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Evidence Guide: MSL975010 - Perform fire assay techniques

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

 

MSL975010 - Perform fire assay techniques

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

Classify ore samples and select fluxing method

  1. Review client request to identify sample/analysis requirements, preparation methods and equipment involved
  2. Inspect samples, compare with specifications, record and report any discrepancies
  3. Conduct visual and simple chemical tests to identify the type of sample and sulphide concentrations
  4. Review client sample/analysis history and identify possible chemical interferences
  5. Decide whether non-standard fluxing is required
  6. Select sample weight and flux to optimise precious metal recovery and purity
Review client request to identify sample/analysis requirements, preparation methods and equipment involved

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspect samples, compare with specifications, record and report any discrepancies

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct visual and simple chemical tests to identify the type of sample and sulphide concentrations

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review client sample/analysis history and identify possible chemical interferences

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Decide whether non-standard fluxing is required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select sample weight and flux to optimise precious metal recovery and purity

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare for precious metal recovery

  1. Identify hazards and workplace safety procedures associated with the sample, preparation methods, reagents and equipment
  2. Examine the recommended preparation method to identify the critical steps that will affect the quality of analytical results
  3. Plan parallel work sequences to optimise the throughput of multiple sets of samples
  4. Assemble all required equipments, materials, reagents and check they are fit for purpose
Identify hazards and workplace safety procedures associated with the sample, preparation methods, reagents and equipment

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Examine the recommended preparation method to identify the critical steps that will affect the quality of analytical results

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan parallel work sequences to optimise the throughput of multiple sets of samples

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assemble all required equipments, materials, reagents and check they are fit for purpose

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recover precious metals from ore sample

  1. Weigh required amounts of sample and flux components to achieve an acceptable button and fluid slag
  2. Select the type and size of pot to suit sample method and client requirements
  3. Mix charge to ensure homogeneity and optimal collection of precious metal
  4. Set and monitor furnace temperature/time to ensure complete fusion
  5. Separate slag and button with minimal loss of lead collector
  6. Maintain sequencing in order to track samples, buttons and prills throughout the recovery process
  7. Separate lead collector from the required precious metal and check for contamination, losses and evidence of other precious metals
  8. Minimise personal exposure to hazards and the release of collectors to the work environment
  9. Collate laboratory documentation and the prepared sample and present for analysis
Weigh required amounts of sample and flux components to achieve an acceptable button and fluid slag

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select the type and size of pot to suit sample method and client requirements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mix charge to ensure homogeneity and optimal collection of precious metal

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set and monitor furnace temperature/time to ensure complete fusion

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Separate slag and button with minimal loss of lead collector

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain sequencing in order to track samples, buttons and prills throughout the recovery process

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Separate lead collector from the required precious metal and check for contamination, losses and evidence of other precious metals

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimise personal exposure to hazards and the release of collectors to the work environment

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collate laboratory documentation and the prepared sample and present for analysis

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Troubleshoot and correct failed recovery

  1. Monitor all stages of recovery for indicators of potential loss
  2. Recognise undesirable recovery conditions and decide whether the process requires correction
  3. Choose an appropriate corrective action and re-start the process
  4. Document any adjustments made to standard methods and re-sequencing of samples
  5. Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge
Monitor all stages of recovery for indicators of potential loss

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognise undesirable recovery conditions and decide whether the process requires correction

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Choose an appropriate corrective action and re-start the process

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Document any adjustments made to standard methods and re-sequencing of samples

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform daily maintenance of assay equipment

  1. Segregate and dispose of waste in accordance with workplace requirements
  2. Grade and inspect pots using established criteria prior to storage for re-use
  3. Inspect furnaces for cracks, unserviceable components and remove slag
  4. Inspect and clean extractive systems
  5. Report defective equipment and consumable requirements to appropriate personnel
Segregate and dispose of waste in accordance with workplace requirements

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grade and inspect pots using established criteria prior to storage for re-use

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspect furnaces for cracks, unserviceable components and remove slag

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspect and clean extractive systems

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report defective equipment and consumable requirements to appropriate personnel

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

Classify ore samples and select fluxing method

1.1

Review client request to identify sample/analysis requirements, preparation methods and equipment involved

1.2

Inspect samples, compare with specifications, record and report any discrepancies

1.3

Conduct visual and simple chemical tests to identify the type of sample and sulphide concentrations

1.4

Review client sample/analysis history and identify possible chemical interferences

1.5

Decide whether non-standard fluxing is required

1.6

Select sample weight and flux to optimise precious metal recovery and purity

2

Prepare for precious metal recovery

2.1

Identify hazards and workplace safety procedures associated with the sample, preparation methods, reagents and equipment

