Application

This unit of competency covers the ability to interpret chemical test requirements, prepare samples, conduct pre-use and calibration checks on equipment and perform routine chemical tests/procedures. These tests will involve several measurement steps. The unit includes data processing and interpretation of results and tracking of obvious test malfunctions where the procedure is standardised. However, personnel are not required to analyse data, optimise tests/procedures for specific samples or troubleshoot equipment problems where the solution is not apparent.
This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory or technical assistants and instrument operators in all industry sectors.
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.

What You'll Learn

Assessment Requirements

Performance Evidence

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
• safely performing at least two (2) different chemical tests or procedures involving several measurement steps
• safely conducting at least three (3) instrumental tests (the same or different)
• interpreting chemical test methods and procedures accurately
• preparing samples using at least three (3) different processes
• maintaining and evaluating reagents
• conducting pre-use and calibration checks on equipment, and quarantining out-of-calibration equipment and instruments
• safely operating test equipment and instruments to workplace standards and manufacturer specifications
• processing data, interpreting gross features of data/results and making relevant conclusions
• preparing calibration graphs and calculating results using appropriate equations, units, uncertainties and precision
• identifying atypical results as either out-of-normal range or an artefact
• tracing and sourcing obvious causes of artefacts, tracking obvious test malfunctions for standardised procedures, and troubleshooting basic equipment and methods
• communicating problems to a supervisor or outside service technician
• recording and communicating results in accordance with workplace procedures
• maintaining security, integrity and traceability of samples, sub-samples, test data, results and documentation
• following workplace safety procedures.

Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
• relevant chemical principles and concepts, such as:
• ions, atoms, molecules, bonding and links to chemical properties
• Atomic Mass
• Moles and Molarity
• chemical formulae and balancing equations
• chemical reactions involving acid/base, redox, complex ion formation, solubility and equilibrium
• energy levels and absorption/emission spectra
• purpose of the tests and/or procedures conducted
• concepts of metrology, principles and concepts related to equipment and instrument operation, tests and/or procedures
• function of key components of the equipment and instrument and reagents and effects of modifying equipment and instrument variables
• calibration and basic equipment and method troubleshooting procedures
• sample preparation procedures for the tests and/or procedures conducted
• workplace and/or legal traceability requirements
• 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. 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:
• MSL924001 Process and interpret data
• MSL974001 Prepare, standardise and use solutions
• Holistic assessment methods include:
• review of test data and results obtained by the candidate over a period of time to check accuracy, consistency and timeliness of results
• review of test records and workplace documentation completed by the candidate
• feedback from peers and supervisors
• observation of the candidate conducting a range of sample preparations, chemical tests and procedures
• oral or written questioning of chemical principles and concepts, test methods 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 appropriate sample preparation and test equipment, instruments, standards and reagents
• workplace procedures and standard methods
• records, including test and calibration results; equipment use, maintenance and servicing history, and faulty or unsafe equipment.
• 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

• {'skill': 'Foundation Skills', 'description': 'This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.\nFoundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.'}

Related Units

• MSL973001 — Perform basic tests
  Same training package