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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Construct high vacuum systems
   • Consult with clients regarding design specifications and cost
   • Identify or prepare appropriate blueprints, drawings, sketches and designs
   • Identify hazards and workplace safety requirements
   • Prepare equipment in accordance with job requirements
   • Construct and install vacuum apparatus
   • Trial and commission vacuum apparatus
   • Use leak detection equipment to vacuum check system
   • Complete records and file in the reporting system
2. Modify high vacuum systems
   • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency of vacuum system
   • Use leak detection equipment to vacuum check system
   • Identify gaps and deficiencies which limit system's usefulness
   • Confirm modification requirements with appropriate personnel
   • Modify system to meet requirements
3. Maintain high vacuum systems
   • Identify maintenance procedures and appropriate records
   • Plan and evaluate maintenance according to appropriate quality standards
   • Identify, document and report need for maintenance for faulty or damaged equipment
   • Maintain vacuum and associated systems according to standard procedures
   • Use leak detection equipment to vacuum check system
4. Monitor and finetune vacuum operation
   • Monitor system to determine whether equipment is operating to specification
   • Evaluate equipment outputs to determine nature of problem
   • Define nature of sub-standard performance clearly
   • Fine tune system to restore system to specification
5. Maintain a safe work environment
   • Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure safety of self and other workers
   • Minimise the generation of wastes
   • Ensure the safe disposal of wastes
   • Clean, care for and maintain work area, equipment and tools
   • Report any hazards or incidents according to workplace procedures
6. Maintain records
   • Record data in accordance with workplace requirements
   • Maintain glass apparatus and system equipment logs in accordance with workplace requirements
   • Maintain security and confidentiality of workplace information

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 laboratory safety; quality and environmental management; and labelling, storage, handling and transport of hazardous materials national work health and (WHS) standards and codes of practice specific codes, guidelines and procedures, such as 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
Hazards	Hazards include, but are not limited to, one or more of: glass dust sharps and broken glassware residues on used glassware, such as mercury heat sources, such as burners and ovens fluids under pressure (acetylene and oxygen) cuts associated with glass grinders and cutters manual handling of heavy bags, containers and equipment
Safety procedures	Safety procedures 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 correct labelling of samples and hazardous materials extracting dust following established manual handling procedures handling and storing hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer instructions, and workplace procedures and regulations regular cleaning and/or decontamination of equipment and work areas using PPE, such as heat resistant gloves, safety glasses, goggles, face guards, coveralls, respirators and safety boots
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 accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant

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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 constructing, trialling and commissioning at least one (1) glass high vacuum system

consulting with clients about design specifications and cost

preparing and interpreting blueprints, drawings, sketches, designs and customer requirements

applying theoretical concepts and practical principles to make relevant design conclusions, modifications and fine tune vacuum operation

using advanced bench/hand glasswork techniques and equipment to fabricate glass apparatus

safely modifying at least one (1) high vacuum system by evaluating its efficiency and usefulness, recommending improvements and making the approved modifications

safely maintaining at least one (1) high vacuum system, including:

checking and maintaining gas manifolds, cylinders and pumps

ensuring the safety of vacuum and related equipment

monitoring performance of the apparatus, troubleshooting problems and restoring it to specification

completing workplace documentation accurately and communicating work results.

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Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

design principles for high vacuum glass systems

operating principles and procedures for high vacuum pumps and leak detectors

glass working methods and procedures relevant to high vacuum systems, including:

control of stress and strain in glass systems

characteristics, capabilities and limitations of specific glassblowing techniques

properties of glass and specific ways to join glass for high vacuum applications

ideal joint placement for high vacuum systems

ultra cleaning procedures for glass in high vacuum systems

preparation and use of glass-to-metal seals

hazards and safety procedures relevant to constructing and working with high vacuum systems

other relevant work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

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