List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 | Interpret and schedule client requirements | 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 | Liaise with client when samples and/or request forms do not comply with workplace procedures |
| 1.4 | Identify hazards, safety equipment and safe work procedures specified for the sample, preparation methods, reagents and equipment |
| 1.5 | Plan parallel work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple sets of samples |
| 1.6 | Assemble all required equipment materials, reagents and check they are fit for purpose |
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2 | Prepare client samples for analysis | 2.1 | Estimate safe times for the preparation of required sample portions |
| 2.2 | Split samples to obtain representative sub-samples as required |
| 2.3 | Safely operate comminution equipment |
| 2.4 | Monitor texture of the samples as an indicator of particle size and adjust milling times accordingly |
| 2.5 | Monitor sample compaction and build up of residues on equipment and rectify as necessary |
| 2.6 | Record preparation difficulties that may impact on quality or cause additional client costs |
| 2.7 | Report any departure from preparation methods or client specifications |
| 2.8 | Label client samples and record chain of custody information |
| 2.9 | Store all client samples in accordance with workplace procedures |
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3 | Use non-destructive methods to prepare laboratory portions for analysis | 3.1 | Examine the recommended preparation method to identify critical steps that will affect the quality of analytical results |
| 3.2 | Closely follow each preparation step with particular attention to safety, precision and minimisation of cross-contamination of samples |
| 3.3 | Monitor parameters that indicate completion or failure of each preparation step |
| 3.4 | Analyse and record invalid preparation steps and take corrective action before repeating the procedure |
| 3.5 | Present laboratory portions for analysis in appropriate containers with all required chain of custody documentation |
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4 | Maintain a safe work environment | 4.1 | Apply established safe work practices and use personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel |
| 4.2 | Minimise the generation of waste and environmental impacts |
| 4.3 | Ensure the safe disposal of all hazardous waste and spent/surplus samples |
| 4.4 | Clean, care for and store equipment and reagents as required |
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
safely reducing at least three (3) types of mineral samples to representative samples and preparing analytical portions of each that meet client requirements for analysis:
representative
free of contamination
of specified quantity and particle size
ready for analysis
interpreting and closely following preparation methods
achieving the required sample throughput
recognising problems and invalid preparation steps and taking appropriate corrective actions
recognising limitations and seeking timely advice
minimising rework, waste and environmental impact
completing preparation and production documentation accurately
maintaining equipment/reagents and disposing of all waste, surplus and spent samples according to workplace procedures
recognising hazards and using specified safety equipment and safe work procedures at all times.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
geological properties of samples used in job role, including sulphides, oxides and silicates
terminology, including homogeneous, heterogeneous, integrity and segregation
distribution of common analytes in a matrix
chemical reactions associated with common preparation methods used in job role
effects of reagents on the element of interest
reaction and recovery rates, solubility and equilibria
tracking analytes of interest during changes of state
critical preparation steps that determine analytical accuracy and precision, including:
monitoring drying (incipient and total)
mixing to ensure homogeneity before sub-sampling
suitability of reagents for purpose (e.g. dryness)
accurate operation of dispensers and balances
critical/non-critical volumes and critical reagent quantities
temperature control during digests
loss of solution prior to/after mixing
type and acid strength in final solutions
mechanical loss of digest (sputtering, residues on glassware/plastic ware and filtering)
function of key components and operating procedures for sample preparation equipment
calculation steps in preparation methods (e.g. serial dilution)
use of non-international system of units (SI) units (ppm, ppb) and SI units, and conversions
workplace and/or legal traceability requirements
relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environmental requirements, including use of material safety data sheets (MSDS) and antidotes for specific hazards, such as hydrofluoric acid and cyanide.
Judgement 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 Record and present data
MSL943002 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
Holistic assessment methods include:
sizing checks and grind performance for samples prepared by candidate
review of quality control performance and analytical results traceable to samples prepared by the candidate
review of preparation and production documentation prepared by the candidate
feedback from supervisors and/or clients about the candidate’s ability to safely prepare mineral samples that meet client requirements
observation of the candidate preparing mineral samples for analysis
oral or written questions about preparation methods, critical steps, typical problems and corrective actions.
Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:
a variety of mineral samples, sample preparation methods, reagents, sample containers and labels
client requests/documentation, such as client profile; sample identification and sample receipts; required preparation methods, storage and analyses; and service charges
sample preparation equipment, such as splitters (e.g. riffles and rotary dividers), mills (e.g. ball, ring and rod), bowls (e.g. chrome-steel, tungsten-carbide and zirconia) and tumblers, crushers (e.g. cone, jaw and roll), grinders and disc pulverisers, sieves, ovens and muffle furnaces
laboratory equipment, such as ultrasonic baths, centrifuges and vacuum and pressure filtration, volumetric glassware/plastic ware and dispensers, analytical balances and auto-samplers
safety equipment and safe work procedures.
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.