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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Plan work for shift
   • Review job requests to identify the samples, preparation methods required for each, and shift priorities
   • Identify hazards, safety equipment/procedures associated with samples, preparation methods, reagents and equipment
   • Plan parallel work sequences to optimise the throughput of multiple sets of samples during shift
   • Assemble all required equipment, materials, reagents and check they are fit for purpose
   • Check pots and cupels and discard those with faults and/or a record of high gold values
   • Check that fusion and muffle furnaces are operating at the specified temperatures
2. Identify hazards, safety equipment/procedures associated with samples, preparation methods, reagents and equipment
3. Plan parallel work sequences to optimise the throughput of multiple sets of samples during shift
4. Assemble all required equipment, materials, reagents and check they are fit for purpose
5. Check pots and cupels and discard those with faults and/or a record of high gold values
6. Check that fusion and muffle furnaces are operating at the specified temperatures
7. Prepare sample racks for fusion
   • Check samples against accompanying documentation and record/report any discrepancies
8. Conduct simple visual/chemical tests for each sample to assess the adequacy of prior sample preparation and possible presence of sulphides or other mineralogy
9. Weigh out the recommended amount of sample and add specified identifier to maintain orientation, as necessary
10. Weigh out flux components, mix thoroughly with the sample charge and transfer to recommended type and size of pot without loss of material
11. Record all required details of sample preparation to ensure traceability of samples
12. Seek advice to deal with any situation beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge
13. Obtain acceptable buttons and prills
    • Maintain sequencing in order to track samples, buttons and prills throughout the recovery process
14. Monitor furnace temperature/time to ensure complete sample fusion
15. Remove fused samples from furnace and pour into moulds with minimal loss of material
16. Recognise the need for repeat firings due to lead shotting and/or poor fusions
17. Separate slag and button with minimal loss of collector
18. Inspect buttons for matte, brittleness, size and malformed shape
19. Place acceptable buttons in muffle furnace using cupels that have been previously loaded and preheated
20. Regularly monitor furnace temperature/time/air flow to ensure efficient cupellation
21. Recover prills, check identifiers and inspect for contamination, losses and evidence of other precious metals (e.g. high gold, Platinum and Palladium)
22. Complete and collate sample records before presenting prills for analysis
23. Troubleshoot and correct common recovery failures
    • Monitor all stages of recovery for indicators of potential loss
24. Recognise undesirable recovery conditions and decide whether the process requires correction
25. Apply an established corrective action and restart the process
26. Document any adjustments made to standard methods and re-sequencing of samples
27. Seek advice when problems are beyond scope of responsibility or knowledge
28. Perform daily maintenance of assay equipment
    • Grade and inspect pots using established criteria prior to storage for re-use
29. Report defective equipment and consumable requirements to appropriate personnel
30. Maintain a safe work environment
    • Use safe work procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others
31. Minimise the release of collectors to the work environment
32. Segregate and dispose of waste in accordance with workplace requirements