory for use

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare and adjust all external parts of a microtome and associated equipment to accommodate requirements of tissue batch

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secure block in microtome following specified safety directions

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Orientate the block correctly for each specific tissue to ensure tissue conservation and maintain sample integrity

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cut thin tissue sections (4-5μm), according to needs of subsequent procedures, maintaining sample integrity and conserving tissue for further testing

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring patient identification on slides matches that on block

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain tissue sections in conditions compatible with intended subsequent procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compare the blocks and sections ensuring the tissue on slides matches that in the blocks

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspect sections and reject any that do not meet quality control standards

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify, troubleshoot and resolve common section quality control issues

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stain tissue sections

  1. Apply staining procedures to demonstrate required morphological features
  2. Prepare labile reagents for immediate use
  3. Select reagents for specified technique, ensuring reagent sequence matches standard procedure
  4. Stain sections according to method using the required quality control section and accommodating any authorised variations
  5. Mount slides using medium compatible with staining technique
  6. Examine control sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes are achieved and procedural artefacts are detected
  7. Confirm macroscopically or microscopically that tissues on all slides conform with the expected characteristics of that case
  8. Participate in final check to establish that the number of slides tallies with the worksheet
  9. Attach permanent label giving specimen details as required by workplace
  10. Confirm microscopically that the type/disease is appropriate and still present in the control sections for each stain
Apply staining procedures to demonstrate required morphological features

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare labile reagents for immediate use

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select reagents for specified technique, ensuring reagent sequence matches standard procedure

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stain sections according to method using the required quality control section and accommodating any authorised variations

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mount slides using medium compatible with staining technique

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Examine control sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes are achieved and procedural artefacts are detected

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confirm macroscopically or microscopically that tissues on all slides conform with the expected characteristics of that case

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Participate in final check to establish that the number of slides tallies with the worksheet

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attach permanent label giving specimen details as required by workplace

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confirm microscopically that the type/disease is appropriate and still present in the control sections for each stain

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain a safe environment

  1. Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel
  2. Handle non-fixed tissues safely to minimise cross-infection and contamination of personnel and environment
  3. Store fixed tissues as specified to minimise exposure of personnel to dangerous fumes and vapours
  4. Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment from contamination
  5. Minimise the generation of wastes
  6. Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures
Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Handle non-fixed tissues safely to minimise cross-infection and contamination of personnel and environment

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store fixed tissues as specified to minimise exposure of personnel to dangerous fumes and vapours

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment from contamination

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimise the generation of wastes

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain laboratory records

  1. Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required
  2. Complete control stain quality assessment forms to report quality control outcomes
  3. File and store tissue sections to facilitate efficient retrieval as required
  4. Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checks
  5. Maintain confidentiality and security of all clinical information, and laboratory data and records
Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Complete control stain quality assessment forms to report quality control outcomes

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

File and store tissue sections to facilitate efficient retrieval as required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checks

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain confidentiality and security of all clinical information, and laboratory data and records

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Process specimens and associated request forms

1.1

Check and match specimens and request forms before they are accepted

1.2

Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with requirements, record any discrepancies and indicate what action is required

1.3

Log acceptable specimens into a laboratory information management system (LIMS) accurately and efficiently, applying required document tracking mechanisms

1.4

Store specimens appropriately until required for testing

2

Prepare specimens for cut-up

2.1

Arrange tissues and request forms in cut-up area

2.2

Label tissue cassettes as required to maintain identity during subsequent procedures

2.3

Select tissue fixative to prepare tissue for subsequent procedures

2.4

Weigh organs and count tissue chips and shavings

3

Process tissue

3.1

Select processor program and reagents

3.2

Perform equipment pre-use checks on the tissue processor to ensure sample integrity is maintained

3.3

Follow processing requirements for non-routine techniques, including histochemistry

4

Embed tissue

4.1

Check that temperature of embedding medium is suitable for embedding process

4.2

Check that volume of embedding medium is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load

4.3

Embed tissue types in correct orientation and characteristics that minimise tissue loss during microtomy

4.4

Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between tissues

4.5

Inspect blocks, reject and re-embed items that do not meet quality control standards

5

Cut tissue sections

5.1

Check that flotation bath is ready and satisfactory for use

5.2

Prepare and adjust all external parts of a microtome and associated equipment to accommodate requirements of tissue batch

5.3

Secure block in microtome following specified safety directions

5.4

Orientate the block correctly for each specific tissue to ensure tissue conservation and maintain sample integrity

5.5

Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements

5.6

Cut thin tissue sections (4-5μm), according to needs of subsequent procedures, maintaining sample integrity and conserving tissue for further testing

5.7

Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues

5.8

Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring patient identification on slides matches that on block

5.9

Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues

5.10

Maintain tissue sections in conditions compatible with intended subsequent procedures

5.11

Compare the blocks and sections ensuring the tissue on slides matches that in the blocks

