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 | Receive microbiological samples | 1.1 | Check samples and accompanying documentation in accordance with workplace procedures. |
| 1.2 | Log samples and record sufficient details to enable accurate tracking and chain of custody. |
| 1.3 | Distribute samples for local testing or dispatch samples to other testing facilities, as necessary. |
| 1.4 | Store samples appropriately where testing or transport is to be delayed. |
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2 | Prepare for safe microbiological work and aseptic applications | 2.1 | Select work area and equipment required for the safe handling of materials that may contain microorganisms of specified risk groups. |
| 2.2 | Wear protective clothing, replacing it when contamination is suspected. |
| 2.3 | Apply correct disinfection procedures to work areas before and after use. |
| 2.4 | Locate relevant emergency equipment for timely response to microbiological accidents. |
| 2.5 | Apply standard precautions when handling biological materials. |
| 2.6 | Minimise the production and release of aerosols, using biological safety cabinets, where necessary. |
| 2.7 | Clean up spills, and report all spills and suspected incidents to supervisor. |
| 2.8 | Wash hands before and after laboratory work and when contamination is suspected. |
| 2.9 | Ensure the safe collection and disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures. |
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3 | Process samples for direct examination | 3.1 | Prepare thin smears of samples for subsequent staining to enable microscopic identification of cells. |
| 3.2 | Prepare liquid films of specimens for direct observation of cell structure. |
| 3.3 | Prepare samples to concentrate material for subsequent staining or microscopy. |
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4 | Prepare pure cultures for microbiological work and aseptic applications | 4.1 | Select culture media to maximise growth of microorganisms and cells. |
| 4.2 | Inoculate media aseptically, applying techniques suitable for purpose of culture. |
| 4.3 | Incubate inoculated media in conditions to optimise growth of organisms and cells. |
| 4.4 | Subculture on suitable media to optimise production of pure cultures. |
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5 | Perform environmental microbiological analyses | 5.1 | Identify major microorganisms and groups of microorganisms in air, water and soil samples. |
| 5.2 | Count cells in undiluted samples to indicate the dilution necessary to reliably count organisms in culture. |
| 5.3 | Prepare serial dilutions of samples aseptically for culture and colony counting. |
| 5.4 | Count colonies for calculating number of viable organisms per unit volume. |
| 5.5 | Count microorganisms in samples and cultures using spectrometric and electronic methodologies, where relevant. |
| 5.6 | Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, where relevant. |
| 5.7 | Use rapid detection techniques to monitor the presence of microorganisms in water. |
| 5.8 | Use indicator organisms to estimate the likely presence of other pathogenic species. |
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6 | Examine test data for legislative compliance | 6.1 | Confirm data are the result of valid measurements. |
| 6.2 | Report details of sampling/testing procedures and quality assurance in accordance with legislative requirements. |
| 6.3 | Report data in the required format with the appropriate accuracy, precision, statistic type and units. |
| 6.4 | Compare data with specified assessment criteria. |
| 6.5 | Comment on any significant data trends and identify the possible causes or implications. |
| 6.6 | Identify atypical or out-of-range results and the risk and/or instances of potential/actual non-compliance. |
| 6.7 | Confirm all unexpected findings with supervisor. |
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7 | Maintain records | 7.1 | Enter approved data and results into workplace information management system. |
| 7.2 | Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checklists. |
| 7.3 | Maintain security and confidentiality of all client information, data, test results 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 each of the following environmental microbiological techniques/tests on at least two (2) occasions:
preparing specimen samples, such as thin smears, liquid films and concentrates for direct examination
using standard media selection, inoculation, incubation and subculturing techniques to grow cultures of environmentally significant microorganisms
conducting microscopic examination of samples to identify and count cells and colonies
conducting microbiological analyses (e.g. spectrometric, electronic, rapid detection, indicator organisms) to identify and/or enumerate environmentally significant microorganisms
interpreting instructions, sampling/test methods, manuals, guidelines and applying workplace procedures
logging, tracking and reporting microbiological samples from collection/receipt through to completion of a procedure
setting up, cleaning and optimising the performance of light microscopes
identifying artefacts or image aberrations attributable to misalignment or obstruction of light paths or condensers used in bright field, dark ground, phase and fluorescent microscopy, or with other steps in microscopic examinations
identifying Gram reactions accurately
accurately describing bacterial colony forms on common media used in bacteriological investigations
performing reliable colony/cell/microorganism counts, estimations and calculations
checking the quality and validity of data and recording/storing test results in accordance with workplace procedures
comparing microbiological data with relevant assessment criteria to identify significant data trends and atypical results, possible causes or implications and risk/instances of non-compliance
preparing documentation that is concise, accurate and meets workplace and/or legislative requirements
using personal protective clothing, safety equipment and procedures to prevent contaminating oneself, other people, work area, equipment, samples, or media/reagents during manipulations involving transfer of cultures
demonstrating safe sterilisation, disinfection, cleaning, spillage, decontamination and waste disposal techniques
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
preparing data and documentation that is accurate, concise and in accordance with workplace requirements
working safely and reporting all incidents or accidents.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
microbiological terminology relevant to job role covering bacteriology, parasitology and mycology
cell biology and chemistry related to laboratory phenomena, such as growth and isolation of organisms for identification
microbial genetics
microbial diversity
microorganisms of importance in assessment of the natural environment
diseases associated with air, water and soil-borne microorganisms
transmission and infection mechanisms and vectors
population growth curves for microorganisms
anti-microbial agents and their suitability/efficacy in a variety of situations
relevant disinfection and sterilisation procedures
rationale for sample dilution when preparing materials for enumerating organisms and other pure culture work (e.g. most probable number (MPN) technique)
need for accurate identification of sample source (e.g. field location)
sampling procedures for the microbiological testing of drinking water which should conform to the guidelines published by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and the Australian Water Resources Council
testing procedures for the microbiological content of air, water and soil which should be guided by advice of relevant national and state/territory environment protection agencies
identification of indicator microorganisms to assist in determining the cause, time or nature of pollution
use of microorganisms in wastewater treatment
use of microorganisms in toxic spill recovery
use of microorganisms in site remediation
collection and disposal of waste, waste minimisation principles
relevant hazards, controls and safety procedures – especially those associated with handling microorganisms.
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).
Holistic assessment methods include:
inspection of media/samples/cultures and review of data, results and records prepared by the candidate
feedback from supervisors that the candidate can safely perform the environmental microbiological techniques/tests listed above and provide reliable results within the agreed timeframe
oral and/or written questions to assess the candidate’s knowledge of safe handling, culturing, testing and examination of environmentally significant microorganisms, analysis of results and record keeping
integrated assessment with a case study focus, such as the isolation and identification of bacterial species in a specimen containing two or more species, by relating sample, cultural, morphological and biochemical data, and such from other relevant tests and procedures.
Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures, and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:
a standard microbiology laboratory with relevant equipment, test instruments, samples and reagents
workplace procedures, sampling/test methods, equipment manuals, safety procedures, safety equipment
under duty of care requirements, off-the-job training providers will only use biological samples and organisms of a risk category that is compatible with their laboratory as defined in AS/NZS 2243.3 Safety in laboratories - Microbiological aspects and containment facilities.
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 competency 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 an organisation providing environmental monitoring, management or technology related services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.