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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Plan work for shift
  2. Oversee system set-up
  3. Monitor system performance and recover from errors and breakdowns
  4. Maintain system safety
  5. Maintain system records
  6. Contribute to system improvements

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; industrial robot systems; sampling of specific ores and particulate materials; 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); safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; and waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures

sampling procedures for specific samples, sites and clients (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal)

methods and procedures which may be written to meet workplace, client and/or regulatory/certifying body requirements

Materials sampled

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

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

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

powder concentrates

dump samples and grab samples

Sample preparation methods

Sample preparation methods include one or more of:

sorting, boxing and drying

sieving

milling

primary crushing (e.g. 10 mm, 2 mm)

fine pulverising (e.g. 100 micron, 75 micron)

robotic system parameters, such as grind time, crushing time and cleaning cycles to prevent cross-contamination

Sample preparation equipment

Sample preparation equipment includes one or more of:

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

sample containers and labels

Hazards

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

dust, silica and fibrous materials

asbestiform minerals

naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM)

samples containing nickel and lead-based compounds

noise and vibration

crushing, entanglement and cuts associated with moving machinery

impact injuries from contact with robot arms

failure of pneumatic hoses

manual handling of heavy loads, such as sample bags/containers, racks and trolleys

heat exhaustion/stress and fatigue

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 and hazardous materials

extracting dust

using cages and guards for moving machinery parts

providing noise insulation

following established manual handling procedures

regularly cleaning equipment and work areas in accordance with workplace procedures

reporting of abnormal emissions and airborne contaminants to appropriate personnel

using PPE, such as masks, heat resistant mittens, boots, goggles, coats, ear muffs, safety boots and heat reflective clothing

Common system problems and appropriate corrective actions

Common system problems and corrective actions include one or more of:

sample losses:

inspecting mill for mechanical problems and worn hoses

inspecting balance/load cell, clean and check calibration

checking sample for dryness and contamination

collision of sample buckets, transport belt problem:

clearing obstruction, cross-checking sample, worksheet, job sequence and synchronising belt

loss of air pressure:

checking pneumatic lines, compressor and solenoid values

laboratory information management system (LIMS) network connections:

checking all parameters are saved in system, if not, unloading and reloading data and cross-check samples with worksheets

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

Performance Evidence

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

ensuring that the robotic sample preparation system operates efficiently and safely to produce outputs that meet the workplace and/or client quality requirements on at least three (3) occasions

prioritising and planning job sequences

explaining system operation and safe work procedures to operators

working closely with system operators to ensure safety and achievement of production targets and quality standards

planning, monitoring and adjusting work flow to manage competing client/production priorities for a shift

recognising and rectifying problems caused by prior sample handling and preparation

recognising, assessing and controlling hazards associated with samples and the system

interpreting system error codes and taking appropriate corrective actions

troubleshooting and solving common system problems within scope of responsibility

interpreting, applying and improving workplace procedures for operating robotic system

communicating clearly with clients, operators, maintenance/IT technicians and production managers

maintaining system records

working safely at all times.

Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

procedures for sorting, receiving and analysing samples

geological and chemical characteristics of mineral ores handled in job role

sample preparation methods/processes for a the range of mineral ore samples handled in job role

purpose and key steps in routine downstream analytical tests for samples handled in job role

procedures for preventing contamination

procedures for ensuring security, integrity and traceability of samples

procedures for ensuring confidentiality of results

function of key components and operating procedures for robotic sample preparation system

function of key components of laboratory information management system (LIMS), system software and layout of screens

common system problems and error codes for system errors, recommended preventative/corrective actions and breakdown procedures

troubleshooting and problem-solving techniques relevant to job role

importance of good customer relations, throughput, costs and minimising rework

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