5.12

Inspect sections and reject any that do not meet quality control standards

513

Identify, troubleshoot and resolve common section quality control issues

6

Stain tissue sections

6.1

Apply staining procedures to demonstrate required morphological features

6.2

Prepare labile reagents for immediate use

6.3

Select reagents for specified technique, ensuring reagent sequence matches standard procedure

6.4

Stain sections according to method using the required quality control section and accommodating any authorised variations

6.5

Mount slides using medium compatible with staining technique

6.6

Examine control sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes are achieved and procedural artefacts are detected

6.7

Confirm macroscopically or microscopically that tissues on all slides conform with the expected characteristics of that case

6.8

Participate in final check to establish that the number of slides tallies with the worksheet

6.9

Attach permanent label giving specimen details as required by workplace

6.10

Confirm microscopically that the type/disease is appropriate and still present in the control sections for each stain

7

Maintain a safe environment

7.1

Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel

7.2

Handle non-fixed tissues safely to minimise cross-infection and contamination of personnel and environment

7.3

Store fixed tissues as specified to minimise exposure of personnel to dangerous fumes and vapours

7.4

Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment from contamination

7.5

Minimise the generation of wastes

7.6

Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures

8

Maintain laboratory records

8.1

Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required

8.2

Complete control stain quality assessment forms to report quality control outcomes

8.3

File and store tissue sections to facilitate efficient retrieval as required

8.4

Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checks

8.5

Maintain confidentiality and security of all clinical information, and laboratory data and records

Required Skills and Knowledge

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Process specimens and associated request forms

1.1

Check and match specimens and request forms before they are accepted

1.2

Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with requirements, record any discrepancies and indicate what action is required

1.3

Log acceptable specimens into a laboratory information management system (LIMS) accurately and efficiently, applying required document tracking mechanisms

1.4

Store specimens appropriately until required for testing

2

Prepare specimens for cut-up

2.1

Arrange tissues and request forms in cut-up area

2.2

Label tissue cassettes as required to maintain identity during subsequent procedures

2.3

Select tissue fixative to prepare tissue for subsequent procedures

2.4

Weigh organs and count tissue chips and shavings

3

Process tissue

3.1

Select processor program and reagents

3.2

Perform equipment pre-use checks on the tissue processor to ensure sample integrity is maintained

3.3

Follow processing requirements for non-routine techniques, including histochemistry

4

Embed tissue

4.1

Check that temperature of embedding medium is suitable for embedding process

4.2

Check that volume of embedding medium is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load

4.3

Embed tissue types in correct orientation and characteristics that minimise tissue loss during microtomy

4.4

Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between tissues

4.5

Inspect blocks, reject and re-embed items that do not meet quality control standards

5

Cut tissue sections

5.1

Check that flotation bath is ready and satisfactory for use

5.2

Prepare and adjust all external parts of a microtome and associated equipment to accommodate requirements of tissue batch

5.3

Secure block in microtome following specified safety directions

5.4

Orientate the block correctly for each specific tissue to ensure tissue conservation and maintain sample integrity

5.5

Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements

5.6

Cut thin tissue sections (4-5μm), according to needs of subsequent procedures, maintaining sample integrity and conserving tissue for further testing

5.7

Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues

5.8

Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring patient identification on slides matches that on block

5.9

Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues

5.10

Maintain tissue sections in conditions compatible with intended subsequent procedures

5.11

Compare the blocks and sections ensuring the tissue on slides matches that in the blocks

5.12

Inspect sections and reject any that do not meet quality control standards

513

Identify, troubleshoot and resolve common section quality control issues

6

Stain tissue sections

6.1

Apply staining procedures to demonstrate required morphological features

6.2

Prepare labile reagents for immediate use

6.3

Select reagents for specified technique, ensuring reagent sequence matches standard procedure

6.4

Stain sections according to method using the required quality control section and accommodating any authorised variations

6.5

Mount slides using medium compatible with staining technique

6.6

Examine control sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes are achieved and procedural artefacts are detected

6.7

Confirm macroscopically or microscopically that tissues on all slides conform with the expected characteristics of that case

6.8

Participate in final check to establish that the number of slides tallies with the worksheet

6.9

Attach permanent label giving specimen details as required by workplace

6.10

Confirm microscopically that the type/disease is appropriate and still present in the control sections for each stain

7

Maintain a safe environment

7.1

Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel

7.2

Handle non-fixed tissues safely to minimise cross-infection and contamination of personnel and environment

7.3

Store fixed tissues as specified to minimise exposure of personnel to dangerous fumes and vapours

7.4

Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment from contamination

7.5

Minimise the generation of wastes

7.6

Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures

8

Maintain laboratory records

8.1

Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required

8.2

Complete control stain quality assessment forms to report quality control outcomes

8.3

File and store tissue sections to facilitate efficient retrieval as required

8.4

Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checks

8.5

Maintain confidentiality and security of all clinical information, and laboratory data and records