2.2

Examine the recommended preparation method to identify the critical steps that will affect the quality of analytical results

2.3

Plan parallel work sequences to optimise the throughput of multiple sets of samples

2.4

Assemble all required equipments, materials, reagents and check they are fit for purpose

3

Recover precious metals from ore sample

3.1

Weigh required amounts of sample and flux components to achieve an acceptable button and fluid slag

3.2

Select the type and size of pot to suit sample method and client requirements

3.3

Mix charge to ensure homogeneity and optimal collection of precious metal

3.4

Set and monitor furnace temperature/time to ensure complete fusion

3.5

Separate slag and button with minimal loss of lead collector

3.6

Maintain sequencing in order to track samples, buttons and prills throughout the recovery process

3.7

Separate lead collector from the required precious metal and check for contamination, losses and evidence of other precious metals

3.8

Minimise personal exposure to hazards and the release of collectors to the work environment

3.9

Collate laboratory documentation and the prepared sample and present for analysis

4

Troubleshoot and correct failed recovery

4.1

Monitor all stages of recovery for indicators of potential loss

4.2

Recognise undesirable recovery conditions and decide whether the process requires correction

4.3

Choose an appropriate corrective action and re-start the process

4.4

Document any adjustments made to standard methods and re-sequencing of samples

4.5

Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge

5

Perform daily maintenance of assay equipment

5.1

Segregate and dispose of waste in accordance with workplace requirements

5.2

Grade and inspect pots using established criteria prior to storage for re-use

5.3

Inspect furnaces for cracks, unserviceable components and remove slag

5.4

Inspect and clean extractive systems

5.5

Report defective equipment and consumable requirements to appropriate personnel

Required Skills and Knowledge

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Classify ore samples and select fluxing method

1.1

Review client request to identify sample/analysis requirements, preparation methods and equipment involved

1.2

Inspect samples, compare with specifications, record and report any discrepancies

1.3

Conduct visual and simple chemical tests to identify the type of sample and sulphide concentrations

1.4

Review client sample/analysis history and identify possible chemical interferences

1.5

Decide whether non-standard fluxing is required

1.6

Select sample weight and flux to optimise precious metal recovery and purity

2

Prepare for precious metal recovery

2.1

Identify hazards and workplace safety procedures associated with the sample, preparation methods, reagents and equipment

2.2

Examine the recommended preparation method to identify the critical steps that will affect the quality of analytical results

2.3

Plan parallel work sequences to optimise the throughput of multiple sets of samples

2.4

Assemble all required equipments, materials, reagents and check they are fit for purpose

3

Recover precious metals from ore sample

3.1

Weigh required amounts of sample and flux components to achieve an acceptable button and fluid slag

3.2

Select the type and size of pot to suit sample method and client requirements

3.3

Mix charge to ensure homogeneity and optimal collection of precious metal

3.4

Set and monitor furnace temperature/time to ensure complete fusion

3.5

Separate slag and button with minimal loss of lead collector

3.6

Maintain sequencing in order to track samples, buttons and prills throughout the recovery process

3.7

Separate lead collector from the required precious metal and check for contamination, losses and evidence of other precious metals

3.8

Minimise personal exposure to hazards and the release of collectors to the work environment

3.9

Collate laboratory documentation and the prepared sample and present for analysis

4

Troubleshoot and correct failed recovery

4.1

Monitor all stages of recovery for indicators of potential loss

4.2

Recognise undesirable recovery conditions and decide whether the process requires correction

4.3

Choose an appropriate corrective action and re-start the process

4.4

Document any adjustments made to standard methods and re-sequencing of samples

4.5

Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge

5

Perform daily maintenance of assay equipment

5.1

Segregate and dispose of waste in accordance with workplace requirements

5.2

Grade and inspect pots using established criteria prior to storage for re-use

5.3

Inspect furnaces for cracks, unserviceable components and remove slag

5.4

Inspect and clean extractive systems

5.5

Report defective equipment and consumable requirements to appropriate personnel

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

safely performing fire assay techniques to extract a range of precious metals from their host matrices in readiness for analysis on at least three (3) occasions

interpreting and closely following standard recovery methods

selecting and modifying laboratory methods to suit particular ores and to ensure total recovery

accurately weighing samples and flux components

maintaining close attention to technical and safety requirements in a physically demanding hazardous environment

maintaining sequential control of samples through all recovery stages

optimising work flow to ensure efficiency of recovery for multiple client samples

recognising and identifying the cause of non-acceptable received and fused samples, buttons and prills