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

performing tests and procedures associated with processing and staining tissues for examination of tissue structure to assist with disease diagnosis

registering at least fifteen (15) samples into a laboratory information management system (LIMS), (or simulated to reflect an actual LIMS) with 100 % accuracy identifying specimens and requesting forms that do not comply with minimum industry requirements for labelling, identification and test requests

entering each sample to the LIMS within five minutes

recording discrepancies and indicating what level of action is required, i.e. record only, contact submitter, continue testing or halt testing or return sample to their source with reasons for non-acceptance

performing manual and automated histological tests and procedures

preparing, safely storing and disposing of stains and reagents

embedding tissue types to meet quality control standards with correct orientation and characteristics that minimise tissue loss in microtomy

embedding at least six (6) tissue types, including:

large tissues

small tissues

multiple core biopsies in a single block

epithelial tissue such as skin or tongue

trachea

bone

inspecting and re-embedding blocks that do not meet quality control standards

cutting at least forty (40) paraffin embedded sections, from at least five (5) different tissue types free of wrinkles, scores and folds, at the specified thickness to demonstrate tissue and cellular structures, granules, inclusions and organelles. The complete surface of the tissue must be present on all slides with the remaining tissue in the block conserved for future testing

staining at least five (5) routine paraffin embedded sections from at least five (5) different tissue types to demonstrate tissue structure using a regressive Haematoxylin and Eosin stain over at least three (3) separate occasions. All stained sections must pass industry quality control standards that would allow for diagnosis and results to be issued

using at least four (4) different specialised stains over at least two (2) occasions using positive control tissues, for example, to demonstrate connective tissue, muscle striations, central nervous system, glands, basement membrane, microorganisms, pigments and deposits

using at least two (2) different histochemical stains over at least two (2) occasions using positive control tissues, stains, for example to demonstrate carbohydrates, amyloid and mucins

performing specialised techniques, including polarising microscopy and use of microwave ovens in histopathology

cover slipping slides, ensuring that no air bubbles are formed and material is preserved for the life of the slide

labelling slides clearly with case, specimen and stain details

approving or preventing the release of patient stained slides to pathologists based on an assessment of quality control sections

recognising problems whilst performing procedures and troubleshooting under direction

using the workplace LIMS efficiently

reviewing workplace documentation to identify errors or procedural gaps and suggesting improvements

preparing documentation that is accurate, concise and in accordance with workplace requirements

managing tasks and organising work to ensure the timely completion of tasks

using samples, reagents and materials economically and disposing of wastes safely

using equipment safely.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

terminology used to describe tissue components being stained, these may be anatomical, physiological, biochemical or immunological, depending on the expected staining outcomes

the relationship between strict adherence to workplace procedures during each step and the maintenance of specimen integrity

workplace and legal traceability requirements

purpose of and processes involved in surgical cut-up and the factors involved that directly impact on ability to perform histology work

requirements for ensuring uninterrupted efficient operation of a cut-up area

importance of recognising the uniqueness of patient histological tissues (a non-renewable resource)

purpose of and processes for frozen sections

functions of the components of a rotary microtome

relationship of the anatomy and morphology of tissue types and the macroscopic and microscopic appearance of stained sections

types of fixatives and their role in retaining size and spatial relationships in tissues and in preventing autolysis and putrefaction

relationship between the tissue types and components to be demonstrated and the choice of fixation procedures, processing schedules and staining techniques

relationship between correct orientation of the tissue during embedding and microtomy and ability to cut quality sections and conserve the tissue

correlation between poorly maintained processing reagents and resultant tissue blocks being difficult to cut or unsuitable for cutting

properties of embedding mediums

labile nature and chemistry of stains and the importance of correct preparation and storage to ensure required staining outcome

effects of the presence of artefacts in sections on microscopic examination of tissues

purpose of and processes involved in tissue processing and routine Haematoxylin and Eosin staining methods

purpose of staining procedures implemented, including histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures (why they are used and what components they demonstrate)

basic biological principles and concepts behind the steps involved in immunohistochemical staining procedures

relationship between correct differentiation, and the ability to produce quality stained slides and troubleshoot staining issues

equipment maintenance requirements and consequences if maintenance is not done

work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements, particularly those related to labelling, handling, storing and spill clean-up of irritating, volatile, flammable and potentially carcinogenic substances.

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, guidelines and codes covering laboratory safety, competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory design and construction, occupational protective equipment; labelling of workplace substances, storage and handling of dangerous goods, physical containment levels and facility types, safety cabinets, quality and environmental management

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice

specific codes, guidelines and methods, such as medico-legal and laboratory accreditation requirements for traceability of specimens and records

workplace documents, such as SOPs; quality procedures; equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation, containment, processing and safe disposal procedures; cleaning, hygiene and personal hygiene requirements

instructions to comply with new legislation, standards, guidelines and codes

sampling procedures (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal)

test procedures (validated and authorised)

schematics, work flows, and laboratory stock records and inventory

Communication

Communication involves interactions with one or more of:

supervisors and managers (laboratory, quality and customer service)

clients, including other laboratory or clinical personnel (pathologists, nursing staff, pathology registrars, other medical staff and clerical staff)

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

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

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

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