identifying indicators of poor recovery and contamination

applying knowledge of mineral chemistry and fire assay techniques to solve recovery and contamination problems

keeping accurate and complete records, including:

pour sheets (date, time, client, pour number and preparation method)

number of pots, positions of sample, blank and check in rack

adjustments made to standard preparation methods for specific samples

analytical method

assay data

minimising rework, waste and environmental impacts

safely collecting and disposing of all waste responsibly

recognising hazards, using workplace safety procedures and safety equipment to work safely at all times.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

chemical and physical principles relating to:

fusion of mineral ores

cupellation

parting and digestion processes

expected physical and chemical properties of materials at each recovery stage

standard methods for the fire assay of a range of precious metal ores relevant to job role

criteria for an 'acceptable' button, including:

one piece, mass >20g and <50g

malleable

separates cleanly from slag

free of undecomposed ore, matte and speiss

causes of contamination, including:

poorly made cupels

base metals (copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and bismuth (Bi))

arsenic (As), sulphur (S), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), tellurium (Te) and chromium (Cr)

scoria

sprouting

indicators of potential loss and the corrective actions, including:

viscous slag (check furnace temperature, adjust flux and lower charge weight)

lead shotting (adjust flux and lower charge weight to compensate for high oxides, silicates and chromites)

sulphides (adjust fusion time and adjust sample weight and/or flux)

matte, speiss (adjust sample weight and flux)

incomplete fusion (adjust sample weight and/or flux)

unacceptable button (adjust sample weight and/or flux)

inquartation (add 3 parts silver (Ag) to prill, wrap in lead foil and re-cupel)

workplace safety procedures and operation of safety equipment

function and operation of assay/equipment used as part of job role

workplace and/or legal traceability requirements

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

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 safety; quality and environmental management; analysis of specific ores and determination of gold; and labelling, storage, handling and transport of hazardous materials

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, national environmental protection measures, and national measurement regulations and guidelines

specific codes, guidelines and procedures, such as National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements, and principles of good laboratory practice (GLP)

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); quality and equipment manuals; maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; and waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures

recovery methods and procedures for specific samples, sites and clients (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal), and published preparation methods

Samples

Samples include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

solids, such as rocks, minerals, soils, sands and stream sediments

core and other drill samples, such as rotary air blast (RAB), reverse circulation (RC) and aircore

slurries, powder concentrates and metallurgical solutions

dump samples and grab samples

Fluxes

Fluxes include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

bulk fluxes containing PbO, borax, soda ash, silica, silver nitrate and flour

non-standard flux additives such as:

flour (oxidising samples)

nitre (reducing samples, sulphides)

silica (basic ores)

PbO (siliceous ores)

exotic additives, such as calcium fluoride (CaF2) (refractory ores)

nickel sulphide (NiS), nickel carbonate (NiCO3), sulphur, borax and soda ash)

Sequencing of pots in a rack

Sequencing of pots in a rack includes one or more of:

addition of silver wire

addition of coloured salts, such as copper (Cu)

position of reagent blanks, standards and check samples

Collectors

Collectors include one or more of:

lead (Pb), nickel sulphide (NiS), bismuth (Bi) and tin (Sn)

Separation of collectors

Separation of collectors include one or more of:

cupellation

digestion

parting, annealing and weighing for a gravimetric finish

Waste

Waste includes, but is not limited to, one or more of:

rejected pots and cupels

slag and furnace material

disposable personal protective equipment

Hazards

Hazards include, but are not limited to, or more of:

dust, silica, slag, glass shards and molten flux

chemicals, such as hydrofluoric acid, bromine, perchloric acid, aqua regia, cyanide, lead-based compounds, free-mercury and nickel compounds

noise and vibration

crushing, entanglement and cuts associated with moving machinery

manual handling of hot/heavy loads, such as pots, racks and trolleys

heat exhaustion/stress and fatigue

Workplace safety procedures

Workplace safety procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

ensuring access to service shut-off points, fire-extinguishers/fire hoses, safety showers/eye wash stations and a first aid station

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs

labelling samples, reagents and hazardous materials

using direct extraction and fume hoods

providing guards for moving machinery parts

providing noise insulation

using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as dust masks, heat resistant mittens, safety face shields with tinted visor, coats, ear muffs, safety boots, heat-reflective clothing and latex gloves for flux handling

following established manual handling procedures

regularly cleaning equipment and work areas

reporting abnormal emissions, discharges and airborne contaminants, such as noise, light, solids, liquids, water/wastewater, gasses, smoke, vapour, fumes, odour and particulates, to appropriate personnel

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